Research demonstrates that marginalized populations experience significant barriers in accessing transit. The Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) and the Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative (HRAC) at Portland State University are working with the University of Utah in a project funded by the National Institute for Transportation and Communities (NITC) to understand how people from selected historically marginalized communities experience discrimination and harassment on transit and in public areas such as sidewalks, bus stops, and transit platforms when accessing transit.

The study will be conducted in two sites: Portland, Oregon and Salt Lake City, Utah. In Portland, the study population will include racially and ethnically diverse people experiencing homelessness and people who identify as transgender and gender nonconforming; and ride TriMet. In Salt Lake City, the study population will include people experiencing homelessness as well as diverse groups based on their gender, racial, and ethnic identity; who ride Utah Transit Authority. We are seeking transit riders to help inform the study through photos and interviews. Participants will be compensated up to $50 for their labor. The researchers will be recruiting participants for this study through the end of August. 

PARTICIPATION INVOLVES:

• Using a phone to take and text pictures during your regular trips on public transportation over four weeks
• Completing an interview by phone or online to talk about the photos you took
• Receive up to $50 for participating

YOU MAY QUALIFY IF YOU ARE:

• 18 years or older
• Live in the Portland Metro area/ Salt Lake City Metro area
• Identify as Person of Color or an Immigrant
• Have a Yearly Income Less Than $35k or $70k as a Household
• Ride Transit Regularly
• ¡Se anima el español!

Email psuhrac@gmail.com or text/call (503) 389-5833 to receive a set of screening questions. Please feel welcome to share this call with anyone who might interested. Download flyers to share with your networks:

• English Language Flyer (PDF)
• Folleto en español (PDF) (Spanish Language Flyer)

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Photo courtesy of TriMet

The Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative (HRAC) brings together expertise and skills from across Portland State University and the country to collaborate with people experiencing homelessness, advocates, service providers, leaders, and other stakeholders.

The Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University is home to the National Institute for Transportation and Communities (NITC), the Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation (IBPI), and other transportation programs. TREC produces research and tools for transportation decision makers, develops K-12 curriculum to expand the diversity and capacity of the workforce, and engages students and professionals through education.