Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected rental housing prices, but previous research lacks comprehensive data across different residential categories. This study fills that gap by analyzing 48 months of closed rental listings from the Austin region’s Multiple Listing Service. It examines the pandemic’s impact on four types of residential properties,… read more
Projects
EVALUATING THE AFFORDABILITY AND THE IMPACTS OF PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICES: An Expandable and Predictable Framework of Location Affordability in Los Angeles County
Abstract: This dissertation addresses limitations in existing affordability frameworks, proposing an expandable framework to incorporate critical components like health costs. Focusing on Los Angeles County, it examines the impacts of public transit on location affordability, emphasizing accessibility factors and socio-demographic influences on property values. The study validates public transit’s role… read more
Identifying transit deserts for low-income commuters in Wuhan Metropolitan Area, China
Abstract: This research examines the spatial patterns of transit systems and commuter flows in the Wuhan Metropolitan Area, China, using Baidu users’ location data. It identifies transit deserts that particularly affect low-income commuters. The study reveals several key findings: Firstly, most transit demand originates from trips between neighboring communities, while… read more
Understanding the Shared E-scooter Travels in Austin, TX
Abstract: This paper examines the travel patterns of 1.7 million shared E-scooter trips in Austin, TX, spanning from April 2018 to February 2019. With over 6,000 active E-scooters monthly, these trips covered approximately 117,000 miles. During this period, the average trip distance was 0.77 miles, lasting 7.55 minutes. Two primary… read more
Using Open Source Data to Identify Transit Deserts in Four Major Chinese Cities
Abstract: This study investigates transit deserts in major Chinese cities, inspired by the concept of food deserts. Using open-source data, transit desert areas in Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and Chengdu are identified. Key findings include: (1) Transit deserts are primarily found in city centers, unlike in developed countries such as the… read more
Impact of Neighborhood Built Environments on Shopping Travel Modes in Shanghai, China
Abstract: This study examines how neighborhood built environments influence pedestrians’ shopping travel activities in Shanghai, China, a high-density urban setting where walking is a common mode of transportation. Using data from a survey conducted in 2011 across 21 randomly selected neighborhoods, including shopping travel patterns, perceived environmental characteristics, and individual… read more
The Geography and Equity of Crowdsourced Public Participation for Active Transportation Planning
Abstract: This paper explores the geography and equity of public participation methods in Austin, Texas, focusing on active transportation planning. It compares traditional in-person meetings with digital approaches, including a public participation geographic information system (PPGIS) and a smartphone platform for crowdsourcing input on biking and walking routes. The study… read more
Shared mobility and transit-dependent population: A new equity opportunity or issue?
Abstract: This paper examines the impact of shared mobility on transit-dependent populations and the potential for shared mobility to alleviate transit deserts in New York City (NYC). Utilizing data from various sources and multinomial models, the study reveals that shared mobility plays a significant role in serving low-income individuals without… read more
Bike-Sharing Station Usage and the Surrounding Built Environments in Major Texas Cities
Abstract: This study explores how various built environments impact bike-share usage in emerging dock-based systems across three Texas cities. Previous research lacks clarity on whether factors that drive high bicycle usage in large cities also apply to smaller, developing bike-share markets in less densely populated American cities. In Austin and… read more
Measuring Social Vulnerability in Transit Deserts of United States Metro Areas
Abstract: This study aimed to identify areas in the US needing both transit improvements and anti-displacement protection. Instead of solely focusing on transit-dependent populations, a new method was developed to consider overall transportation demand among independent residents compared to public transit supply. Transit deserts in metro areas were analyzed using… read more