About Right To Ride
OPPORTUNITY
Right To Ride believes that embracing eco‑friendly transportation—especially public transit—is not just a choice, but an urgent imperative. In our state, the transportation sector is the single largest contributor to greenhouse‑gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 39% of California’s total emissions in 2022. Our climate is already experiencing the consequences—warming seas, dry soils, more extreme wildfire seasons, and poorer air quality in our communities. Every time we choose a car over a bus, train or a bike ride, we lock in more emissions, more heat, and more suffering—especially for vulnerable populations.
Public transit offers a powerful lever for change. By shifting more trips onto buses, light‑rail, commuter trains, and other shared systems, we reduce vehicle miles traveled, ease congestion, and slash per‑capita emissions. We must go beyond electrifying cars and double down on the systems that enable many people to move without driving: walking, biking, and most especially public transit. Investing in transit means cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods, and a more equitable society where mobility is not tied to car ownership. That’s how we build a climate‑resilient California where every resident—from the Central Valley to the urban cores—can breathe easier, get around smarter, and participate fully in our shared future.
OBSTACLES
While California has made strides in expanding public transportation infrastructure, the majority of commuters still rely on personal vehicles. This is due to a combination of systemic shortcomings and commuter perceptions that make public transit less appealing or practical for daily use. Understanding these barriers is key to improving transit adoption and reducing the environmental impact of car-dependent travel.
Here are some of the most prominent objections to using public transportation in California:
1. Convenience and Time
-
Longer travel times: Buses or trains may take significantly longer door-to-door compared to driving.
-
Low frequency or limited routes: Infrequent service, indirect routes, or poor coverage outside downtown cores discourage use.
-
Last-mile problems: Difficulty getting from a stop or station to a final destination is a major barrier.
2. Safety and Security Concerns
-
Personal safety: Riders worry about harassment, theft, or assault, particularly at night or in poorly lit stations
-
Traffic safety: Some avoid buses due to perceived accident risk or dislike of crowded, standing-only rides.
3. Cleanliness and Comfort
-
Perception of dirt or odor: Dirty vehicles or stations can create a negative impression.
-
Crowding: Overcrowded buses or trains, especially at rush hour, deter riders.
4. Reliability and Predictability
-
Unreliable schedules: Delays, cancellations, or inconsistent arrival times make planning difficult.
-
Lack of real-time information: Uncertainty about wait times discourages spontaneous trips.
5. Cost and Value
-
Fare structure: If tickets or passes feel expensive relative to driving or rideshares, people may choose alternatives.
-
Hidden costs: Transfers, parking at stations, or lack of fare integration between systems can frustrate riders.
6. Social and Cultural Perceptions
-
Status associations: In some regions, driving is viewed as a sign of independence or success, while transit is stigmatized.
-
Lifestyle fit: Households with flexible schedules, kids, or heavy grocery loads may find transit impractical.
OUR FOCUS
Right To Ride is committed to breaking down those barriers that prevent wider adoption of public transportation in California. We believe that access to clean, reliable, and affordable transit is essential for a just and sustainable future. That’s why our work focuses on both raising awareness and driving practical solutions. Through community outreach, advocacy campaigns, and data-driven storytelling, we help the public and policymakers understand the real-world challenges commuters face. At the same time, we’re developing and supporting tools and technologies - such as our mobile app for collecting/sharing rider data on transit experiences - that make public transit more accessible and user-friendly. By identifying key friction points and actively working to solve them, we aim to empower more Californians to choose public transportation with confidence and ease.