The Transcend Mobility Lab, led by Dr. Laura M. Keyes, AICP, seeks to identify, test, and advocate for innovative, non-traditional funding and
policy solutions that enhance mobility access for older people and individuals with
disabilities. Its research examines the intersection of public policy, municipal leadership,
and transportation systems in fostering age-friendly communities and improving access
to essential services. By transcending federal funding constraints and leveraging
technology, partnerships, and community-driven approaches, the lab aims to create
equitable and sustainable mobility systems. Key focus areas include:
- Exploring innovative, alternative funding mechanisms like public-private partnerships
and social impact bonds to diversify funding sources, emphasizing equity and sustainability
in pilot programs.
- Using technology and data to analyze the role of tools like one-call one-click platforms
and shared mobility solutions while addressing barriers to adoption in underserved
communities.
- Developing new strategies and policies to reduce inefficiencies, foster regional collaboration,
and streamline resource use across transportation systems.
- Aligning mobility services with community needs through participatory research, addressing
intersections with food access, health care, and social inclusion.
Key Publications, Presentations, and Reports
- Pope, N. E., Greenfield, E. A., Keyes, L., & Russell, E. (2024). A Review of Public Sector Engagement in Age-Friendly Community
Initiatives. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 1-29. Online first.
- Keyes, L., Collins, B., Tao, J., & Tiwari, C. (2022). Aligning policy, place and public value:
planning age friendly cities in municipal organizations. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 34(2), 237-253.
- Keyes, L., Li, Q., Collins, B., & Rivera-Torres, S. (2020). Senior Center Service Utilization:
Do Social Ties Affect Participation Patterns? Journal of Applied Gerontology. Online first.
- Keyes, Laura, & Benavides, A. D. (2019). Responsive Management: Municipal Leadership for an Aging
Population. Journal of Public Management & Social Policy, 26(2), 119-136.
Publications in Progress
- Keyes, L., Kim, J., Balachandran, S., Ford, S. (nd) Missing Meals: How Transportation Impacts
Food Access for the Transportation Disadvantaged (In preparation for submission).
- Kuttler, S., Keyes, L., Balachandran, S., Kim, J., Sengupta, A. (nd) Don't Put Your
What-Ifs on Me: Institutional Inefficiencies in Community-Based Transportation (In
preparation for submission).
Grant-Funded Reports
- Balachandran, S., Keyes, L., Andrew, S., Ford, S., Kim, J. (2023). The Dynamics of One-Call One-Click Transportation
Planning Systems: Insights from a 21 Case Study Analysis. Prepared for Ride Connect
Texas and the San Antonio Area Foundation.
- Keyes, L., Balachandran, S., Andrew, S., Ford, S., Kim, J. (2024). Institutional and Infrastructure Capacity Assessment.
Prepared for Ride Connect Texas and the San Antonio Area Foundation.
- Keyes, L., Balachandran, S., Andrew, S., Ford, S., Kim, J. (2024). Ridership and Focus Group Assessment. Prepared
for Ride Connect Texas and the San Antonio Area Foundation.
- Keyes, L., Balachandran, S., Andrew, S., Ford, S., Kim, J. (2024). One-Call One-Click Readiness Assessments. Prepared
for Ride Connect Texas and the San Antonio Area Foundation.
- Keyes, L., Collins, B., Kruger, S., Vicars-Nance, J. (2021) City of Allen Collaboration with
community nonprofit organizations: Options, recommendations, and best practices. Prepared
for the City of Allen, Texas.
- Keyes, L., Collins, B., Kruger, S., Vicars-Nance, J. (2021) City of Allen Social Service System
Response to Covid-19.
- Keyes, L., Collins, B., Tiwari, C., (2019). San Antonio Senior Services Assessment Report, Prepared
for: City of San Antonio, Human Services Department.
Research team members:
- Dr. Laura M. Keyes, AICP, University of North Texas
- Dr. Jintak Kim, University of North Texas
- Dr. Sowmya Balachandran, University of Massachusetts Boston
- Sara Kuttler, ABD, Doctoral Candidate, University of North Texas
- Aparajita Sengupta, Doctoral Student, University of North Texas
Grants and Funding
The Transcend Mobility Lab has secured funding from key municipal and organizational
partners to advance research on equitable mobility and social services. Notable grants
include:
- PI, City of San Antonio, Ride Connect of Texas, One Call One Click Transportation
Planning System Grant, September 1, 2023, $164,000.
- Co-PI, City of Allen, Texas, Social Service System Response to Covid-19, April-June
2021, $28,000.
- Co-PI, City of San Antonio, Senior Center Assessment Survey and Data Visualization
Tool, May 15 – September 30, 2019, $110,000.
Sustainability Plans
To ensure the sustainability of the lab’s initiative, Dr. Keyes aims to secure funding
from foundations, government grants, and local government and nonprofit contracts
for applied research projects.