State officials across the country are facing the same challenges. Revenues are falling and budgets are shrinking while transportation demands grow. Most state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) have ambitious goals: improve safety, reduce congestion, enhance economic opportunity, improve reliability, preserve system assets, accelerate project delivery, and help to create healthier, more livable neighborhoods, just to name a few.
The handbook provides 31 recommendations transportation officials can use as they position their agencies for success in the new economy. The handbook documents many of the innovative approaches state leaders are using to make systems more efficient, government more effective and constituents better satisfied.
Focus Areas
Transportation, Mobility, and Older Adults in Rural Michigan (University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute Behavioral Sciences Group, 2012)
This report explores issues related to transportation and mobility in rural areas generally, and in rural areas of Michigan specifically. The information from this report is intended to assist Michigan in meeting the transportation needs of its rural older adult population.
Complete Streets: Policy Analysis 2011 and Local Policy Workbook (Smart Growth America and National Complete Streets Coalition, 2012)
Smart Growth America has released a report that summarizes surveys of the more than 350 complete streets policies that have been approved by communities across the United States. Also available is the latest edition of the Complete Streets Local Policy Workbook, which is intended to assist transportation experts and local leaders with developing complete streets policies.
On the Move State Strategies for 21st Century Transportation Solutions (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2012)
This report explores a wide array of innovative surface transportation reform laws, policies and programs that policymakers are considering or pursuing to take the nation’s transportation system well into the 21st century. Particular focus is placed on policies that promote fiscal and environmental sustainability; facilitate affordable, safe and accessible transportation choices; and achieve shared benefits such as improved public health and economic development.
Public Bikesharing in North America: Early Operator and User Understanding (Mineta Transportation Institute, 2012)
This study evaluates public bikesharing in North America, reviewing the advances in technology and major events during its rapid expansion. It looks at several angles, including current operational practices, business models, and environmental and social impacts in …
Climate Change and Transportation: Summary of Key Information (TRB, 2012)
This report is a summary of key findings covers a variety of studies on climate change and its ramifications for the transportation sector. It provides a concise summary of transportation’s contributions to climate change and mitigation policy …
The ACEEE international Energy Efficiency Scorecard (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, 2012)
This report analyzed the energy efficiency of 12 of the world’s largest economies in four areas including the transportation sector. They used 27 metrics roughly divided between evaluation of quantifiable results and policies. Download the …
Alternative Uses of Highway Right-of-Way: Accommodating Renewable Energy Technologies and Alternative Fuel Facilities (USDOT and Volpe Center, 2012)
This report is intended to provide transportation agencies with information that will better enable them to consider the implications and evaluate the feasibility of implementing renewable energy and fuel options in the ROW. The findings …
Model Design Manual for Living Streets (Los Angeles County, 2011)
A new design manual was issued by Los Angeles County for use by all municipalities to improve the livability of streets. The manual encourages transportation engineers to apply flexible standards to accommodate all modes of travel, encourage economic development, and revitalize neighborhoods.
Getting Around When You’re Just Getting By: The Travel Behavior and Transportation Expenditures of Low-Income Adults (Mineta Transportation Institute, 2011)
This report examines how rising transportation costs affect low-income families. The research used in-depth interviews with 73 adults to determine travel behavior and transportation spending patterns; the costs and benefits of alternative modes of travel; cost management strategies; and opinions about the effects of changing transportation prices on travel behavior.