published journal article

Teleworkers and Physical Commuters During the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Change in Mobility Related Attitudes and the Intention to Telecommute in the Future

Publication Date

April 22, 2025

Associated Project

Assessing Temporary and Long-Lasting Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Travel in California

Author(s)

Jai Malik, Giovanni Circella, Xiatian Iogansen

Areas of Expertise

Travel Behavior, Land Use, & the Built Environment

View published journal article

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted commuting habits, with many individuals shifting to telecommuting. This study examines the impact of disrupted commuting habits on psychological constructs, such as attitudes or active lifestyle. Using longitudinal survey data from the California panel study of emerging transportation, the study compares two groups (those who started telecommuting, N = 458, and those who continued physically commuting, N = 523) at two points (early pandemic 2020 and later pandemic 2021). Exploratory factor analysis was used to extract the latent psychological constructs and structural equation modeling was used to model the intention to telecommute in the future for each year. Results show that some psychological constructs (such as attitude toward sustainable modes) remain stable across groups and time, while others (such as concern about pathogens) depend on both group and stage of the pandemic. The intention to telecommute in the future remains high and is mainly dependent on individuals’ attitude toward it and their tech-savviness, rather than on a concern about pathogens or demographics. The findings may inform policies that promote sustainable and flexible mobility options, like telecommuting, that have the potential to enhance work-life balance in a post-pandemic world.

Related Publications

research report

Changes in Activity-Travel Patterns and Vehicle Ownership During the COVID-19 Pandemic in California

policy brief

Assessing the Shift to Remote and Hybrid Work in California throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

research report

Barriers to Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Transportation Part 2: Investigating Evolving Travel Behaviors in the Post-Pandemic Period in California

published journal article

Longitudinal Analysis of COVID-19 Impacts on Mobility: An Early Snapshot of the Emerging Changes in Travel Behavior

conference paper

Latent Class Analysis of Changes in the Use of Public Transportation in The Greater Los Angeles Region during the COVID-19 Pandemic

research report

Assessing and Improving the Equity Impacts of California High-Speed Rail

Publication Date

April 1, 2025

Associated Project

Assessing and Improving the Equity Impacts of California High-Speed Rail

Author(s)

Kaijing Ding, Mark Hansen

Areas of Expertise

Public Transit, Shared Mobility, & Active Transportation

View research report

Abstract

This study assesses the impact of high-speed rail on accessibility to employment and educational opportunities for the census tracts in the California Central Valley. The accessibility is assessed for driving only mode and transit only mode for the baseline scenario and driving plus HSR mode and transit plus HSR mode for the scenario after HSR start operation. We plot the accessibility distribution for census tracts and calculate the spatial equality index of accessibility distribution to compare the accessibility before and after HSR starts operation, as well as the accessibility for communities of concern (CoCs). Our findings include multiple aspects. Most importantly, we find that HSR yields the greatest accessibility gains to the most vulnerable communities, which we term CoC Level 2 and Level 3 communities. This improvement is attained for both employment and education accessibility, and whether HSR access/egress is by driving or transit. Second, it is also the case that vulnerable communities have higher baseline accessibilities as a result of being located in urban areas. Third, HSR accessibility gains are restricted to higher travel time thresholds, generally 60 min or greater. Fourth, driving mode has consistently higher accessibility as well as accessibility improvement due to HSR than transit mode. Fifth, while the accessibility improvement brought by HSR is highly spatially uneven, HSR slightly equalizes the distribution of accessibility across census tracts under the driving + HSR scenario.

Related Publications

policy brief

California’s High-Speed Rail Yields the Greatest Accessibility Gains to the Most Vulnerable Communities

website

Distribution-Grid-EV-CA

Associated Project

Investigating the Direct and Indirect Costs of Grid Updates Related to Transportation Electrification on Disadvantaged Communities

Author(s)

Yanning Li

Areas of Expertise

Safety, Public Health, & Mobility Justice Zero-Emission Vehicles & Low-Carbon Fuels

View website

policy brief

Leveraging Robotaxis to Support Transit Riders in Emergencies

Publication Date

August 1, 2025

Associated Project

Improving Transportation System Resilience with Shared Automated Vehicles

Author(s)

Arash Ghaffar, Jiangbo (Gabe) Yu, Michael Hyland

Areas of Expertise

Infrastructure Delivery, Operations, & Resilience

View policy brief

Abstract

Transportation systems are vulnerable to disruptive events. Rail transit systems are particularly vulnerable because their vehicles operate on fixed tracks, making it difficult for them to safely and efficiently bypass each other or disrupted sections of the rail network. To improve the resilience of transit systems in the future, we explored the use of shared automated vehicles (SAVs), also called robo-taxis, to pick up stranded passengers and deliver them to their homes or other drop-off locations, such as an unaffected transit stop. For example, transit agencies could have a contract with one or more SAV fleet operators that would allocate a certain number or percentage of their vehicles to provide transportation between stations in the transit network. The transit agency would pay a recurring fee to ensure access to SAVs during a disruption. The transit agency will agree to pay the SAV fleet provider based on either (i) the number of travelers served during a disruption, or (ii) the cumulative vehicle-hours the SAVs provide exclusive service to transit riders. To explore this concept, the research team developed a simulation model that shows how SAVs could help riders during major transit disruptions

research report

Matching Technique with Authority: A Study of How Local DOTs Can Narrow the Gap between their Network Management Authority and their Analytical Capacity

Publication Date

September 8, 2025

Associated Project

Matching Technique with Authority: A Study of How Local DOTs Can Narrow the Gap between their Network Management Authority and their Analytical Capacity

Author(s)

Rowland Awadagin Herbert-Faulkner, Jane Macfarlane, Karen Frick, Joan Walker

Areas of Expertise

Safety, Public Health, & Mobility Justice

View research report

Abstract

This report explores how local DOTs can leverage advanced traffic modeling software to narrow the gap between their network management authority and their analytical capacity. Limited computational and analytical capacity among local DOTs has historically made detailed on-demand analytics inaccessible. Using the Mobiliti traffic simulation platform, we examine the City of San José’s Safer Streets program to determine the operational and social impacts of the city’s traffic management strategies. We find that imposing a 20 mph speed limit cap on residential streets in San José’s Equity Priority Communities leads to a 39% reduction in passthrough traffic on those streets, but a 76% increase in traffic on streets in the surrounding network. Using this analytical approach, instead of relying on technical assistance from MPOs network managers can more quickly gain quantified insights into the response of network dynamics to localized interventions.

Related Publications

policy brief

Mobiliti—A New Tool to Guide Safer, More Equitable Traffic Management Strategies

policy brief

Beyond Transit Discounts: Comparing the L.A. Mobility Wallet and Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) Programs

Publication Date

May 5, 2025

Associated Project

Evaluation of a Large Scale Universal Basic Mobility Wallet in South Los Angeles – Phase I

Author(s)

Sang-O Kim, Madeline Brozen, Madeline Wander, Tamika Butler, Evelyn Blumenberg

Areas of Expertise

Safety, Public Health, & Mobility Justice

View policy brief

Abstract

Transportation affordability is a major concern for low-income people and households across the United States. While car ownership rates remain relatively high, the associated costs — insurance, gas, and repairs — can place
a significant financial burden on low-income households. Even for those who own a vehicle, these costs can limit how often they use it. As a result, in Los Angeles, many low-income residents rely heavily on public transit or active transportation options. In fact, 69% of Metro bus riders report annual
household incomes below $25,000. Despite this, there is no federal mandate to financially support the mobility needs of low-income people — besides fare discounts for seniors and individuals with disabilities. In this context, Los Angeles has begun piloting a new, more ambitious mobility approach. Since 2023, the L.A. Mobility Wallet pilot — developed in partnership between Metro and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation — has sought to expand transportation access for low-income residents. Through the pilot, 1,000 participants in South Los Angeles received $150 per month for one year on a prepaid debit card to cover shared mobility services, including transit fare, bikeshare, e-scooters, ride-hail services, regional transportation (e.g., Amtrak, Greyhound), and purchases at local bike shops. The first phase of this pilot concluded in April 2024. The flexibility of a mobility wallet marks a departure from how public transit agencies traditionally assist low-income riders. This brief compares L.A.’s two primary mobility assistance programs: the Mobility Wallet pilot and Metro’s Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE), launched in 2019, which provides 20 free transit rides per month.

policy brief

Mobiliti—A New Tool to Guide Safer, More Equitable Traffic Management Strategies

Publication Date

September 4, 2025

Associated Project

Matching Technique with Authority: A Study of How Local DOTs Can Narrow the Gap between their Network Management Authority and their Analytical Capacity

Author(s)

Rowland Awadagin Herbert-Faulkner, Jane Macfarlane, Karen Frick, Joan Walker

Areas of Expertise

Safety, Public Health, & Mobility Justice

View policy brief

Abstract

Regional studies examining transportation-related emissions and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) highlight the disproportionate safety and environmental impacts of passthrough traffic on vulnerable communities – traffic that travels through, but does not originate or end in these communities. Transportation practitioners and researchers have sought to address these inequities with locally tailored, context sensitive traffic management strategies (e.g., lowered speed limits on residential streets). However, decision makers must carefully consider the network-wide tradeoffs these strategies may introduce, which can complicate their effectiveness. This policy brief presents a network analysis method that is accessible to local and regional transportation agencies using Mobiliti, a high-performance traffic simulator currently available for research purposes. However, we demonstrate Mobiliti’s practical applications for transportation agencies. Developed by research scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Mobiliti offers traffic assignment solutions and regional simulation capabilities, allowing for high-resolution, iterative exploration of road treatments and routing strategies. Analysts can manipulate network characteristics and vehicle behavior by adjusting parameters such as lane count, speed limit, and the percentage of vehicles, to dynamically optimize travel times. These capabilities can support transportation equity evaluations by giving network managers deeper insights into the mutual relationships between local and regional traffic dynamics and the resulting social impacts.

Related Publications

research report

Matching Technique with Authority: A Study of How Local DOTs Can Narrow the Gap between their Network Management Authority and their Analytical Capacity

policy brief

Machine Learning Can Reveal Effectiveness of Traffic Safety Countermeasures

Publication Date

September 3, 2025

Associated Project

Developing a Safety Effectiveness Evaluation Tool for California

Author(s)

Jia Li, Yanlin Qi, Michael Zhang

Areas of Expertise

Safety, Public Health, & Mobility Justice

View policy brief

Abstract

Emerging machine learning capabilities can be leveraged to make transportation infrastructure safer and reduce fatalities by informing decisions about which countermeasures to apply at crash-prone locations. At this time, project prioritization typically involves assessing effectiveness, cost-benefit ratios, and available funding. Crash Modification Factors (CMFs) play an essential role in project assessment by predicting the effectiveness of safety countermeasures. Their applicability has limitations, however. Some of these may be overcome with innovative approaches such as knowledge-mining. The US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) CMF Clearinghouse provides practitioners with a list of reliable CMFs developed from individual studies. However, available CMFs do not cover all potential scenarios-of-interest to State DOTs because unique projects may feature novel infrastructure types or countermeasures. Experimental or observational studies are the dominant tools for estimating CMFs. However, these approaches may require years of effort to collect adequate crash data. To address these challenges, the research team developed a machine learning framework that mines CMF Clearinghouse data to uncover previously unidentified relationships. This provides a cost-effective and time-efficient solution to assessing CMFs not covered by the CMF Clearinghouse. The study proposed framework fully explores existing CMF data. The research team extensively trained and tested the proposed approach on CMF Clearinghouse data with experiments and showed that the framework can predict CMFs with reasonable accuracy. The framework flexibly incorporates heterogeneous data from the CMF Clearinghouse, captures the semantic contexts of countermeasures, and maintains data compatibility.

Related Publications

research report

Developing a Safety Effectiveness Evaluation Tool for California

research report

Drivers’ Responses to Eco-driving Applications: Effects on Fuel Consumption and Driving Safety

Publication Date

August 1, 2025

Associated Project

Drivers’ Responses to Eco-driving Applications: Effects on Fuel Consumption and Driving Safety

Author(s)

Rui Lin , Pei (Peggy) Wang

Areas of Expertise

Travel Behavior, Land Use, & the Built Environment

View research report

Abstract

Onboard eco-driving systems provide drivers with real-time information about their driving behavior and road conditions, encouraging them to optimize their driving speed and consequently reduce fuel consumption and emissions. However, there are barriers to making eco-driving a habit. To determine the elements that influence drivers’ intentions to practice eco-driving and their acceptance of eco-driving technology, the research team developed a theoretical model based on established theories on planned behavior, technology acceptance, and personal goals. The findings showed that drivers’ intention to practice eco-driving has an indirect effect on their intention to use the system via the factor of perceived ease of use. The research team also explored how cognitive distraction while using an eco-driving system can be a potential barrier to acceptance. The intent is to put forward a solution to improve drivers’ usage of eco-driving by turning off guidance when the system detects that the driver is experiencing serious distraction. To investigate how to detect a driver’s cognitive distraction status when they are interacting with an eco-driving system, this project used a driving simulator and leveraged machine learning algorithms to classify drivers’ attentional states. The findings showed that the glance features played a more important role than the driving features in cognitive distraction.

Related Publications

policy brief

What Would it Take for Drivers to Adopt Eco-Driving Behaviors?

policy brief

Navigating the road to 100% zero emission vehicle sales: policy and research needs

Publication Date

September 3, 2025

Associated Project

Potential Challenges and Research Needs in reaching 100% Zero Emission Vehicle Sales in California: A Focus on Plug-in Electric Vehicles

Author(s)

Scott Hardman

Areas of Expertise

Zero-Emission Vehicles & Low-Carbon Fuels

View policy brief

Abstract

More than 30 countries and several states and provinces (e.g., California, British Columbia) intend to reach 100% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales by between 2025 and 2040. In 2024, 22% of global vehicle sales were plug-in electric vehicles (PEV), some large auto markets reached 10-30% in PEV sales, and some Nordic nations achieved sales of between 30% and 90%. Little research focuses specifically on challenges in reaching 100% ZEV sales. This policy brief is based on a literature review of the growing body of research on PEVs. The review focuses on understanding challenges in reaching 100% PEV sales and identifies current research questions on issues related to 100% PEV adoption.