Todd Litman
Victoria Transport Policy Institute
Overlook or underestimate generated traffic (additional peak-period traffic) and induced travel (net increases in total vehicle travel in an area) impacts.
Only quantifies (measures) and monetizes (measures in monetary units) a limited set of impacts.
Often Overlooked
Parking costs. Total consumer costs. Downstream congestion. Crash, energy & pollution impacts of changes in mileage. Land use impacts. Impacts on mobility options for non-drivers/equity impacts. Changes in active transport and related health impacts.
Comparing Benefits
Planning Objectives Vehicle Travel Impacts
Reduce traffic congestion
Improved travel experience Roadway cost savings Parking cost savings Consumer cost savings Improve mobility options Improve traffic safety Energy conservation Pollution reduction Land use objectives Public fitness & health
Multi-Modal Level-Of-Service
Mode
Walking
Cycling
Public transit
Automobile
Economic Indicators
Goals
Economic productivity
Objectives
Transport system efficiency. Transport system integration. Maximize accessibility. Efficient pricing and incentives.
Performance Indicators
Per capita GDP Portion of budgets devoted to transport. Per capita congestion delay. Efficient pricing (road, parking, insurance, fuel, etc).
Economic development More and better employment and business activity Minimize energy costs, particularly petroleum imports. All residents can afford access to basic (essential) services and activities.
Energy efficiency
Affordability
Social Indicators
Goals
Equity / fairness
Objectives
Transport system accommodates all users, including those with disabilities, low incomes, and other constraints. Minimize risk of crashes and assaults, and support physical fitness.
Performance Indicators
Transport system diversity. Portion of destinations accessible by people with disabilities and low incomes.
Per capita traffic casualty (injury and death) rates. Traveler assault (crime) rates. Human exposure to harmful pollutants.
Community development
Help create inclusive and attractive communities. Support community cohesion. Respect and protect cultural heritage. Support cultural activities.
Environmental Indicators
Goals
Climate stability
Objectives
Reduce global warming emissions Mitigate climate change impacts Reduce air pollution emissions Reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. Minimize traffic noise exposure Minimize water pollution. Minimize impervious surface area. Minimize transport facility land use. Encourage more compact development. Preserve high quality habitat.
Performance Indicators
Per capita emissions of global air pollutants (CO2, CFCs, CH4, etc.).
Per capita emissions of local air pollutants (PM, VOCs, NOx, CO, etc.). Air quality standards and management plans. Traffic noise levels Per capita fuel consumption. Management of used oil, leaks and stormwater. Per capita impervious surface area. Per capita land devoted to transport facilities. Support for smart growth development. Policies to protect high value farmlands and habitat.
Prevent noise pollution Protect water quality and minimize hydrological damages. Openspace and biodiversity protection
Governance Indicators
Goals Integrated, comprehensive and inclusive planning Objectives Clearly defined planning process. Integrated and comprehensive analysis. Strong citizen engagement. Least-cost planning and funding (the most overall beneficial solutions are selected and funded). Performance Indicators Clearly defined goals, objectives and indicators. Availability of planning information and documents. Portion of population engaged in planning decisions. Range of objectives, impacts and options considered. Transport funds can be spent on alternative modes and demand management if most beneficial overall.
Research Program
Analysis tools exist for predicting the impacts and assessing the costs and benefits of specific transport policies and planning decisions, but they require adjustments to reflect developed country conditions (travel mix, travel conditions, incomes, land values, exposure rates, etc.)
Well Measured: Developing Indicators for Sustainable and Livable Transport Planning Sustainability and Livability: Summary of Definitions, Goals, Objectives and Performance Indicators Comprehensive Transport Planning Framework Transportation Cost and Benefit Analysis Smart Transport Emission Reductions Online TDM Encyclopedia and more...
www.vtpi.org