Meeting the Dual Aspirations of Flow Efficiency and Equity in Urban Traffic in Connected Sustainable Cities: A Systematic, Coherent Approach

Principal Investigator(s):

Hani Mahmassani, William A. Patterson Distinguished Chair in Transportation – Northwestern University
Director – Northwestern University Transportation Center (NUTC)

Project Abstract:
As planners and engineers focus on the next generation of disruptive technologies through connectivity and automation, a counter movement is seeking equitable, walkable, sustainable neighborhoods with easier bike and micromobility access for all residents. Overlayed on the urban fabric is increasing reliance on delivery vehicles of all sizes associated with on-demand eCommerce. How can we design and operate complete streets that accommodate both the requirement of flow efficiency achievable through connectivity, automation and shared autonomous mobility services with the aspirations for equitable access to micromobility and human-scale urban spaces?

These seemingly conflicting trends have been proceeding on different tracks, resulting in a hodge podge of ad hoc investments and measures that raise significant safety risk for all system users, especially to the more vulnerable ones (pedestrians and micromobility users). The objective of this effort is to examine the issues systematically, and develop responsive analysis and network simulation tools that allow rigorous investigation of different scenarios with both technological elements and human-centered perspectives. The outcome will be a methodological tool kit and its application to the formulation and analysis of various related scenarios and solutions.

Institution(s): Northwestern University

Award Year: 2023

Research Focus: Safety, Mobility, Equity

Project Form(s):