COVID-19 changed daily life for everyone, but its impacts were especially severe for many lower-income families in South Los Angeles.
In late 2020, our partners at South Central LAMP surveyed 36 Latina and Indigenous mothers from Mexico and Central America about how the pandemic was affecting their transportation needs. The survey offered a glimpse into the challenges families faced as they balanced work, childcare, healthcare, and essential errands during a time of unprecedented uncertainty.
You can read the full survey results here.
The Importance of Listening
One of the most valuable lessons from this project was not simply what we learned, but how we learned it.
Conducting these surveys required trust, time, and relationships. South Central LAMP staff met one-on-one with mothers, often through lengthy phone conversations that provided space for participants to share not only their transportation experiences, but also the broader challenges their families were facing during the pandemic.
Many mothers participated because they wanted their concerns to be heard. These conversations reminded us that meaningful community engagement takes time and depends on trusted relationships that organizations like South Central LAMP have spent years building.
What We Learned
Bus Service Matters
Sixty-one percent of mothers surveyed said they wanted more frequent bus service and shorter wait times.
For many families, transit remained an essential lifeline throughout the pandemic.
Driving Is Not an Option for Everyone
Nearly half of respondents did not drive, and two-thirds said they were not looking to buy or save for a car.
Some mothers shared that they did not drive because of financial constraints. Others described concerns related to documentation status or reliance on another household member to drive.
These findings highlight how important reliable transportation options remain for many families.
Safety and Neighborhood Conditions Matter
When asked what improvements would benefit their communities, mothers identified several priorities:
- Cleaner streets
- More street lighting
- Reduced speeding and dangerous driving
- Safer walking environments
These responses reflected a desire for neighborhoods that feel safe, comfortable, and welcoming for families.
Interest in New Transportation Options
The survey also revealed strong interest in car-sharing programs that could provide occasional access to a vehicle without the full costs of ownership.
For many families, flexible transportation options could help bridge gaps where transit service is limited.
Why It Matters
Transportation is about more than getting from one place to another.
It affects access to jobs, healthcare, childcare, education, food, and family connections. The experiences shared through this survey remind us that transportation decisions shape daily life, especially for families with limited resources and limited transportation choices.
We are grateful to South Central LAMP for their partnership and for the work they do every day to support families in South Los Angeles.
About Moms and Mobility
This survey was part of Investing in Place’s Moms and Mobility initiative, a partnership with South Central LAMP, East Side Riders Bike Club, and Los Angeles Walks. Together, we worked to elevate the voices and experiences of women and mothers in conversations about transportation policy and investment in Los Angeles.
