Central to Dr. Hess’ research agenda is interpreting how the built environment of cities (and the public policies that support this form) influences travel behavior. Access to employment for welfare recipients and low-wage workers is one of Dr. Hess’ concerns, and he has conducted evaluations of policy and practice in California and New York. Dr. Hess is particularly interested in transit system performance and alternative transit funding arrangements, and he has conducted evaluations of employer and university transit pass programs.