The shared mobility sector has made remarkable strides in recent years, yet communities continue to lack access to affordable and safe transportation, limiting their ability to secure jobs, access education, and lead healthier lives.
Traditional transportation research often overlooks the complexity of these interconnected challenges. Equity, environmental impact, and community inclusion are frequently sidelined, leaving critical gaps in our understanding of how to create sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.
To meet these challenges, SUMC redefines how research can drive systemic change.
Our Approach
Our research centers on people first. This process is not just about producing knowledge—it’s about equipping mobility leaders with the tools and insights they need to implement real-world change for the people on the ground.
Read more about how measuring the why and outcomes-focused research in shared mobility can help us genuinely deliver the equity and climate benefits it says it can.
We aim to address both the symptoms and the root causes of inequity and inefficiency in transportation systems. To maximize the impact of our research, SUMC prioritizes six areas:
- Resilience and Adaptability: Developing strategies to help shared mobility systems thrive during environmental, economic, and social transitions.
- Behavior and Cultural Change: Addressing barriers to shared mobility adoption and fostering cultural shifts toward sustainable transportation.
- Health and Safety: Designing systems that prioritize user well-being and community safety.
- Social Equity and Inclusivity: Ensuring that marginalized communities have equitable access to transportation options.
- Environmental Sustainability: Reducing the carbon footprint of shared mobility systems through both well-established and innovative practices.
- Economic Impact and Empowerment: Defining business models that promote financial sustainability while empowering local communities.
Our Work
Through case studies and learning modules, program evaluations, and peer-reviewed publications, we spotlight local voices and translate findings into actionable insights to support public agencies, nonprofits, and local leaders as they make informed decisions.
We specialize in mixed-methods approaches featuring qualitative and quantitative research designs, including stakeholder and community-based semi-structured interviews, focus groups, participatory workshops, survey design and analysis, administrative and secondary data analysis, and applied tools such as persona and user journey development, policy and program evaluation, and data visualization and storytelling.
Recent Publications
For a full list of our publications, visit our Publications page. To read any of our case studies or learning modules, visit our Mobility Learning Center.
Contact Us
For more information about SUMC’s research agenda and programs, reach out to Dr. Lauren N. McCarthy, Senior Director of Research and Impact, Lauren@sharedusemobilitycenter.org, or Colin Murphy, Director of Research and Consulting, Colin@sharedusemobilitycenter.org.