Dr. Smart's current research explores the decline in vehicle ownership and use among young adults in the United States and across the developed world, focusing on the extent of generational shifts away from the automobile. Other research investigates the ways in which social networks embedded in particular neighborhoods of affinity (such as immigrant neighborhoods and gay and lesbian neighborhoods) influence the activity patterns of those who live in those neighborhoods. 

In addition, Dr. Smart is currently heading a multi-year research project funded by the Federal Transit Administration on public participation processes related to transportation projects in immigrant neighborhoods.