New Perspectives on the Role of Transportation Systems in Disaster Resilience

Natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes can cause significant disruption to transportation systems, making emergency response efforts challenging. To enhance disaster resilience, transportation systems must be able to effectively respond and assist in emergency situations. This dissertation examined the impact of transportation systems on disaster resilience by exploring various research studies, analyzing public attitudes toward adopting emerging technologies, and assessing the practical implications of these technologies in disaster scenarios. The dissertation is therefore divided into three separate but related studies.In the first part of this dissertation, a systematic literature review was conducted to investigate the critical roles of transportation systems in emergency response during a hurricane. A total of 86 scholarly publications were examined to assess the broader functions of transportation systems concerning hurricanes, with a particular focus on the transportation modes utilized and the research methodologies employed. The second part of this dissertation investigates the willingness to use shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) during tornadic events. The study used a survey to measure the willingness of Alabama residents to use SAVs to reach a community shelter during tornado events. The third part of this dissertation simulates a dynamic ridesharing operation to explore the potential of SAVs in evacuating vulnerable populations during tornado early warning in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Finally, the dissertation delves into how transportation systems can bolster disaster resilience while ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies. The outcomes of this dissertation will offer helpful directions for future research and serve as a valuable resource for emergency management agencies seeking to create effective transportation plans in response to disasters.