'Having Your Own Vehicle... It Changes Everything.' Rural Car Access, (Im)Mobility, and Quality of Life

Achieving mobility is more difficult for people living in small and rural communities, particularly for those who have little or no access to a personal vehicle. This study investigates the transportation experiences of people with limited or no vehicle access living in small and rural communities. Using qualitative interview data with residents of the Northeast Kingdom, a largely rural region of Vermont, and rural towns and small cities that serve rural areas of the San Joaquin Valley in California, we evaluate the connection between mobility, wellbeing, and quality of life in rural U.S. communities. Through thematic analysis, we find that owning a vehicle and having the resources to maintain and operate it are important determinants of mobility. Living in a town center and leveraging social connections can also support mobility. Many people without their own car still primarily get around by car, by getting rides. Some also rely on transit, walking, biking, and hitchhiking. Securing consistent vehicle access is difficult for many due to high maintenance costs, the unreliability of less expensive vehicles, and a lack of access to local mechanics. Collectively, these experiences have major quality of life impacts through missed trips for social connection and healthcare, among others. Strategies to improve rural mobility and accessibility include increasing affordable housing in small town-centers, expanding access to essential services in rural population and activity centers, expanding individual and shared vehicle access, formalizing informal community ride networks, and expanding on-demand transit services.

Journal article