June marks National Immigrant Heritage Month, a time to honor the diverse cultures and contributions of immigrants across the country. In the central Puget Sound, encompassing King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, immigrant communities are deeply woven into the region’s social and economic fabric.
According to the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS), our region is home to over 839,000 foreign-born residents, accounting for approximately 20% of the total population. Immigrants are present in every corner of the region, with a higher share in some communities, such as South Seattle, especially in Chinatown-International District/Yesler Terrace, Rainier Valley, as well as Redmond and Lynnwood.
However, many immigrants, especially recent arrivals, face unique challenges in accessing reliable and accessible transportation. These challenges can limit opportunities for education, employment, healthcare, and community participation.
There is a strong overlap between immigrants and individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). According to regional estimates, 38% of the foreign-born population in the region speaks English less than very well.1 A lack of translated information can make it difficult to navigate and ride public transportation, and apply for reduced fare programs, such as the Regional Reduced Fare Permit (for older adults and people with disabilities), or ORCA Lift and subsidized fare programs for low-income households. Culturally relevant outreach and rider education are key strategies to help LEP riders better navigate the regional transportation system.
Also, disparities in income can further compound transportation barriers. Regionwide, a substantial portion of the non-English speaking population is classified as low-income (defined as living below 200% of the federal poverty line). While employment rates among LEP and non-LEP households are similar, LEP households are far more likely to be low-income: 31% compared to 17%.2 As a result, many LEP households may be unable to afford a private vehicle and rely heavily on public transportation, walking, or biking for mobility.
As the region’s population ages, LEP communities are aging as well. In 2023, 10% of the LEP individuals were over age 65, and 11% were over 85.3 Older adults are more likely to face mobility limitations, and those with language barriers may require more personalized and reliable transportation, such as door-to-door or volunteer driver programs, to maintain independence and reach essential services like medical facilities. In addition, a safe and accessible walking/rolling environment is essential to helping older residents access transportation and services nearby.
As we honor National Immigrant Heritage Month, we recommit to addressing the transportation barriers that affect immigrant and LEP communities. PSRC is listening to and learning from these communities through outreach, surveys, and public engagement efforts.
In support of the update to the Regional Transportation Plan, we are working to make engagement more inclusive by offering outreach materials in multiple languages and partnering with community-based organizations that can speak to the needs of immigrant and LEP communities. Furthermore, people with LEP are recognized as a priority population in PSRC’s Coordinated Mobility Plan, which addresses the transportation needs of underserved communities.