Enabling Appalachia's Economic Mobility through Demand-driven Intermodal and Multimodal Mobility Option

Karen Lightman, Executive Director Safety21 US DOT National University Transportation Center and Metro21: Smart Cities Institute; Carnegie Mellon University

Thursday, Feb 19th, 2026

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Zoom Link: https://ncat.zoom.us/j/93194154240?pwd=pacW5mNbTMQN6B3Hqp8WOo1XVjS0A9.1 (Registration not required)

SYNOPSIS

Many Appalachian communities face persistent transportation barriers that limit access to employment, education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. This presentation highlights a multi-state, demand-driven approach to improving economic mobility through integrated intermodal and multimodal transportation solutions. Led by Carnegie Mellon University, the work is supported by an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) ARISE Planning Grant.

The project combines real-world data analysis with extensive stakeholder engagement and community workshops to identify mobility gaps and evaluate flexible, on-demand services integrated with existing fixed-route transit. A pilot deployment in Greene County, Pennsylvania demonstrates strong demand, high repeat ridership, and the effectiveness of hybrid fixed-route and on-demand models. The presentation concludes with key findings, lessons learned, and a scalable framework to guide future implementation and support sustainable economic revitalization across the Appalachian region.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Karen Lightman is Executive Director of Safety21, US DOT National University Transportation Center and Metro21: Smart Cities Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Karen is an internationally recognized leader in building and supporting communities based on emerging technologies. Karen has expertise with commercializing academic research, building industry-based consortiums and strategically leading teams to explore market-based opportunities. Her diverse background spans the consumer, military, healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive sectors. Karen was once ranked by EETimes as one of the top 25 “Women in Tech” and is in the MSIG/SEMI Hall of Fame. She is a passionate advocate and spokesperson for technology solutions to real-world problems and has held several board positions both locally and nationally. Karen has a BA from the University of Vermont (UVM) and a MS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College. The proud mom to two adult children, Karen lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and dog.