PLAD Professor Publishes Research Article in Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Gibbs College of Architecture Assistant Professor Dr. Ladan Mozzafarian in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design (PLAD) recently published a new research article in Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives with former RCPL student and co-author Tahsin Tabassum.

The article, “Transit Access Disparities in a Car-Dependent Metropolitan Context: A Socio-Spatial Analysis of Transit Deserts in Oklahoma City,” examines patterns of transit accessibility across Oklahoma City and identifies areas where gaps in transit service intersect with the characteristics and needs of local populations. 

Using social-spatial analysis and machine learning methods, the study explores the geographic factors associated with transit access disparities and provides a closer look at transit deserts in a car-dependent metropolitan context. The findings highlight the importance of looking not only at where transit infrastructure is located, but also at how access varies across different areas and populations. 

The research contributes to ongoing conversations about transit accessibility and transportation planning in metropolitan areas where reliance on private automobiles remains high. It also highlights how data-driven approaches can help planners better understand transportation access and spatial patterns across a city.