The City of Tucson has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Better Bike Share Partnership (BBSP) to enhance its Tugo Bike Share system, particularly focusing on increasing accessibility and use in lower-income communities. This significant funding is part of BBSP’s mission to develop equitable and replicable shared micromobility systems, funded by The JPB Foundation.
A Collaborative Effort to Foster Shared Micromobility
The Better Bike Share Partnership is a collaborative initiative involving PeopleForBikes, the City of Philadelphia, and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). BBSP aims to provide cities with the resources needed to create accessible and equitable shared micromobility systems. Tucson’s Tugo Bike Share system, operated by Shift Transit, is the latest beneficiary of this initiative.
Community-Led Planning and Engagement
A core component of this grant is the incorporation of a community-led planning effort. Tucson will collaborate with community partners such as Families United Gaining Accessibility/Familias Unidas Ganando Accesibilidad (FUGA) to develop strategies and build relationships within the community. This partnership aims to address mobility gaps and improve access to the Tugo Bike Share system.
“This is a critical investment that’s been overdue in our part of the city, and by supporting the work already being done by FUGA, this grant helps us continue to break down barriers to mobility,” said Ward 1 Council Member Lane Santa Cruz.
Vanessa Gallego, FUGA Program Manager, emphasized the ongoing efforts to familiarize communities with the bike share system. “FUGA has been fostering familiarity of Tugo Bike Share in these communities since 2018 through monthly community bicycle rides. Now we can work with our community to identify the mobility gaps to make Tugo for Nosotros!”
Expanding Tugo Bike Share
The Tugo Bike Share system, owned by the City of Tucson and operated by Shift Transit, includes over 330 pedal bikes, 41 stations, and 558 docking points. The system is set to benefit greatly from this grant, with a focus on making it more accessible to historically marginalized communities.
Tucson Among Living Lab Grantees
Tucson is one of four cities awarded the Living Lab grant for 2024-2026, joining Pittsburgh, PA; Los Angeles, CA; and Philadelphia, PA. This cohort will share resources, strategies, and best practices to advance shared micromobility and create more equitable transportation options.
Impact and Future Plans
The grant will enable the City of Tucson to host public outreach events and foster stronger relationships with individuals, neighborhoods, and organizations. By engaging directly with the community, Tucson aims to identify and address specific mobility needs, ensuring that the Tugo Bike Share system serves everyone effectively.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in Tucson’s efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible transportation network. As the city continues to implement new strategies and ideas, the ultimate goal is to make biking a viable and attractive option for all residents, regardless of income or background.
