Can health care costs be factored into transportation investments? Should they? The American Public Health Association says an emphatic 'yes' to both. Results are reported in a 12-page report that includes cost savings from walkable urban design.
APHA, in this new report, attempts to quantify all costs associated with a 'car-centric society'. They argue that "these costs have been ignored for too long as decision-makers hash out transportation policies. Instead, transportation projects usually focus on construction costs", etc. ignoring not only the costs of air pollution, traffic crashes, but also those associated with the more sedentary lifestyle made possible by auto-based, suburban, low density development.
"Health impacts and costs have typically not been considered in the transportation policy, planning, and funding decision-making process. There are few standards or models for estimating health costs."
From Executive Summary: "The combustion engine and the creation of the highway system increased mobility. However, investments in highways have come at the expense of other transportation modes." It "has led to a heavier reliance on vehicles and roadways and less on walking, bicycling and transit use" that has been exacerbated by the suburban development it enabled, resulting in "profound negative impacts on human health: decreased opportunities for physical activity, and increased exposure to air pollution, and the number of traffic crashes."
"An investment in a "healthier" transportation system is critical."
Thanks to Daily Grist
FULL STORY: Hidden health costs of transportation

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie