Transit Mobility

Texas A&M Transportation Institute
701 N. Post Oak Road
Suite 430
Houston, TX 77024
(972) 994-2219
[email protected]

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Dr. Roya Etminani-Ghasrodashti is an Associate Transportation Researcher at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. Her research focuses on the adoption of shared autonomous vehicles and public transit systems, with an emphasis on how individuals' travel behavior is shaped by and interacts with the built environment. Since joining TTI in 2022, she has contributed to a wide range of applied research projects, including transit fare systems, transit workforce retention, accessibility for transit riders with vision disabilities, and the evaluation of human services transportation. She has also published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, with over 30 academic publications examining topics such as shared autonomous vehicles, travel behavior modeling, the built environment, paratransit integration, and transportation access for vulnerable populations. Her work bridges academic insight and practical solutions to support more responsive and efficient transportation systems.

PROJECTS

• PI, “El Paso Sun Metro (El Paso, TX) Feasibility Study and Alternatives Analysis for Regional Fare Structure and Payment System”, 2023-2025.
• Researcher, “Capital Metro North Ops (Austin, TX): Bus Yard Automation Workforce Analysis”, 2024-present.
• Researcher, “Capital Metro (Austin, TX): Bus Operator Retention Analysis”, 2023.
• Researcher, “TCRP B-50: Accessible Public Bus and Rail Passenger Information for Riders with Vision Disabilities”, 2023-present.
• Researcher, "TCRP J-07/ SB-39: Improving Transit Customer Perception of Personal Security", 2024-present.
• Researcher, “TCRP J-07/ SB-38: Paratransit Fleet Configurations”, 2023-2024.
• Researcher, "A Comprehensive Evaluation of Transportation in Texas HCBS Programs", 2023-2024.
• Researcher, “Guidebook on Managing Operational and Capital Costs at Rural and Small Urban Public Transit Systems: Chapter 17: Future Trends and Forward-Thinking Approaches to Cost Management, 2022-2024.
• Researcher, “TX DOT PTN-128 Annual and Quarterly Review”, 2022-present.
• Researcher, “Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Chicago: Transportation Collaborative for Individuals with Development Disabilities, Seniors, and Low-Income Individuals”, 2022-present.
• Researcher, "Open Education Resource (OERTransport): Transportation Policies, Programs, and History”, 2021-2022.
• Researcher, “Arlington RAPID: Rideshare, Automation, and Payment Integration (RAPID)”, 2020-2022. https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/2023-07/FTA-Report-No-0244-rev.pdf
• Researcher, “An Equity-Driven Approach to School Zone Safety to Inform Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programs”, 2021-2022. https://ctedd.uta.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CTEDD-021-06_Final-Report.pdf
• PI, “Exploring the role of Transportation on Cancer Patient Decision-making Through Machine Learning Techniques”, 2019-2020. https://rc.library.uta.edu/uta-ir/bitstream/handle/10106/29597/Etminani_CancerProject_CTEDD.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
• Researcher, “Reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), Encouraging Walk Trips, and Facilitating Efficient Trip Chains Through Polycentric Development Programs,” 2019-2020. https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/57463
• Researcher, “Trip and parking generation at transit-oriented developments: Mockingbird TOD in Texas”, 2019. https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/55506