Performance Of Regional Transportation Systems Compared

A new study by the US EPA looks at transportation systems in 13 metropolitan areas to determine if selected characteristics have an impact on transportation and environmental performance.

1 minute read

March 1, 2004, 11:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"The United States invests billions of dollars annually into the nation's transportation systems. Getting the most from this investment requires an understanding of the impacts that different investments have on transportation performance, environmental protection, and consumer transportation choices. EPA’s new study, Characteristics and Performance of Regional Transportation Systems begins to address these issues... The study found that:In four of the five size groups, the regions that have more route choices, better pedestrian environments, and more transit availability, also exhibit lower vehicle miles of travel per capita, shorter vehicle trip length, less congestion, more transit trips and fewer emissions compared to their peers. In one group the two cities were essentially tied."

Thanks to The Practice of New Urbanism

Monday, March 1, 2004 in U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Black and white photos of camp made up of small 'earthquake shacks' in Dolores Park in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees

More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

April 15, 2025 - Charles F. Bloszies

Crowds of people walking and biking along waterfront in Sunset Dunes Park in San Francisco, California on a sunny day.

San Francisco Opens Park on Former Great Highway

The Sunset Dunes park’s grand opening attracted both fans and detractors.

4 hours ago - Mission Local

Portland Oregon Bus

Oregon Legislature to Consider Transit Funding Laws

One proposal would increase the state’s payroll tax by .08% to fund transit agencies and expand service.

5 hours ago - KATU.com

Houston, Texas skyline.

Housing Vouchers as a Key Piece of Houston’s Housing Strategy

The Houston Housing Authority supports 19,000 households through the housing voucher program.

6 hours ago - Urban Edge