Journal article
How do local actions affect VMT? A critical review of the empirical evidence
Transportation research. Part D, Transport and environment, Vol.17(7), pp.495-508
10/2012
DOI: 10.1016/j.trd.2012.05.006
Abstract
► The evidence is clear that local actions can affect VMT. ► Estimates of effect sizes are variable and gaps in the knowledge base remain. ► Variation in effect size across places, people, and time is largely unexplored. ► Experimental research designs are rare. ► Data that quantifies VMT is often lacking.
In this paper, we present a discussion of the challenges for research on the topic of vehicle miles traveled. We then summarize and critique evidence from the US on the association between 14 distinct factors and vehicle miles traveled. Our results quantify how much vehicle miles traveled can be expected to change in response to changes in policy or land use factors, including residential density and land use mix, as well as specific transport policies and programs such as transit improvements, road pricing, and programs aimed at changing people’s travel choices. Overall, though individual studies differ as to exact effect sizes, it is clear that local-level policymakers can take actions that are likely to affect vehicle miles traveled. However, we highlight gaps in the knowledge base at a time when decision makers at the local level are being increasingly called upon to take action to reduce vehicle miles traveled. Variation in effect size based on local context or interaction with related policies and programs has been left largely unexplored. In addition, experimental research designs that can identify causal direction are rare, and appropriate data that quantifies vehicle miles traveled are often lacking.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- How do local actions affect VMT? A critical review of the empirical evidence
- Creators
- Deborah Salon - Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USAMarlon G Boarnet - School of Social Ecology, Department of Planning, Policy, and Design, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USASusan Handy - Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USASteven Spears - School of Social Ecology, Department of Planning, Policy, and Design, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USAGil Tal - Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Transportation research. Part D, Transport and environment, Vol.17(7), pp.495-508
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.trd.2012.05.006
- ISSN
- 1361-9209
- eISSN
- 1879-2340
- Publisher
- Elsevier India Pvt Ltd
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 10/2012
- Academic Unit
- Injury Prevention Research Center; School of Planning and Public Affairs
- Record Identifier
- 9984083237402771
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