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In Columbus, Expectant Moms Will Get On-Demand Rides to the Doctor

Posted December 27, 2018 in Articles

Author: Laura Bliss

To address high rates of infant mortality, the Ohio city will pilot a novel ride-hailing service designed for low-income pregnant women.

Next year, Columbus, Ohio, will use 21st century transportation technology to address a health crisis that should belong in the Victorian era: rising rates of infant mortality.

Running from June to November 2019, a pilot program will aim to connect pregnant women with on-demand rides to doctor’s appointments and other daily errands, such as grocery shopping and pharmacy trips. The pilot will include 500 women in the early months of pregnancy who are enrolled in Medicaid, and who live in one of the eight Columbus neighborhoods where the most babies are dying within the first year of life.

In an email to CityLab, Courtney Lynch, a professor of obstetrics at the Ohio State University who is co-leading the evaluation of the pilot, called the program “a completely novel intervention,” designed to research whether lowering barriers to prenatal care and reducing gaps in transportation for low-income women can eventually treat the city’s darkest public health issue. “The long‐term goal is to use the information gathered to reduce infant mortality,” she said.

Access to prenatal medical care is considered essential for preventing preterm births and congenital anomalies, two of the main drivers of infant mortality. Another critical force behind preterm births is stress, which is abundant in the lives in many poor women who may lack stable jobs, housing, and transportation, medical research shows. Black women can also face the added stress of racism in daily life.

Currently, Medicaid subscribers in Ohio can schedules rides on paratransit shuttles to travel to medical appointments, but these services are unreliable and difficult to coordinate, according to users who rely on them.

Under the pilot, participants will be able to book free rides on the Uber-like service via app, text, or call center; the app will also notify healthcare providers when patients are on the way. The service will remain available to mothers in the first two months after they give birth.

The prenatal trip assistance pilot will be funded with part of Columbus’s $50 million Smart City Challenge grant. The 2016 grant competition by the U.S. Department of Transportation was designed to spur local governments to solve big urban problems with cutting-edge transportation technology. Columbus’s winning proposal included a suite of projects, such as a multimodal transportation app, expanded car-sharing, and autonomous vehicles roving around key destination points. (Low-speed, self-driving shuttles debuted at four Columbus tourist attractions earlier this month.) But addressing the plight of Columbus’s vulnerable new mothers through mobility was a focal point of its proposal, and was cited by officials as a primary reason for the city’s victory over competitors like Denver and San Francisco.

As of late last year, however, that key social promise seemed to have slipped off the list of the city’s prioritized projects. A CityLab investigation found that, as plans were moving ahead for other components of the grant, the needs of vulnerable moms were at risk of being left behind. After the investigation was published, the city altered its portfolio of DOT-approved grant projects to include a service for low-income, expectant mothers. Earlier this month, the Columbus city council approved the use of $1 million from the Smart City grant fund to pay for the 2019 pilot.

Original Article: https://www.citylab.com/transportation/2018/12/smart-city-columbus-prenatal-ride-hailing/579082/

TOMORROW! Join us for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 27 to hear updates on pedestrian saf...

TOMORROW! Join us for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 27 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

TOMORROW! Join us for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 27 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Tuesday, March 26 2024 | 10:01am

🚨 Traffic Alert: Upcoming scheduled crane work at the Cleveland VA Medical Center will result in temporary closures of E. 105th Stre...

🚨 Traffic Alert: Upcoming scheduled crane work at the Cleveland VA Medical Center will result in temporary closures of E. 105th Street northbound lanes between Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Magnolia Drive. Southbound travel lanes will remain open at all times. The lane closures are scheduled...

🚨 Traffic Alert: Upcoming scheduled crane work at the Cleveland VA Medical Center will result in temporary closures of E. 105th Street northbound lanes between Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Magnolia Drive. Southbound travel lanes will remain open at all times. The lane closures are scheduled to occur as follows, subject to weather: • Monday, March 25 and Tuesday, March 26 - 7:00am – 4:00pm • Monday, April 1 - 7:00am – 4:00pm • Friday, April 5 - 7:00am – 4:00pm

Friday, March 22 2024 | 12:38pm

Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by uGO where we will explore the range of commuter benefits offered by NOACA and GCRTA. Whethe...

Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by uGO where we will explore the range of commuter benefits offered by NOACA and GCRTA. Whether you're an individual looking to save money on your daily travels or an employer seeking to enhance your benefits package, this webinar is for you. During this ses...

Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by uGO where we will explore the range of commuter benefits offered by NOACA and GCRTA. Whether you're an individual looking to save money on your daily travels or an employer seeking to enhance your benefits package, this webinar is for you. During this session, we'll dive into the commuter benefits offered by these organizations such as pre-tax transit cost savings, subsidized vanpools, and guaranteed rides home. Learn how these benefits can not only lighten the financial burden of commuting but also reduce carbon emissions and ease traffic congestion. Register to attend here: bit.ly/uGOwebinar24

Friday, March 15 2024 | 1:00pm

Join us TOMORROW for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safet...

Join us TOMORROW for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Join us TOMORROW for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Tuesday, March 12 2024 | 11:00am

Did you know RTA has free parking at nine stations along the Red Line? It can be an excellent Park-n-Ride option for those who don’t ...

Did you know RTA has free parking at nine stations along the Red Line? It can be an excellent Park-n-Ride option for those who don’t live close to a train or bus stop!

Did you know RTA has free parking at nine stations along the Red Line? It can be an excellent Park-n-Ride option for those who don’t live close to a train or bus stop!

Monday, March 11 2024 | 12:00pm

Are you tired of walking the same loop on your lunch break? Looking to switch up your routine? Check out uGO's downloadable maps that s...

Are you tired of walking the same loop on your lunch break? Looking to switch up your routine? Check out uGO's downloadable maps that show recommended routes for walking in University Circle. Visit uGOinthecircle.com/walking for more walking loops.

Are you tired of walking the same loop on your lunch break? Looking to switch up your routine? Check out uGO's downloadable maps that show recommended routes for walking in University Circle. Visit uGOinthecircle.com/walking for more walking loops.

Friday, March 8 2024 | 9:00am

Join UCI and UCPD next week for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedes...

Join UCI and UCPD next week for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Join UCI and UCPD next week for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Wednesday, March 6 2024 | 11:00am

The City of Cleveland is hosting a community meeting this Thursday at 5:00 pm to share information about the upcoming resurfacing of Ca...

The City of Cleveland is hosting a community meeting this Thursday at 5:00 pm to share information about the upcoming resurfacing of Carnegie Avenue between E. 79th Street and MLK Jr. Drive. Final Design is scheduled to be completed in June 2024. Construction is scheduled to begin March 2025.

The City of Cleveland is hosting a community meeting this Thursday at 5:00 pm to share information about the upcoming resurfacing of Carnegie Avenue between E. 79th Street and MLK Jr. Drive. Final Design is scheduled to be completed in June 2024. Construction is scheduled to begin March 2025.

Monday, March 4 2024 | 10:48am

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safe...

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Wednesday, February 28 2024 | 11:25am

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safe...

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Wednesday, February 21 2024 | 7:00am

University Circle is conveniently served by six bus routes, the Euclid Avenue HealthLine (bus rapid transit), and the Red Line (heavy r...

University Circle is conveniently served by six bus routes, the Euclid Avenue HealthLine (bus rapid transit), and the Red Line (heavy rail). Use GCRTA's System Map or the Transit App on your phone to learn more about these transit routes and where they lead: riderta.com/systemmap.

University Circle is conveniently served by six bus routes, the Euclid Avenue HealthLine (bus rapid transit), and the Red Line (heavy rail). Use GCRTA's System Map or the Transit App on your phone to learn more about these transit routes and where they lead: riderta.com/systemmap.

Friday, February 16 2024 | 9:00am

The CircleLink shuttle connects University Circle to its outside neighborhoods making it the perfect way to travel locally. Get real-ti...

The CircleLink shuttle connects University Circle to its outside neighborhoods making it the perfect way to travel locally. Get real-time updates on the location of shuttles in the Circle and more on our shuttle page: ugointhecircle.com/shuttle

The CircleLink shuttle connects University Circle to its outside neighborhoods making it the perfect way to travel locally. Get real-time updates on the location of shuttles in the Circle and more on our shuttle page: ugointhecircle.com/shuttle

Monday, February 12 2024 | 9:01am

FYI! Lot 54, the parking lot at the former Ford Road Garage site, is now open and available for public parking. The 75-space parking lo...

FYI! Lot 54, the parking lot at the former Ford Road Garage site, is now open and available for public parking. The 75-space parking lot is owned and operated by Case Western Reserve University with visitor parking available at a rate of $1/hour.

FYI! Lot 54, the parking lot at the former Ford Road Garage site, is now open and available for public parking. The 75-space parking lot is owned and operated by Case Western Reserve University with visitor parking available at a rate of $1/hour.

Wednesday, February 7 2024 | 7:00am

With incoming snow expected to exceed 2 inches, please remember that stopping, standing, and parking of vehicles will be restricted and...

With incoming snow expected to exceed 2 inches, please remember that stopping, standing, and parking of vehicles will be restricted and prohibited on City streets with the posted red and white signs. In University Circle, this applies to the following roadways: Cedar Avenue, Chester Avenue, Euclid A...

With incoming snow expected to exceed 2 inches, please remember that stopping, standing, and parking of vehicles will be restricted and prohibited on City streets with the posted red and white signs. In University Circle, this applies to the following roadways: Cedar Avenue, Chester Avenue, Euclid Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and Wade Park Avenue.

Thursday, January 18 2024 | 6:00pm

Explore University Circle on foot this winter using one of our walking tours! Take a walk and grab lunch in Uptown, visit the museums o...

Explore University Circle on foot this winter using one of our walking tours! Take a walk and grab lunch in Uptown, visit the museums on Wade Oval, or take in the beautiful scenery of Wade Park.

Explore University Circle on foot this winter using one of our walking tours! Take a walk and grab lunch in Uptown, visit the museums on Wade Oval, or take in the beautiful scenery of Wade Park.

Wednesday, January 17 2024 | 3:02pm

This is a reminder that University Circle shuttles are operating on a winter break schedule. For more details, view the table below or ...

This is a reminder that University Circle shuttles are operating on a winter break schedule. For more details, view the table below or visit our shuttle page: ugointhecircle.com/shuttle.

This is a reminder that University Circle shuttles are operating on a winter break schedule. For more details, view the table below or visit our shuttle page: ugointhecircle.com/shuttle.

Monday, January 8 2024 | 9:01am

Happy New Year from uGO! Let’s talk about transportation and New Year’s Resolutions. What's the most common New Year's Resolution?...

Happy New Year from uGO! Let’s talk about transportation and New Year’s Resolutions. What's the most common New Year's Resolution? You guessed it - to exercise more and lose weight. Purchasing a new gym membership and establishing a workout routine are common next steps to accomplish this goal,...

Happy New Year from uGO! Let’s talk about transportation and New Year’s Resolutions. What's the most common New Year's Resolution? You guessed it - to exercise more and lose weight. Purchasing a new gym membership and establishing a workout routine are common next steps to accomplish this goal, but what if we told you that your commute can also play a role? Studies have shown that people who use transit take 30% more steps per day on average than people who drive, and nearly a third of transit users are physically active for 30 minutes or more each day just from walking to and from their pickup location. Similarly, studies show that the average person loses 13 lbs. in the first year of commuting by bike! Interested in changing up your commute for 2024? Check out our Transit and Biking pages on uGOinthecircle.com for information to help you get started!

Monday, January 1 2024 | 9:01am

Don't forget that University Circle shuttles do not operate on New Year's Day. RTA buses and trains operate on the holiday schedule. Vi...

Don't forget that University Circle shuttles do not operate on New Year's Day. RTA buses and trains operate on the holiday schedule. Visit our shuttle page for more info: uGOinthecircle.com/shuttle

Don't forget that University Circle shuttles do not operate on New Year's Day. RTA buses and trains operate on the holiday schedule. Visit our shuttle page for more info: uGOinthecircle.com/shuttle

Friday, December 29 2023 | 9:00am

A friendly reminder that University Circle shuttles do not operate on Christmas Day. RTA buses and trains operate on the holiday schedu...

A friendly reminder that University Circle shuttles do not operate on Christmas Day. RTA buses and trains operate on the holiday schedule. Visit our shuttle page for more info: uGOinthecircle.com/shuttle

A friendly reminder that University Circle shuttles do not operate on Christmas Day. RTA buses and trains operate on the holiday schedule. Visit our shuttle page for more info: uGOinthecircle.com/shuttle

Friday, December 22 2023 | 9:01am

Explore University Circle on foot using one of our walking tours! Take a walk and grab lunch in Uptown, visit the Museums on Wade Oval,...

Explore University Circle on foot using one of our walking tours! Take a walk and grab lunch in Uptown, visit the Museums on Wade Oval, or take in the beautiful scenery of Wade Park.

Explore University Circle on foot using one of our walking tours! Take a walk and grab lunch in Uptown, visit the Museums on Wade Oval, or take in the beautiful scenery of Wade Park.

Thursday, December 14 2023 | 1:00pm

In coordination with Case Western Reserve University’s winter break schedule, a few shuttle routes will temporarily change starting t...

In coordination with Case Western Reserve University’s winter break schedule, a few shuttle routes will temporarily change starting this weekend. View the table and stay up to date with the latest changes on our shuttle page: ugointhecircle.com/shuttle

In coordination with Case Western Reserve University’s winter break schedule, a few shuttle routes will temporarily change starting this weekend. View the table and stay up to date with the latest changes on our shuttle page: ugointhecircle.com/shuttle

Wednesday, December 13 2023 | 4:27pm

Join UCI and UCPD tomorrow evening for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom to hear updates on pedestrian safety in ...

Join UCI and UCPD tomorrow evening for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Join UCI and UCPD tomorrow evening for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Tuesday, December 5 2023 | 9:01am

Pedestrian friendly bumper stickers make great stocking stuffers! Request one for all the pedestrian friendly drivers on your list this...

Pedestrian friendly bumper stickers make great stocking stuffers! Request one for all the pedestrian friendly drivers on your list this year: universitycircle.org/project-yield-sticker

Pedestrian friendly bumper stickers make great stocking stuffers! Request one for all the pedestrian friendly drivers on your list this year: universitycircle.org/project-yield-sticker

Monday, December 4 2023 | 9:01am

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle...

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Wednesday, November 29 2023 | 9:00am

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! This is a reminder that University Circle shuttles will not be running on Thanksgiving Day. To find altern...

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! This is a reminder that University Circle shuttles will not be running on Thanksgiving Day. To find alternative modes of transportation, follow the link! ugointhecircle.com/plan-your-trip

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! This is a reminder that University Circle shuttles will not be running on Thanksgiving Day. To find alternative modes of transportation, follow the link! ugointhecircle.com/plan-your-trip

Tuesday, November 21 2023 | 10:01am

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