Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Clearing the Air: APPlying Informatics to Reduce Traffic Congestion in Greater Cincinnati
EPA Grant Number: SU835703Title: Clearing the Air: APPlying Informatics to Reduce Traffic Congestion in Greater Cincinnati
Investigators: Curran, Christine Perdan , Zekic, Arnela , Marini, Carolina , Hockenbury, Jesse , Ollier, Katie , Brown, Kelsie , Lyons, Morgan , Hart, Zachary
Institution: Northern Kentucky University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2014 through August 14, 2015
Project Amount: $15,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2014) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Challenge Area - Sustainable and Healthy Communities , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and photochemical smog. Greater Cincinnati suffers from higher asthma rates than the national average and is often in non-attainment with EPA Clean Air guidelines for ozone and particulates (PM2.5). The region has frequently been cited as one of the worst areas in the country for air quality. The region's geographical location exacerbates the problem by trapping air pollutants in the Ohio River Valley.
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is located within this region. With more than 16,000 students and over 2,500 employees, NKU is one of the largest, local destinations for daily commuter traffic. Unfortunately, transportation options are limited in most of the region served by NKU. Cincinnati is the second largest city in the country without commuter rail, and local bus systems are restricted to serving distinct communities in the Tristate region. For example, using multiple transit systems to connect from Ohio to Northern Kentucky would turn a 15-minute commute into a two-hour bus trip. This project would identify key characteristics to incentivize NKU commuters to carpool or use mass transit by employing social media technology and app development. Ultimately, this would significantly decrease the number of single occupancy vehicles on campus each day.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
We have conducted extensive research on commuter habits and the adverse effects of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP). We have succeeded in using mass media and the Internet to promote both the development of our prototype commuter app and the importance of green transportation choices in improving an individual's health and finances and the environment. We are in the process of completing the initial data collection to determine the effectiveness of our three key messages on different audiences (i.e. students, faculty, and staff at Northern Kentucky University). Our graphics and messaging have been adapted for use in traditional paper media (e.g. flyers and posters), Web, and smartphone apps on both I-Phone and Android platforms. We have secured additional and substantial investment from the NKU Administration and new partnerships with the City of Cincinnati and the University of Cincinnati.
Conclusions:
Our efforts to combine scientific expertise with public relations and graphic design expertise were unique in developing a prototype smartphone app to change commuter behavior in a way that benefits People, Prosperity, and the Planet.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 2 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
ozone, particulates, heavy metals, traffic-related air pollution (TRAP)The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.