TRANSIT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM
TCRP RESEARCH REPORT 244
NATIONAL COOPERATIVE HIGHWAY RESEARCH PROGRAM
NCHRP RESEARCH REPORT 1101
Transformational Technologies
and Mobility Inclusion Playbook
Ipek N. Sener
Jim C. Cline
Zach Elgart
Todd Hansen
TEXAS A&M TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE
THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
College Station, TX
Jess Wilson
Cecilia Viggiano
Adam Blair
EBP US
Boston, MA
Paula Okunieff
GO SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS LLC
Boston, MA
Subject Areas
Public Transportation • Planning and Forecasting
Research sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration in cooperation with the American Public Transportation Association and by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration
TRANSIT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM
The nation’s growth and the need to meet mobility, environmental, and energy objectives place demands on public transit systems. Current systems, some of which are old and in need of upgrading, must expand service area, increase service frequency, and improve efficiency to serve these demands. Research is necessary to solve operating problems, adapt appropriate new technologies from other industries, and introduce innovations into the transit industry. The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) serves as one of the principal means by which the transit industry can develop innovative near-term solutions to meet demands placed on it.
The need for TCRP was originally identified in TRB Special Report 213—Research for Public Transit: New Directions, published in 1987 and based on a study sponsored by the Urban Mass Transportation Administration—now the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). A report by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Transportation 2000, also recognized the need for local, problem-solving research. TCRP, modeled after the successful National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), undertakes research and other technical activities in response to the needs of transit service providers. The scope of TCRP includes various transit research fields including planning, service configuration, equipment, facilities, operations, human resources, maintenance, policy, and administrative practices.
TCRP was established under FTA sponsorship in July 1992. Proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, TCRP was authorized as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). On May 13, 1992, a memorandum agreement outlining TCRP operating procedures was executed by the three cooperating organizations: FTA; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, acting through the Transportation Research Board (TRB); and APTA. APTA is responsible for forming the independent governing board, designated as the TCRP Oversight and Project Selection (TOPS) Commission.
Research problem statements for TCRP are solicited periodically but may be submitted to TRB by anyone at any time. It is the responsibility of the TOPS Commission to formulate the research program by identifying the highest priority projects. As part of the evaluation, the TOPS Commission defines funding levels and expected products.
Once selected, each project is assigned to an expert panel appointed by TRB. The panels prepare project statements (requests for proposals), select contractors, and provide technical guidance and counsel throughout the life of the project. The process for developing research problem statements and selecting research agencies has been used by TRB in managing cooperative research programs since 1962. As in other TRB activities, TCRP project panels serve voluntarily without compensation.
Because research cannot have the desired effect if products fail to reach the intended audience, special emphasis is placed on disseminating TCRP results to the intended users of the research: transit agencies, service providers, and suppliers. TRB provides a series of research reports, syntheses of transit practice, and other supporting material developed by TCRP research. APTA will arrange for workshops, training aids, field visits, and other activities to ensure that results are implemented by urban and rural transit industry practitioners.
TCRP provides a forum where transit agencies can cooperatively address common operational problems. TCRP results support and complement other ongoing transit research and training programs.
TCRP RESEARCH REPORT 244
Project B-47
ISSN 2572-3782
ISBN 978-0-309-70959-0
© 2024 by the National Academy of Sciences. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the graphical logo are trademarks of the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
Authors herein are responsible for the authenticity of their materials and for obtaining written permissions from publishers or persons who own the copyright to any previously published or copyrighted material used herein.
Cooperative Research Programs (CRP) grants permission to reproduce material in this publication for classroom and not-for-profit purposes. Permission is given with the understanding that none of the material will be used to imply TRB, AASHTO, APTA, FAA, FHWA, FTA, GHSA, or NHTSA endorsement of a particular product, method, or practice. It is expected that those reproducing the material in this document for educational and not-for-profit uses will give appropriate acknowledgment of the source of any reprinted or reproduced material. For other uses of the material, request permission from CRP.
Cover figure: Credit: Ipek N. Sener
NOTICE
The research report was reviewed by the technical panel and accepted for publication according to procedures established and overseen by the Transportation Research Board and approved by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The opinions and conclusions expressed or implied in this report are those of the researchers who performed the research and are not necessarily those of the Transportation Research Board; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; or the program sponsors.
The Transportation Research Board does not develop, issue, or publish standards or specifications. The Transportation Research Board manages applied research projects which provide the scientific foundation that may be used by Transportation Research Board sponsors, industry associations, or other organizations as the basis for revised practices, procedures, or specifications.
The Transportation Research Board; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; and the sponsors of the Transit Cooperative Research Program do not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade or manufacturers’ names or logos appear herein solely because they are considered essential to the object of the report.
Published research reports of the
TRANSIT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM
are available from
Transportation Research Board
Business Office
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
and can be ordered through the Internet by going to
https://www.mytrb.org/MyTRB/Store/default.aspx
Printed in the United States of America
NATIONAL COOPERATIVE HIGHWAY RESEARCH PROGRAM
Systematic, well-designed, and implementable research is the most effective way to solve many problems facing state departments of transportation (DOTs) administrators and engineers. Often, highway problems are of local or regional interest and can best be studied by state DOTs individually or in cooperation with their state universities and others. However, the accelerating growth of highway transportation results in increasingly complex problems of wide interest to highway authorities. These problems are best studied through a coordinated program of cooperative research.
Recognizing this need, the leadership of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in 1962 initiated an objective national highway research program using modern scientific techniques—the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP). NCHRP is supported on a continuing basis by funds from participating member states of AASHTO and receives the full cooperation and support of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), United States Department of Transportation, under Agreement No. 693JJ31950003.
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine was requested by AASHTO to administer the research program because of TRB’s recognized objectivity and understanding of modern research practices. TRB is uniquely suited for this purpose for many reasons: TRB maintains an extensive committee structure from which authorities on any highway transportation subject may be drawn; TRB possesses avenues of communications and cooperation with federal, state, and local governmental agencies, universities, and industry; TRB’s relationship to the National Academies is an insurance of objectivity; and TRB maintains a full-time staff of specialists in highway transportation matters to bring the findings of research directly to those in a position to use them.
The program is developed on the basis of research needs identified by chief administrators and other staff of the highway and transportation departments, by committees of AASHTO, and by the FHWA. Topics of the highest merit are selected by the AASHTO Special Committee on Research and Innovation (R&I), and each year R&I’s recommendations are proposed to the AASHTO Board of Directors and the National Academies. Research projects to address these topics are defined by NCHRP, and qualified research agencies are selected from submitted proposals. Administration and surveillance of research contracts are the responsibilities of the National Academies and TRB.
The needs for highway research are many, and NCHRP can make significant contributions to solving highway transportation problems of mutual concern to many responsible groups. The program, however, is intended to complement, rather than to substitute for or duplicate, other highway research programs.
NCHRP RESEARCH REPORT 1101
Project 20-102(30)
ISSN 2572-3766 (Print)
ISSN 2572-3774 (Online)
ISBN 978-0-309-70959-0
Library of Congress Control Number 2024933603
© 2024 by the National Academy of Sciences. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the graphical logo are trademarks of the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
Authors herein are responsible for the authenticity of their materials and for obtaining written permissions from publishers or persons who own the copyright to any previously published or copyrighted material used herein.
Cooperative Research Programs (CRP) grants permission to reproduce material in this publication for classroom and not-for-profit purposes. Permission is given with the understanding that none of the material will be used to imply TRB, AASHTO, APTA, FAA, FHWA, FTA, GHSA, or NHTSA endorsement of a particular product, method, or practice. It is expected that those reproducing the material in this document for educational and not-for-profit uses will give appropriate acknowledgment of the source of any reprinted or reproduced material. For other uses of the material, request permission from CRP.
Cover figure: Credit: Ipek N. Sener
NOTICE
The research report was reviewed by the technical panel and accepted for publication according to procedures established and overseen by the Transportation Research Board and approved by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The opinions and conclusions expressed or implied in this report are those of the researchers who performed the research and are not necessarily those of the Transportation Research Board; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; the FHWA; or the program sponsors.
The Transportation Research Board does not develop, issue, or publish standards or specifications. The Transportation Research Board manages applied research projects which provide the scientific foundation that may be used by Transportation Research Board sponsors, industry associations, or other organizations as the basis for revised practices, procedures, or specifications.
The Transportation Research Board; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; and the sponsors of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program do not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade or manufacturers’ names or logos appear herein solely because they are considered essential to the object of the report.
Published research reports of the
NATIONAL COOPERATIVE HIGHWAY RESEARCH PROGRAM
are available from
Transportation Research Board
Business Office
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
and can be ordered through the Internet by going to
https://www.mytrb.org/MyTRB/Store/default.aspx
Printed in the United States of America
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The National Academy of Sciences was established in 1863 by an Act of Congress, signed by President Lincoln, as a private, nongovernmental institution to advise the nation on issues related to science and technology. Members are elected by their peers for outstanding contributions to research. Dr. Marcia McNutt is president.
The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to bring the practices of engineering to advising the nation. Members are elected by their peers for extraordinary contributions to engineering. Dr. John L. Anderson is president.
The National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) was established in 1970 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to advise the nation on medical and health issues. Members are elected by their peers for distinguished contributions to medicine and health. Dr. Victor J. Dzau is president.
The three Academies work together as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding in matters of science, engineering, and medicine.
Learn more about the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine at www.nationalacademies.org.
The Transportation Research Board is one of seven major program divisions of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The mission of the Transportation Research Board is to mobilize expertise, experience, and knowledge to anticipate and solve complex transportation-related challenges. The Board’s varied activities annually engage about 8,500 engineers, scientists, and other transportation researchers and practitioners from the public and private sectors and academia, all of whom contribute their expertise in the public interest. The program is supported by state transportation departments, federal agencies including the component administrations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and other organizations and individuals interested in the development of transportation.
Learn more about the Transportation Research Board at www.TRB.org.
COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAMS
CRP STAFF FOR TCRP RESEARCH REPORT 244/NCHRP RESEARCH REPORT 1101
Waseem Dekelbab, Deputy Director, Cooperative Research Programs
Gwen Chisholm Smith, Manager, Transit Cooperative Research Program
Stephan A. Parker, Senior Program Officer (retired)
Stephanie L. Campbell-Chamberlain, Senior Program Assistant
Natalie Barnes, Director of Publications
Heather DiAngelis, Associate Director of Publications
Kami Cabral, Editor
TCRP PROJECT B-47 AND NCHRP PROJECT 20-102(30) PANEL
Field of Service Configuration and Field of Special Projects
Eric T. Hill, MetroPlan Orlando, Orlando, FL (Chair)
Stefanie Brodie, Toole Design Group, LLC, Silver Spring, MD
JoAnne Chalom, In Focus Mobility, Coral Springs, FL
Giovanni Circella, Ghent University, Ghent
Andrea Vivian d’Amato, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Boston, MA
Lyn Hellegaard, Missoula Ravali Transportation Management Association, Missoula, MT
Natarajan Jana Janarthanan, Washington State Department of Transportation, Bothell, WA
Moyin Li, Pace Suburban Bus Service, Arlington Heights, IL
Mark Mindorff, Hamilton, ON
Debra A. Nelson, New York State Department of Transportation, Albany, NY
Heidi Schallberg, Metropolitan Council, St. Paul, MN
Prachi Vakharia, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R), Washington, DC
Jarren E. Williams, PRR Inc., Elkridge, MD
Jeremy Raw, FHWA Liaison
Bonnie Graves, FTA Liaison
Ursula Wright, FTA Liaison
Matthew H. Hardy, AASHTO Liaison
Amy Conrick, Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Liaison
Annie Chang, SAE International Liaison
William B. Anderson, TRB Liaison
AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The research reported herein was performed under TCRP Project B-47 and NCHRP Project 20-102(30) by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), a member of the Texas A&M University System; EBP US; and GO Systems and Solutions LLC.
The research team extends its heartfelt thanks to all those who have been part of this project at various times, offering support throughout its execution. Special acknowledgments go to TTI researchers and staff Johanna Zmud (formerly with TTI), Audrey Cabay (formerly with TTI), Dawn Herring, Justin Malnar, Tobey Lindsey, and Vicky Nelson; EBP US researchers Scott Middleton (formerly with EBP US) and Dilara Sisman as well as Adrienne Pulido and Daniela Kayser of Primavera Strategy. We also express our gratitude to David Evans and Anne Del Vecchio for their assistance with American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation during focus groups.
The research team would like to extend its appreciation to various transportation agencies, advocacy and social services organizations, technology providers, and other agencies and organizations that have deployed, are in the process of deploying, or are planning to deploy shared automated vehicles. We sincerely thank them for generously donating their time and sharing their experiences. A list of stakeholders interviewed is provided in Appendix B.
We are also deeply grateful to the focus group and survey participants for their support and involvement, which resulted in providing invaluable insights for the development of this playbook.
This playbook represents the culmination of a true collaboration with all our partners and is intended to support various agencies and organizations in making a meaningful impact through inclusive transportation systems that enhance mobility, equity, and access for all.
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FOREWORD
By Gwen Chisholm Smith
Staff Officer
Transportation Research Board
TCRP Research Report 244/NCHRP Research Report 1101: Transformational Technologies and Mobility Inclusion Playbook is a playbook of resources for public and private entities to assess, plan, and measure their progress toward achieving transportation equity and inclusive mobility in an era of transformational technology. It focuses on specific technologies and how their benefits can widen accessibility gaps for the underserved and the consequences for travelers and others who are not direct users of these technologies. This report will be of immediate use to transportation policymakers and decision-makers at planning organizations, transit agencies, and other transportation entities involved with data analysis on the impacts of new technologies on travel behavior. The playbook will also aid practitioners in efforts to include underserved users in the transportation technology revolution.
Changes in technology provide opportunities and risks to mobility, particularly as they relate to traditionally and newly underserved populations. In recent years, economic, environmental, and social forces have quickly given rise to shared and on-demand mobility—a collective of entrepreneurs and consumers leveraging technology to maximize transportation and financial resources and generate capital. For instance, shared mobility services have become part of a trend that has pushed shared, on-demand mobility from the fringe into the mainstream. These services have included micromobility options, such as electric scooters and bikesharing in various forms (station-based systems, dockless systems, and bikes that are traditional or electric-assist). Car-based services have included carsharing with either station-based or one-way service models; ride-hailing services; and peer-to-peer carsharing services.
The research was conducted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), EBP US, and GO Systems and Solutions LLC. The playbook was developed as the lead research product from TCRP Project B-47, “Impact of Transformational Technologies on Underserved Populations.” NCHRP Project 20-102(30), “Equity Impacts of Shared AVs on Transportation-Disadvantaged Communities,” leveraged and informed the work on the playbook.
This project developed a playbook that contains guidance on corrective actions that include data, methods, and metrics to achieve inclusive mobility.
The playbook begins with an overview of the transformational technologies. It also provides definitions of the transformational technologies; describes five underserved populations that were the primary focus of this study; describes how to use the playbook; presents 10 transformational technology plays; and offers implementation considerations.
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CONTENTS
Chapter 2 How to Use This Playbook
The Anatomy of a Play: What to Expect?
TT-1: Build Trust through Enhanced Security and Communication
TT-2: Create Discount and Ease-of-Payment Programs
TT-3: Expand Adaptive and Motor-Assisted Micromobility Fleets
TT-4: Boost Knowledge and Awareness of New Mobility Services
TT-5: Create Safe Infrastructure for Micromobility Services
TT-6: Facilitate Smartphone-, Data-, and Broadband-Free Ride Booking
TT-7: Expand New Mobility Services in Rural and Tribal Areas
TT-8: Implement Assistive Service Technologies in Vehicles
TT-9: Improve Safety and Comfort for Shared Ride Services
TT-10: Promote Equitable Implementation of Shared AV Services
Chapter 4 Implementation Considerations
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Note: Photographs, figures, and tables in this report may have been converted from color to grayscale for printing. The electronic version of the report (posted on the web at nap.nationalacademies.org) retains the color versions.
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