Inclusive and Engaging Transportation Planning in Rural Yakima County: A Human-Centered Approach
Access to reliable transportation is a fundamental necessity for individuals and families striving to rebuild their lives. In rural Yakima County, WA and across Yakama Nation lands, approximately 200 households face significant transportation barriers. These families, deeply engaged in the child welfare system and dependency courts, need reliable transportation to attend hearings, meet with judges and attorneys, access social workers, mental health providers, and support groups. Additionally, stable transportation is critical for maintaining employment and ensuring family reunification efforts proceed smoothly. However, because these individuals have been convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), they lack driver's licenses and struggle to navigate the sprawling rural landscape where traditional transportation options fall short. Conventional transportation planning often prioritizes efficiency over lived experiences. To develop meaningful solutions, we must embrace human-centered design principles—listening directly to these families to craft transportation options that genuinely meet their needs.