Transit’s Response to the Unhoused and Vulnerable Populations

Unsheltered homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance abuse are critical social concerns that impact the delivery of safe, effective, and equitable public transportation. Transit agencies engage in partnerships with local governments and nonprofits, and many agencies enlist the assistance of contracted or in-house mental health clinicians or crisis interventionists and non-law enforcement resources to develop approaches and solutions designed to support persons who are homeless in their communities.

APTA shares key educational resources and best practices for transit agencies interested in research, strategies, and the programs transit agencies have developed and implemented in recent years. There are many approaches, including the use of ambassadors, outreach workers, and mental health professionals in place of or in collaboration with transit police and public safety teams.

To learn more about programs detailed on this site or to engage with the APTA Ad-hoc Subcommittee, The National Transit and Vulnerable Populations Workgroup, contact Brian Heanue (bheanue@apta.com).

APTA also provides information to support our members interested in a better understanding of solutions to the unhoused and vulnerable populations through educational webinars and sessions at APTA conferences.