Real-World Perspective: The Impact of
Transformational Technologies on Underserved
Populations
TCRP PROJECT B-47
Z A C H A R Y E LG A R T – T R A N S I T M O B I L I T Y P R O G R A M AT T E X A S A & M T R A N S P O R TAT I O N I N S T I T U T E
T R B C O N F E R E N C E O N A D VA N C I N G T R A N S P O R TAT I O N E Q U I T Y – 9 / 1 3 / 2 1
Terminology
Purpose and Method
Presentation
Outline
Findings
Next Steps
Opportunities
Terminology
Transformational technologies:
• Ridesourcing (transportation network companies
[TNCs]) and microtransit
• Carsharing
• Ridesharing (carpool, vanpool, and dynamic
ridesharing)
• Micromobility (bike- and e-scooter share)
• Automated vehicles
Underserved populations:
• Low-income people (below poverty level)
• Persons of color
• Tribal nation residents
• Persons with hearing disabilities
• Persons with ambulatory disabilities
• Persons with vision disabilities
• Persons with cognitive disabilities
• Older adults
• Non-English speakers
• Persons without documentation
• Rural residents
Purpose and Method
The primary goal of TCRP B47: Impacts of Transformational Technologies on Underserved
Populations is to develop a Transformational Technologies and Mobility Inclusion Playbook
that focuses on improving mobility, accessibility, and inclusivity for traditionally underserved
populations.
Literature search and review
Interviews with expert informants to identify mobility gaps
Focus groups
Online survey
Synthesis of findings as scenarios
Policies and strategies
Playbook development
Emphasis on
Qualitative Data
Context is critical when addressing inequity
Quantitative data is limited by necessity – it must
aggregate and dilute
◦ Census statistics
◦ Ridership numbers
◦ Survey
Qualitative data enhances understanding of lived
experience and contextualizes quantitative data
◦ Outreach events
◦ Focus groups and interviews
◦ Customer, stakeholder, and staff feedback
Interviews
Who was included?
What did we ask?
What barriers did we
learn about?
• 27 organizations representing the interests of the project’s
underserved populations
• How are people excluded from using technology-enabled mobility
services?
• What barriers cause them to be excluded?
• What can be done about it?
• Discrimination
• Affordability and upfront costs
• Credit card requirements
• Technology requirements
• Vehicle and app accessibility
• Rural-specific issues
• Safety concerns
Focus Groups - Who was included?
Persons 70+
Low-income
persons
Rural residents
Limited-English,
Spanish-speaking
persons
Visually impaired
persons
Ambulatory
impaired persons
Hearing impaired
persons
Cognitively
impaired persons
People of color and women were represented throughout the groups
All participants received compensation for their time and expertise
Focus Groups – What did we discuss?
Awareness and knowledge of transformational mobility technologies
Current auto, smartphone, and banking services ownership and use
Current modes used for various purposes
Factors influencing individual modal choice, including COVID-19 experience
Willingness to use transformational mobility technologies
Barriers faced in accessing transformational technologies
Viability of potential strategies for ameliorating the barriers
Focus Groups – What did we learn?
Social connection is a
frequent mode choice
and safety
consideration
TNCs were the most
familiar of the
technologies discussed,
but concerns about
strangers were voiced
Automated vehicles are
attractive/enabling for
some, but also seen as
expensive and out of
reach
Bikeshare is seen as
affordable, but safety
and geofencing are
concerns
Many participants
would default to public
transit as their
preferred mode
Next Steps
Finalize playbook as an online resource to
facilitate decision making and policy
development
Produce a complete project summary
report
Further Research Opportunities
Disparities according to:
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◦
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Gender
Sexuality
Parental status
Citizenship status
Legislative action to ensure access
Co-operative and other user-led operational/business models
Participatory budgeting and service design
Community engagement
Thanks!
Zachary Elgart
z-elgart@tti.tamu.edu
737-932-1481 (call or text)