An analysis of commuting at Rutgers University finds that driving is a major source of emissions and that requiring more in-person workdays increases overall commuting-related carbon output.
Michael J. Smart
Transit Usage Impacts of NJ Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs)
Research in New Jersey TOD areas shows transit access encourages walking, cycling, and local shopping, though usage is shaped by reliability, security, income, and pandemic-driven changes in commuting.
Invisible Rides: How Car-Less Americans Access Cars
How and why do zero-car households seek car access? We used a national online survey of 830 American adults and interviews with twenty-nine low- and moderate-income travelers about their car access behaviors to answer this question.
Powering bikeshare in New York City: does the usage of e-bikes differ from regular bikes?
Study investigates the difference between shared electric bicycles (e-bikes) and conventional shared bikes operated by Citi Bike in New York City.
Disentangling the role of cars and transit in employment and labor earnings
In this article, Professor Smart and Nicholas Klein (Bloustein PhD, 2014) find that having a car helps Americans find jobs, keep those jobs over time, and move up the economic ladder.
Remembrance of Cars and Buses Past
This research suggests a long-term benefit for encouraging transit at younger ages to foster a “transit habit.”
A Longitudinal Analysis of Cars, Transit, and Employment Outcomes
This report improves on existing data by analyzing groups that have variable access to automobiles – poor families, immigrants, and people of color.
The Social Context of Travel
The authors examine how the social context of a neighborhood can influence activity and travel patterns of those living in “neighborhoods of affinity,” where members of a group with strong social ties live and work.
Gay Men Travel Shorter Distances than the Average Person
Gay men living in gay neighborhoods travel much shorter distances on average than their straight next-door neighbors do.
Recent Publications
Carbon Emissions and Remote Work at a Large University System
We report on an analysis of carbon emissions from commuting to a large multi-campus university system, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. This is derived from a campus survey to assess carbon emissions and various attitudes towards sustainability across a...
Their Experiences: Understanding Women and LGBTQ+ Transit Users in New Jersey
Women and sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) have unique transportation experiences and needs, including public transit services. However, there is a gap in the data that documents their experiences and needs. This paper aims to add to existing research by examining...
From Challenge to Resilience: The Evolution of NJ TRANSIT Funding and a Roadmap to a Reliable Future
Since its creation in 1979, NJ TRANSIT has grown into the geographically largest public transit system in the United States. Over more than four decades, the agency’s financial structure has shifted in response to changing state and federal priorities—shaping service...
Public Transit User Experiences and Feelings of Safety among Marginalized Genders
Harassment, discrimination, and violence are major concerns for women and sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) who ride public transit. However, these experiences often go underreported, and agencies may not be aware of the extent of harassment within their services....