Robust, efficient transit networks can have an outsized impact on vehicle miles traveled, even by non-transit users.
A new study from the University of Utah and MIT highlights the positive impacts of effective transit systems on land use and travel behavior across the larger population, not just transit users.
In fact, the indirect impacts of increased public transit and pedestrian infrastructure can be greater than the direct impacts. “For every mile not driven by transit riders, transit accounts for another six to nine miles not driven among the larger population.”
According to an article by Chris McCahill in State Smart Transportation Initiative, “The study looked at how factors like transit access, household makeup and income, and fuel prices influence transit use and vehicle miles of travel (VMT).” The study reveals how the ripple effects of transit can have positive impacts far beyond its users by creating a built environment more friendly to multimodal transportation.
Read the full story: The benefits of transit extend well beyond transit riders
Study: Nearly Half of Portland TOD Residents Commute by Transit
People living in transit-oriented developments are more likely to ditch the car and opt for transit or walking, new research shows.
Study: Automobile Dependency Reduces Life Satisfaction
Automobile dependency has negative implications for wellbeing. This academic study finds that relying on a car for more than 50 percent of out-of-home travel is associated with significant reductions in life satisfaction.
Being a Non-Driver in a Car-Dependent World
A third or more of Americans cannot drive due to their age, ability, or other factors. How can their travel needs inform our transportation systems?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Nation's most wind-powered state turns to coal as data centers increase energy demand
For the first time in decades, Iowa has increased its generation of coal power.
Alabama scores up to $2.5 billion federal loan for largest infrastructure project in state’s history
The Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project aims to ease congestion at Alabama’s worst bottleneck.
Trump is considering data centers on 6 states' public land — some state officials say they had no idea
If the administration approves the proposed projects, data center and data center-related developments will cover 17,600 acres of public land.
Despite court ruling, Trump is keeping nearly all wind projects in the US on hold
At least 110 wind energy projects have not heard from the government since a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's freeze on wind turbine clearances was likely illegal.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
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