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Connecting Communities: BJCTA and EAB Launch Transit Program for Healthcare Access
Local agencies partner for first initiative addressing health equity and mobility access
BJCTA is proud to partner with Equal Access Birmingham (EAB) to help eliminate one of the most pressing barriers to healthcare access in our community: transportation insecurity. Thanks
to a generous donation of 750 bus passes from MAX Transit, EAB will launch the Equal Access Birmingham Transportation Initiative – the first program of its kind designed to directly support uninsured, underinsured, and homeless patients in the greater Birmingham area.
Why This Matters
Inadequate public transportation keeps thousands of Alabamians from meeting basic needs – and in many cases, it becomes a matter of health and safety. Transportation insecurity is a serious issue, particularly for residents in Birmingham and Jefferson County, where a lack of reliable transit options affects access to critical services like healthcare
The National and Local Impact
According to U.S. News, the lack of reliable transportation keeps nearly 6% of U.S. adults from attending medical appointments, getting to work, or participating in other essential daily activities. This issue disproportionately affects uninsured, underinsured and unhoused individuals.
A 2023 report funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and published by the Urban Institute found that 21% of adults without access to a vehicle or public transit skip needed healthcare services. If national numbers are this high, the local impact is likely even greater – making it clear that a solution prioritizing both health equity and mobility access is urgently needed.
How Equal Access Birmingham is Meeting the Need
EAB, a student-run free clinic that provides healthcare services to some of Birmingham’s most vulnerable residents, confirms that for many of their patients, transportation insecurity has long been a consistent obstacle – preventing them from getting to appointments, filling prescriptions and receiving follow-up care.
Through this partnership, EAB will identify eligible individuals and distribute the donated bus passes, ensuring patients can get to the care they need when they need it.
“Transportation is essential to ensuring equitable access to healthcare, and we are honored to play a role in helping EAB’s patients reach lifesaving services,” said BJCTA Executive Director and CEO, Charlotte Shaw. “At BJCTA, our mission extends beyond transportation. We are committed to building stronger, healthier and more connected communities.”
Looking Ahead
The program is set to officially launch on October 2, marking a significant step forward in reducing barriers for those who need it most.
As we move forward, BJCTA remains committed to forging meaningful partnerships that create real impact. Whether it’s through fixed-route service, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), or our MAX On-Demand program, we continue to meet people where they are – and get them where they need to be.
We’re proud to support EAB in this important work and look forward to the positive impact this initiative will bring to our community.
Supporters can contribute to Equal Access Birmingham’s mission by visiting www.uab.edu/medicine/eab. Community members interested in becoming patients are encouraged to call 205-259-8836 to schedule an appointment.
