Alex is a lifelong Pennsylvanian, an elected official, and a nondriver. Following being hit by someone driving a car and a search for affordable public housing, Alex moved to rural Bradford, PA, a city literally at a crossroads. Alex discusses the intersection of essential services, transit, and housing, and how rural Pennsylvanians are dealing with the removal of vital services.

Join the movement for better transit service in PA: https://www.transitforallpa.org/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alex Casper and the episode's focus

02:10 Alex's background and decision not to learn to drive

04:05 The role of public transit in rural Pennsylvania

06:00 Challenges of healthcare access and hospital closures

08:08 Housing affordability and public housing shortages

09:59 Impact of transit cuts on rural communities

11:55 Advocacy efforts and community organizing

14:13 The interconnectedness of transit, housing, and healthcare

16:11 Geography of Bradford and rural Pennsylvania

17:55 Rural migration and reverse commuting

19:46 Political engagement and running for office

21:56 Voting access for non-drivers in Pennsylvania

24:12 The importance of community advocacy and hope

26:10 How to get involved and connect with advocacy groups

Questions? email [email protected]

nondriver is a production of Nondrivers Alliance. More info: https://nondrivers.org

Hosted by Anna Zivarts and Devin Silvernail. This episode was produced by Devin Silvernail.

Pick up a copy of Anna's book When Driving is Not An Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency. https://annazivarts.com/