Browsing by Author "Andersen, Kory"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The Legal Obligations, Obstacles, and Opportunities for Automated and Connected Vehicles to Improve Mobility and Access for People Unable to Drive
    (Michigan State Law Review, 2017) Douma, Frank; Lari, Adeel; Andersen, Kory
    In recent decades, several legislative and regulatory mandates, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, “United We Ride” initiative, and Olmstead court decision, have been issued in attempt to improve mobility and access for those who are unable to drive. Yet despite these well-intentioned and continuing efforts, our current transportation system does not fully address these disparities. Self-driving vehicles (SDVs) present an opportunity to address these disparities by providing a level of transportation access for people unable to drive that our current transportation system cannot. Yet, even though nearly every automobile manufacturer and several major technology companies are developing SDVs and related technologies, researchers and policymakers are pointing out that more work is needed if the promise of increased mobility and access is to be fulfilled. For example, the National Council on Disability noted in November 2015 that because of the development pace and “proprietary nature of its engineering,” the explicit details of how designers and manufacturers” are ensuring equitable access for disabled and low-income individuals has nearly been non-existent. This Article will address the legal obligations, opportunities, and obstacles facing SDV technologies in this arena by articulating some of the specific challenges and questions that must be addressed. Questions such as what SDV deployment will look like, rider safety, vehicle design for wheelchair and disabled users, and the evolving role of policymakers in creating opportunities for this population will be discussed. Without answers to these questions, our ability to create an equitable transportation system through SDV technology will be limited.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Prioritizing People at Rice and Larpenteur
    (2017) Lou, Shengnan; Lampe, Joe; Kramer, Jacquelyn; Andersen, Kory
    Metro Transit’s Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Office was established to support TOD throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan region. In anticipation of an expanding regional transit system, the TOD Office sets the best TOD design standards for developers, municipalities, and communities. Managing these controls requires an understanding of land allocation in these sites. This information can help to determine whether or not current and potential developments will be successful in the future, can be used in education efforts regarding TOD, and can contribute to future TOD site selection. The objectives of this report are to understand land allocation at transit nodes throughout the region; analysis will identify the components that led to successful TOD in the region, and provide site-specific recommendations for TOD at the intersection of Rice Street and Larpenteur Avenue The Existing Conditions section examines the regional context for transit-oriented development in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Specifically, we look at the history of TOD in the Twin Cities, identify factors contributing to a successful TOD based on qualitative and quantitative research, and explore the TOD policy in local and regional comprehensive plans. Based on the information found in these points, seven existing/proposed transit nodes in the Twin Cities region were selected. Each node’s current conditions and development potential was analyzed. Furthermore, each node’s vehicles, buildings, and people spaces were determined to create a ratio. The analysis concluded that there is no ‘golden standard’ for the land allocation. The ratio still has a purpose. The vehicle-building-people land ratio is an educational tool and conversation starter. Based on the findings from the Existing Conditions, the Action Plan proposes site-specific recommendations for the neighborhoods that meet at the Rice and Larpenteur intersection. Given that spaces for vehicles dominate the site of Rice and Larpenteur, we develop a set of action plans to sponsor a more human-centered, rejuvenated, and sustainable development in the area. Within the action plan, we developed a set of strategic goals and policies. These are broken up into the following sections: community now and the community later, transportation, and economic development.