Transportation equity in a future with Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVS): Rethinking the readiness framework

As Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) transition from conceptual prototypes to real-world pilots, the frameworks used to assess readiness for their deployment have gained critical importance. However, existing readiness assessments often prioritize technological performance and infrastructure capabilities, neglecting the crucial dimension of transportation equity. This dissertation interrogates and redefines the concept of "readiness" for CAV deployment through the lens of transportation equity and mobility justice. Drawing upon theories of distributive and procedural justice, this research develops a Justice-Equity Lens (JEL) to deconstruct prevailing CAV readiness frameworks. The JEL framework centers on three core principles: analyzing power dynamics, evaluating the distribution of benefits and burdens, and assessing the inclusiveness of planning processes. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative analysis of stakeholder perceptions with quantitative assessments of proxy measures—such as electric vehicle (EV) ownership and ride-hailing usage—as indicators of infrastructural and behavioral readiness. In addition, the study incorporates direct measures of CAV readiness, including disaggregated analyses of public willingness to use CAVs across diverse sociodemographic and geographic contexts. Through case studies of Chicago and Greater Peoria, Illinois, this work explores how sociodemographic factors influence public willingness to adopt CAVs and how such patterns reflect broader structural inequities. The findings demonstrate that without a deliberate equity-oriented approach, current readiness frameworks risk reproducing or deepening disparities in mobility access and technological inclusion. This dissertation concludes by offering a reimagined readiness framework that embeds equity as a foundational criterion, thereby guiding planners, policymakers, and technologists toward a more just and inclusive transportation future.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Regional Planning

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Benkraouda, Ouafa

Contributors dc:contributor

• Braun, Lindsay M
• Chakraborty, Arnab
• Lee, Bumsoo
• Cidell, Julie
• Barajas, Jesus M

• Transportation Equity
• Mobility Justice
• Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, Readiness Framework
• New Mobility

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Ouafa Benkraouda

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129512

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129512