Characterization of Underserved Population Perceptions and Mobility Needs in Connected-Vehicle and Smarter City Environment

Abdel-Rahim, Ahmed; Prescott, Logan · 2024 · ROSA P / Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium (PacTrans) (UTC)

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Summary

This report addresses the mobility challenges and safety needs of underserved populations in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) within the context of emerging connected-vehicle and smart-city technologies. The research was motivated by the observation that while transportation technology advances rapidly, disadvantaged communities—including older adults, individuals with physical or mental disabilities, Native American Tribal communities, and households without car ownership—are increasingly left behind. The primary goal was to characterize these groups’ perceptions of new mobility technologies and to educate them about potential safety and mobility improvements. The study employed an outreach-based methodology involving extensive engagement with stakeholders from the identified underserved groups. The project team recruited community stakeholders and facilitated discussions through focus groups divided by geographic distribution. Additionally, the researchers conducted interviews with Tribal representatives and developed a web-based data collection tool to record perceptions regarding travel challenges. This approach allowed the team to document specific mobility needs, identify barriers, and explore how smart-city implications could address these issues. The report synthesizes findings from these interviews, focus groups, and a literature review on the historical and current status of these disadvantaged groups in the PNW. Key findings highlight significant disparities in traffic safety and mobility access. Native American communities face disproportionately high motor vehicle crash fatalities, exacerbated by complex jurisdictional laws, historical mistrust of government entities, and inadequate infrastructure such as missing sidewalks. Older adults and individuals with disabilities often feel isolated and face barriers to independence, despite existing legal frameworks like the Americans with Disabilities Act. Households without car ownership struggle with financial stress and limited access to essential services, particularly in rural areas lacking public transportation. The outreach efforts revealed that while these groups are aware of their challenges, they often lack knowledge about how connected-vehicle technologies could mitigate them. The study concludes that connected-vehicle and smart mobility technologies offer crucial opportunities to enhance the safety, independence, and quality of life for these populations. Specific applications identified include adaptive technologies for people with disabilities, advanced driver assistance systems for older drivers, real-time multimodal trip planning, and on-demand transportation services. For Tribal communities, these technologies could improve access to services and support cultural preservation. The report emphasizes that successful implementation requires addressing institutional, behavioral, and cultural barriers, such as data sovereignty issues and historical mistrust. By integrating these technologies with targeted outreach and inclusive design, stakeholders can promote equitable mobility solutions that benefit all underserved groups in both urban and rural PNW communities.

Key finding

Underserved populations in the Pacific Northwest perceive connected-vehicle and smart-city technologies as crucial for improving mobility and safety, though implementation is hindered by barriers such as infrastructure gaps, cultural mistrust, and financial limitations.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• demographic disparities