Public Transit as Linkage to Care

Abstract

With the growing housing crisis and shelters at capacity, many of those who are unhoused turn to public transit for shelter, warmth, safety, and access to essential services. Many transit agencies in the United States employ policing in response to homelessness. This can include citations, fines, confiscation of property, arrests, and involuntary psychiatric commitment. These responses perpetuate the homelessnessjail cycle, displacement, traumatic experiences, and limited access to services. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will serve as a case study given its operation in the Greater Boston area, which has some of the highest rates of homelessness in the country. This thesis identifies specific non-police interventions and the MBTA locations where these strategies could be utilized to respond to and ensure the safety of unhoused persons navigating the system.