Conventional planning evaluates transport system performance car-centric indicators such as roadway Level-of-Service (LOS). Many jurisdictions are shifting to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), which supports multimodal planning and Smart Growth policies.
[Update: Since we published this article, the video has been removed from YouTube.]
LOS stands for Level of Service, an outdated, discredited, highly car-centric way of measuring how streets work. Historically California law required LOS studies to evaluate environmental impacts. VMT stands for Vehicle Miles Traveled, a newer better way of measuring how streets and projects work.
The shift from LOS to VMT is one of the most important changes that affect vehicle travel, development patterns, health, air quality, and much more. California and Seattle are just two jurisdictions that are shifting to using VMT to evaluate transport system performance. This shift is, unfortunately, a wonky issue, difficult for many people to understand and support.
This new video by Fehr and Peers explains VMT in a fun and accessible way.
Read the full story: An Introduction to VMT
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority