A new study confirms that adding capacity to roads generates an exactly proportional increase in vehicle travel. Road pricing curbs this effect.
TDM
Urban Interstates saw the largest drop in traffic during COVID-19
Traffic dropped 13.2% in 2020, according to preliminary data from FHWA, which marks the lowest number of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for any year since 2001.
Hotels have too much parking
New research suggests that hotels require much less parking than the outdated standard of one stall per room.
Built environment affects travel, controlling for self-selection
Greater transit and active transportation accessibility reduces the propensity for owning and driving a car, and increases the likelihood of taking transit, walking, and biking.
Seattle’s reduced parking minimums cut 18,000 stalls and saved over $500 million
Based on costs of providing parking in Seattle, the authors estimate the reduction in parking capacity saved some $537 million.
COVID-19 helped drive down emissions
Amid talk of electric and fuel efficient vehicles, one change proved fast and effective at cutting emissions: traveling less.
DOTs Can Rein in VMT
SSTI’s final 2020 Community of Practice meeting covered how DOTs can be leaders in reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) to reduce emissions.
Caltrans to Begin Phase Four of Usage-based Road Tax Pilot
Caltrans is recruiting volunteers for the fourth phase of its Road Charge Pilot Program, which aims to replace declining gas tax revenue and encourage people to drive less.
Underpriced Roads Cause Congestion: A Lesson from the Oil Crisis
A new explainer from UCLA Professor Michael Manvile argues that underpriced roads are actually a root cause of our traffic problems.
Owning One Self-Driving Car More Damaging Than Owning Multiple Traditional Cars
Results from a new study suggest that a transition from traditional cars to personal automated vehicles could increase household vehicle miles traveled and lead to a mode shift from public transit to personal vehicles.