About the program
PBOT’s Transportation Wallet: Access for All program offers free transportation resources (funds or credits) to select people living on a low income. Access for All Wallets help pay for transit, e-bike and e-scooter-share, ride-share (Uber/Lyft), taxi services, and more.
The program is one of the nation's first based on the concept of Universal Basic Mobility, the idea that everyone should have access to a basic level of mobility to meet their transportation needs, regardless of their income or where they live.
The program focuses on reducing everyday barriers people face when attempting to access transportation services, like cost, technology access, credit/debit card requirements, and low-income verification processes for various service providers.
Sign up for email updates on Transportation Wallet: Access for All.
Eligibility
Due to budget and other constraints, Transportation Wallet: Access for All is only available to those who receive services from participating community-based organizations or those who live, work, or receive services in the Northwest or Central Eastside Parking Districts.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Live on a low income (see criteria here); and
- Meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Have a registration link from a participating community-based organization,
OR
- Live, work, or receive services from a participating community-based organization in the Northwest or Central Eastside Parking Districts.
Resources for those not eligible
For those in Northwest or Central Eastside Parking Districts:
If you are not eligible for the Access for All Transportation Wallet but live or work in one of these parking districts, you may still purchase a Transportation Wallet for $99 or trade in a Zone M, G, or N parking permit for a FREE Transportation Wallet. Learn more and sign up for a parking district Transportation Wallet.
Additional resources:
Citywide Transportation Resources
Tips for participants
Whether you’re about to apply or have already received your Transportation Wallet, we’ve provided several tips and tricks to help you make the most of your Access for All Wallet.
Tips before registering for a Transportation Wallet. Review and better understand the three Access for All Options and determine which one best suits your needs.
Tips once you receive your Transportation Wallet. Discover what's included in your new Access for All Wallet. Register and activate resources (like a Hop card, prepaid card, and a BIKETOWN for All membership). Learn where and how to use your resources to their maximum potential.
History and development
The following is a timeline of the program’s history and current development. Program years align with the calendar year (January 1 – December 31).
2024–25: Year 3 of the Transportation Wallet: Access for All Program
PBOT begins recruiting community-based organizations to partner with during 2025-2026. Throughout November 2024, PBOT and the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) jointly accepted applications for the Access for All program's 2025-2026 cohort of community-based organizations.
2023–24: Year 2 of the Transportation Wallet: Access for All Program
The Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) committed to supporting the Transportation Wallet: Access for All program. During the Fall of 2023 Portland City Council passed PCEF’s Climate Investment Plan, a five-year roadmap to climate action to guide the program’s investments. The Transportation Wallet: Access for All program was included as one of the key transportation decarbonization initiatives, where $25 million was allocated over the course of five years and is intended to help promote equitable clean transportation access. Learn more about PCEF.
2022–23: Year 1 of the Transportation Wallet: Access for All Program
PBOT made the Transportation Wallet for Residents of Affordable Housing pilot a permanent program and renamed it Transportation Wallet: Access for All.
2019–2022: Phase 1 and 2 of the Transportation Wallet for Residents of Affordable Housing pilot
In partnership with select affordable housing sites, PBOT established and carried out two phases of the pilot from 2019–2020 and 2021–2022. The pilot aimed to increase bicycling, walking, transit use, and carpooling among people who live in affordable housing. It also focused on reducing barriers to using active transportation modes (which promoted personal and economic health) and reducing the cost of transportation for people living in affordable housing developments.
2018: PBOT created the Transportation Wallet for Residents of Affordable Housing pilot
Outreach to affordable housing communities began in the fall of 2018. Prior to the launch of the Transportation Wallet for Residents of Affordable Housing pilot, PBOT staff held a number of community conversations to help inform and shape the project. Staff organized focus groups at affordable housing sites and with community organizations that served people living on low incomes. PBOT also attended other events at affordable housing sites to ask residents about their transportation challenges and needs. The community insights and feedback were crucial in guiding how PBOT staff designed the pilot project.