Moving toward mobility goes far beyond manufacturing vehicles. For many in the community of Tupelo, Mississippi, it’s about freedom.
A significant portion of Tupelo’s population lives under the federal poverty level. Lack of public transportation isn’t simply an inconvenience to these citizens. It’s an issue causing uncertainty. From medical visits to education and employment opportunities, without reliable and affordable transportation, those already at-risk now experienced additional challenges.
For more than a decade, community advocates lobbied for a transit system. Through a Toyota-funded mobility study, Tupelo was identified as an area that could greatly benefit from a mobility solution. To start their impossible and help enable the freedom of mobility, a cross-functional team from Toyota, along with Tupelo leaders and local government, went into action.
Through collaborative efforts, research and shared resources, Toyota helped Tupelo develop Tupelo Transit, the city’s first-ever public transportation service. The one-year pilot runs three fixed-route bus lines and a demand-response paratransit service for those requiring mobility assistance. This service helps those who face mobility barriers and fosters connections within the community. It provides better access to healthcare, shopping, education and employment — improving everyone’s quality of life.
Toyota continues to conduct assessments across North America to identify ways to provide local resources and expertise, helping additional communities move toward Mobility for All.
