How Lane Transit District approaches equity pragmatically

When Lane Transit District broke ground on its $3.8 million Eugene Station Modernization Project in January 2024, it sought to create an environment that promotes inclusiveness, safety and security.   

It’s about harm reduction 

LTD’s Sarah Koski was apprehensive. The Community Resource Liaison was hosting a lived experience focus group. Would it find common ground on a public restroom design at the bus station in Eugene, Oregon? 

The challenge was fentanyl. The Oregon Health Authority reported 280 unintentional opioid overdose deaths in 2019. By 2023, that number had skyrocketed to 1,416.  

In the initial design, there weren’t any sharps containers for used needles. “That could make it look like LTD endorses drug use,” commented an LTD employee. Someone from a nonprofit countered that evidence-based practices demonstrate having sharps containers increases accessibility for those with medical conditions requiring self-injection.  

“LTD doesn’t have to be the expert in everything, especially when this community has an array of diverse voices who can help,” Koski said. “The focus group led to the bathroom stall doors being undercut with a four-inch gap at the bottom, which means we can check on people. It led to a 10-minute time limit.” 

LTD’s Todd Smith, who managed the remodel, said, “Our main goal is a safe environment for all. The focus group considered perspectives our architects couldn’t have.”  

Eugene Station now has a de-escalation cabinet. “Our public safety officers (PSOs) engage with agitated or non-conforming riders. It could be drugs or a mental health crisis but what if it’s hunger or a person with diabetes? Now we have water, trail mix and crackers,” Koski said. “This is health equity. It also decreases loitering and increases safety on our platforms and buses.”  

Joshua Jordan works for Emergence Addiction Services and Recovery, a local nonprofit. "It is vitally important for organizations to come together to collaborate, especially with people who have had unique pasts,” Jordan said. “We see the community impact of groups supporting each other." 

Lives can be changed with a little bit of kindness 

Shoes are a requirement to ride. LTD’s Operations Department spends time and resources on riders who try to board without them.  

Koski bought a box of 50 inexpensive ($1 per pair) rubber-soled slippers. “Every week, one or two pairs would disappear. Organically, PSOs and customer service worked together to get them to riders stuck at bus stops,” Koski said.  

“The slippers allow riders to get where they’re going,” said PSO Quentin Price. “Slippers are useful for a range of reasons from hygiene to safety on the platforms.”  

Koski reached out to the Lane Community Health Council to extend the reach of the slippers via area health providers. McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center purchased and now distributes the LTD-approved slippers to anyone discharged without shoes. Same goes for Buckley Detoxification Center, an addiction treatment facility. LTD CEO Jameson Auten approved a pilot program that will place inexpensive supply kits in PSO vehicles with slippers, warm blankets and bathing wipes (for individuals without access to traditional bathing methods). 

LTD partnered with the Reveille Foundation, an organization that supports underserved populations like veterans and the formerly incarcerated. At its Navigation Center in Eugene Station, unhoused individuals can start the process of qualifying for housing programs with Lane County. To date, Reveille has done 32 county assessments, 20 housing or shelter placements and referrals and 20 referrals to services like food boxes and showers. Placing Reveille at Eugene Station means essential services are more accessible. 

Vonnie Willard, a 12-year veteran of LTD, is an operations supervisor. “I’ve got tools now. A pocket resource guide to connect riders to support services, a closer relationship with emergency services, a direct line to Reveille. I feel like more of a human with these tools because I can directly help someone. LTD has come a long way in opening our processes to creative approaches and how we manage or assist our diverse community of riders,” Willard said.  

Equity is pragmatic 

Executive Order 13985, signed in 2021, defines equity as the consistent, systematic, fair, just and impartial treatment of all individuals. The U.S. Department of Transportation finalized its Equity Action Plan in January 2022. “…to expand access and opportunity to all communities while focusing on underserved, overburdened and disadvantaged communities.”  

LTD invested in a community resource liaison, recognizing the community’s need. Not taking the equitable approach was taking a toll on LTD’s employees, in addition to measurable costs to LTD’s budget and daily operations. Ill-equipped bus operators and PSOs spent valuable time addressing challenging and sometimes dangerous situations. By investing in equitable solutions, LTD gives its employees tools to support the entire community.  

Willard says LTD is recognizing the value of “what we can bring to the community. The work in this equity space is expanding LTD’s horizons.”  

Koski keeps her focus on LTD’s mission of “‘connecting our community.’ The majority of LTD’s workforce are frontline employees. We’re all dedicated to that mission and ensuring community means everyone.”