Utilizing an inter-professional online advisory board: A case study to inform innovation in community-engaged, transportation equity research and planning

Abstract

This case study describes implementation of an innovative, online, inter-professional advisory board in the context of transportation equity research. The board was comprised of 14 professionals from social work, transportation planning, and engineering. The board advised the research team on research methods such as sample recruitment strategies and data collection, as well as interpreting the results at the conclusion of the study and forming policy implications. The case study underscores the importance of: 1) ensuring broad, inter-professional membership; 2) utility of online meeting formats for reducing participation barriers and promoting more diverse participation; 3) designing active strategies to promote board members’ interaction and networking during meetings; and 4) continually orientating members to the board’s contribution to the research. Efforts to utilize participatory research methods in transportation equity research may lead to more effective transportation planning and more equitable transportation services.