Inclusive Use of Mobility-on-Demand Services to Enhance Transit Connectivity

This project explores how Mobility-on-Demand (MoD) services, particularly Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs), can enhance transit connectivity and accessibility in underserved communities. In response to the limitations of traditional transit infrastructure expansion, this study will develop a framework to integrate MoD services as a first- and last-mile (FMLM) solution, particularly for disadvantaged neighborhoods in Connecticut. By designing a credit-based incentivization model, the project aims to make SAV-based microtransit more accessible and equitable, aligning with the U.S. Department of Transportation's goals of reducing inequities and advancing future-ready transit solutions. The research will focus on key areas such as neighborhood transit needs, mode choice modeling, and the optimization of SAV fleet deployment and credit distribution. Through data-driven modeling and collaboration with Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), the project will yield strategies to improve the adoption and sustainability of MoD options. This effort will benefit communities by enhancing mobility, providing economic and quality-of-life improvements, and potentially reducing traffic congestion. The study’s findings can serve as a foundation for future transportation policies and frameworks that support equitable and inclusive access to advanced transit solutions, which may be adapted by other states or incorporated into national mobility programs.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $175000
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348301

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  130 Natural Resources Road
  Amherst, MA  United States  01003
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Connecticut, Storrs

  Connecticut Transportation Institute
  270 Middle Turnpike, Unit 5202
  Storrs, CT  United States  06269-5202
• Principal Investigators:

  Fakhrmoosavi, Fatemeh

  Lownes, Nicholas

  Shirani, Niloufar

• Start Date: 20240901
• Expected Completion Date: 20250831
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
• Subprogram: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Autonomous vehicles; Equity; Mobility
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Operations and Traffic Management; Policy; Public Transportation; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01935906
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: New England University Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348301
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Nov 5 2024 6:49AM