Often, new technologies and advances in transportation are not readily accessible to all, resulting in their benefits being unavailable to several underserved communities, such as in rural and tribal areas. Technological advancements in transportation, especially electrification but also the development of “new mobility” options and other advancements, are generally geared toward serving urban areas. This project will investigate how communities that are often left out can optimally use new technologies, not only to reduce emissions, but to advance other health pathways. The general objective is to explore ways to reduce emissions from public transportation in smaller communities, including rural and tribal areas, and to improve health. Specific objectives are to identify challenges and opportunities for alternative fuels and new vehicle technologies in rural and tribal areas, research strategies for use of electric vehicles for on-demand rural ridesharing or rural intercity bus networks and study the potential of innovative transportation services for reducing emissions. The study, which will incorporate a mixed-methods approach, will provide information about adoption rates, deterrents, challenges, and successes in rural and tribal areas. It will examine the cost, energy efficiency, and feasibility of operating on-demand rideshare programs in rural areas with electric vehicles, incorporating electric vehicles among the rural transit fleet, or introducing more efficient technology-enabled on-demand mobility options. This project will apply CARTEEH’s 14 Pathways to Health framework to rural and tribal communities. Results will help to ensure an equitable distribution of benefits and disbenefits of these new technologies for these communities.
Often, new technologies and advances in transportation are not readily accessible to all, resulting in their benefits being unavailable to several underserved communities, such as in rural and tribal areas. Technological advancements in transportation, especially electrification but also the development of “new mobility” options and other advancements, are generally geared toward serving urban areas. This project will investigate how communities that are often left out can optimally use new technologies, not only to reduce emissions, but to advance other health pathways. The general objective is to explore ways to reduce emissions from public transportation in smaller communities, including rural and tribal areas, and to improve health. Specific objectives are to identify challenges and opportunities for alternative fuels and new vehicle technologies in rural and tribal areas, research strategies for use of electric vehicles for on-demand rural ridesharing or rural intercity bus networks and study the potential of innovative transportation services for reducing emissions. The study, which will incorporate a mixed-methods approach, will provide information about adoption rates, deterrents, challenges, and successes in rural and tribal areas. It will examine the cost, energy efficiency, and feasibility of operating on-demand rideshare programs in rural areas with electric vehicles, incorporating electric vehicles among the rural transit fleet, or introducing more efficient technology-enabled on-demand mobility options. This project will apply CARTEEH’s 14 Pathways to Health framework to rural and tribal communities. Results will help to ensure an equitable distribution of benefits and disbenefits of these new technologies for these communities.