Transformational Technologies and Mobility Inclusion Playbook (2024)
Chapter: Chapter 5 - Conclusion
CHAPTER 5
Conclusion
Technological advancements bring both opportunities and risks to mobility, particularly for historically underserved populations and other populations who face challenges in accessing transportation options. Recent years have witnessed the rapid emergence of shared and on-demand mobility services driven by economic, environmental, and social forces. These services, ranging from micromobility options to car-based services and ridehailing platforms, have gained significant popularity and have become mainstream. Shared AVs also expand the realm of shared mobility options by incorporating automation into various transportation modes, such as microtransit, on-demand, and taxi services. This capability not only mirrors the services provided by human-driven shared mobility options but also extends the reach of AVs to address service gaps for underserved populations.
Although these new and future mobility services offer numerous benefits, there is a concern that they may further exacerbate disparities, thus isolating diverse populations and leaving them behind. Failure to address the needs of these populations in transportation planning can perpetuate historical, institutional disenfranchisement. Thus, the objective of this study was to provide guidance to achieve inclusive mobility, with a focus on ensuring that underserved communities benefit from technology-enabled mobility services. Exclusion from new mobility is not a given and can be avoided with strategic implementation.
The playbook provides solutions to ensure inclusive mobility and improve transportation equity within the rapidly changing transformative transportation ecosystem, thereby helping address the critical need to ensure that transformative technologies do not further widen the gap between the haves and have-nots. The playbook provides actionable guidance, data-driven insights, and metrics to inform decision-making processes for achieving inclusive, equitable transportation and enhanced access to technology-enabled mobility services. The guidance provided in the playbook was informed by an understanding of the historical exclusion and marginalization of mobility options and emphasizes current initiatives and strategic plans. The focus is on how to include historically underserved populations in mobility enhancements, such as smartphone apps, vehicle automation, and shared on-demand mobility services. Through this research, public and private entities can actively work toward transportation equity and ensure that the benefits of transformative technologies are accessible to all members of society.
This playbook and its supporting projects recognize that addressing inclusive mobility is an ongoing and continuous process. The playbook emphasizes the importance of conducting regular evaluations to stay attuned to shifting needs and barriers. By proactively responding to these changes, decision-makers and practitioners can ensure that the strategies and interventions remain effective and responsive to the evolving landscape of inclusive mobility.
