A recent analysis by the traffic engineering firm Sam Schwartz shows a sharp spike in 2020 for fatality rates in most states across the country.
TDM
Transportation impact assessments evolve to better meet multimodal and livable development goals
TIAs require too much new auto infrastructure, reducing walkability and safety, raising the cost of construction and subsequent rents, and inducing more traffic.
Zoning reform moving forward in Vermont
The Vermont State Senate recently unanimously passed zoning reform legislation that would support denser “missing middle” housing.
Flattening the curve: Telecommuting is likely here to stay, and that means less peak-hour traffic
Data on vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) and motor-vehicle trips suggest that peak hour travel – aka rush hour traffic, which is the basis for much of our highway system planning – will lessen, even as other travel rebounds.
VMT could drop by 10 percent in post-COVID world
By Saumya Jain Since the COVID-19 lockdown began, we’ve witnessed a substantial decline in vehicle-miles traveled (VMT). A similar dip during the 2008-09 recession persisted for several years, and this one may do the same. …
Post-COVID calls for “Responsible Transport”
A recent think piece published in the journal of Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives makes a very compelling case for rethinking our current “smart”, “innovative”, and “intelligent” transportation policies. Through their idea of “responsible transport”, the …
Major roads undercut safety benefits of highly accessible places
In working with transportation agencies across the U.S., our team often faces questions about the role of safety in accessibility analysis. While we know the safety and comfort of streets clearly impacts access for people on foot or bicycle, the effects of accessibility on overall safety haven’t been clear. Fortunately, leading experts in both accessibility and traffic safety recently teamed up to answer this question.
“Dear diary, I took the bus today!” – Cost-efficient travel behavior influencers
“Soft” transportation policy measures can influence a significant reduction in personal car use, according to a new research. Six psychological variables that can affect travel behavior: attitudes; emotions; habits; social, cultural, and moral norms; knowledge and awareness ; and capability and self-efficacy. The results show that interventions that focus on social, cultural, and moral norms have the most significant effect on travel behavior.
Advancing congestion pricing: a new report
A new ENO report on congestion pricing and recent webinar suggests that having a clear purpose and vision in place before implementation is the key to success. In addition, revenue as a goal and sent to general funds is largely unsustainable; equity goals and community leadership will help with implementation road pricing has been shown to control congestion, and the main barriers at this point are political and poor communication.
Post-COVID travel patterns—a survey by the MassINC Polling Group
In a recent public opinion survey conducted by the MassINC Polling Group, Massachusetts residents expected to travel less in the future due to COVID-19’s impact. However, many residents expect to increase their trips by car and decrease trips by transit. A majority of residents polled are open to the idea of drastic changes to the transportation system.