SMU partners on Mobility Equity Research Center to support communities with transportation challenges

Researchers from SMU Lyle, Florida A&M University, Arizona State University, and the University of Utah have received $2.97 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand accessibility and mobility for underserved communities.

The first-of-its kind Mobility Equity Research Center will establish a collaborative effort, Advancing Community-Centric Equitable Systems and Solutions in Mobility (ACCESS-M) at Florida A&M. Using a three-pronged research approach of policy, technology, and operation, the center will develop comprehensive solutions that can be implemented across diverse regions and communities.

As part of the initiative, Janille Smith-Colin, J. Lindsay Embrey Trustee Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering and lead researcher from SMU, will be helping the City of Dallas measure the performance of infrastructure investments to determine progress made toward equity goals. Her research aims to create better outcomes for communities in the infrastructure development process, creating a more just transportation system now and for future generations.

“It’s a unique opportunity for SMU to participate in this first-of-its-kind center funded through the Office of the Secretary of Transportation,” Dr. Smith-Colin said. “I’m very passionate and excited about this work, which has potential to inform transportation policy decisions and move forward local and national mobility issues.”

Her research group has developed analytical tools to support transportation infrastructure planning and decision making, and to help Dallas operationalize and measure performance of investments that improve access to essential services – such as healthcare – for vulnerable populations. By quantifying barriers to access, including factors like age and income status, better solutions can be determined for underserved communities.

"Data-driven solutions are essential for transforming mobility and accessibility in our communities who experience the greatest need,” said Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion, City of Dallas. “This partnership with SMU is not just an opportunity; it’s a crucial step toward addressing place-based disparities which will support the advancement of the City’s Racial Equity Plan."

The Smith-Colin Research Group uses system dynamics modeling, spatial analysis, and transportation data analysis to plan and design socially sustainable and resilient infrastructure, conduct equity-based analysis of emerging transportation technologies, and to examine transportation as social-determinant of health. Dr. Smith-Colin’s engineering education research integrates community-based participatory research and design thinking to solve civil engineering problems facing underserved groups.

“It’s important to take a multi-faceted approach to thinking through how we invest money to improve equity and transportation,” she said.