[sustran] VTPI Newsletter - Fall 2011

[Todd Alexander Litman]

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             VTPI NEWS
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        Victoria Transport Policy Institute

           "Efficiency - Equity - Clarity"

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            Fall 2011    Vol. 11, No. 4

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The Victoria Transport Policy Institute is an independent research
organization dedicated to developing innovative solutions to transportation
problems. The VTPI website (http://www.vtpi.org ) has many resources
addressing a wide range of transport planning and policy issues. VTPI also
provides consulting services.

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NEW VTPI DOCUMENTS

====================

 

"Evaluating Public Transit As An Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction
Strategy" (http://www.vtpi.org/tran_climate.pdf ).

This report investigates the role that public transit improvements can play
in conserving energy and reducing emissions. High quality transit service
that attracts large numbers of travelers who would otherwise drive and
supports transit-oriented development can provide significant energy
conservation and emission reduction benefits, plus other savings and
benefits. When these factors are considered, public transit service
improvements often turn out to be cost effective emission reduction
strategies, particularly if implemented as an integrated package with other
transport and land use policy reforms.

 

"Transport Land Requirements Spreadsheet"
(http://www.vtpi.org/Transport_Land.xls ). This spreadsheet calculates and
compares the land area required for a typical commute by various modes.

 

"Universal Access to Bus Rapid Transit: Design, Operation, And Working With
The Community" (http://www.vtpi.org/AEI_BRT.pdf ), by Tom Rickert describes
practical ways to accommodate people with mobility impairments in public
transit system planning. It describes three composite case studies of
typical experiences of BRT passengers with mobility impairments.

 

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UPDATED DOCUMENTS
=================

Below are recently updated VTPI documents:

"Changing Vehicle Travel Price Sensitivities: The Rebounding Rebound Effect"
(http://www.vtpi.org/VMT_Elasticities.pdf ). 

There is growing interest in transportation pricing reforms to help achieve
objectives such as congestion reductions, traffic safety and emission
reductions. Their effectiveness is affected by the price sensitivity of
transport, that is, the degree that travelers respond to price changes,
measured as 'elasticities' (the percentage change in vehicle travel caused
by a percentage change in price). Lower elasticities (price changes have
little impact on travel activity) imply that price reforms are relatively
ineffective at achieving objectives, harm consumers, and have small rebound
effects (additional vehicle travel caused by increased fuel efficiency).
Higher elasticities imply that price reforms are relatively effective,
consumers are able to reduce vehicle travel, and rebound effects are
relatively large. Some studies found that price elasticities declined during
the last quarter of the Twentieth Century but recent evidence suggests that
transport is becoming more price sensitive. This report discusses these
issues, examines evidence of changing price elasticities, and discusses
policy implications. 


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PUBLISHED ELSEWHERE
=================== 

"Are We Reaching 'Peak Car'?"
(http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/are-we-reaching-peak-car/artic
le2210139 ) published in the "Globe and Mail" newspaper. More information on
this issue is contained in the ITE Journal article, "The Future Isn't What
It Used To Be" (http://www.vtpi.org/future.pdf ). When first published it
was considered radical and uncertain, but we now have a half-decade of
evidence that per capita vehicle travel has declined and total vehicle
travel is unlikely to grow significantly in most developed countries. This
implies that congestion will be a lower priority than other transport
issues.

 

"A New Metric for Gasoline Affordability"
(http://www.baconsrebellion.com/2011/11/a-new-metric-for-gasoline-affordabil
ity.html ), by Bacon's Rebellion. This blog is based on research that I
recently added to the report, "Changing Vehicle Travel Price Sensitivities:
The Rebounding Rebound Effect" (http://www.vtpi.org/VMT_Elasticities.pdf ). 

 

"Transportation's Critical effect on Urban Development"
(http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/Transportation-s-critical-effect-on-
urban-development_10033222 ). This recent address by architect Clifton Yap
to the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce highlights the importance of creating an
efficient, multi-modal transportation system and accessible land use
development in a rapidly developing city such as Kingston, Jamaica. 

 

'Mobility Management Solutions to Transport Problems Around The World,' a
chapter by Todd Litman in the new book, "Cars and Carbon - Automobiles and
European Climate Policy in a Global Context"
(http://www.springer.com/environment/global+change+-+climate+change/book/978
-94-007-2122-7 ). It describes the role that mobility management can play in
meeting transport planning objectives.

 

Randy Salzman (2011), "The Ultimate Incentive"
(http://thinkinghighways.com/View-issue/View-issue-page.aspx?id=ca26e2cc-07d
8-42c8-bf75-584b4a46973c ), published in "Thinking Highways: A Magazine
About Advanced Transportation Management." 

 

Recent Planetizen Blogs (http://www.planetizen.com/blog/2394 ):

"The Value of Transportation Enhancements; Or, Are Walking and Cycling
Really Transportation?" (http://www.planetizen.com/node/52501 )

"A Scary Story for Planners" ( <http://www.planetizen.com/node/52097>
http://www.planetizen.com/node/52097 )

Risk Versus Dread: Implications for Planners; or Let's Not Let The
Terrorists Win (https://www.planetizen.com/node/51290 )

Faulty Assumptions In The TTI Urban Mobility Report
(https://www.planetizen.com/node/51680 )

Evaluating Smart Growth Benefits and Costs
(https://www.planetizen.com/node/51202 )

 

Let's be friends.  Todd Litman regularly posts on his Facebook page
(http://www.facebook.com/todd.litman ). Befriend him now!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

=====================

Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Forum in Asia
(http://www.uncrd.or.jp/env/est/docs/110914Concept_Note_6thEST.pdf ) 4-6
December 2011, Delhi, India.

Todd Litman will give presentations on "Congestion Pricing In Asia Options
and Impacts"
(http://www.vtpi.org/files/Delhi_EST_Congestion_Charging_Dec2011.pdf ) and
Multi-Modal Performance Evaluation
(http://www.vtpi.org/files/Delhi_EST_Performance_Evaluation_Dec2011.pdf ). 

 

 

"Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting" (http://www.trb.org )

VTPI Executive Director will participate in several events during the TRB
Annual Meeting:

 

"Intersection of Health and Transportation: What We Know, What We Don't
Know, and How We Can Better Integrate Health Considerations into
Transportation Decisions" (Workshop)

Sunday, 22 January, 9:00AM- 4:30PM

 

"Transport Pricing Reforms for Traffic Safety" (paper 12-3974)

Monday 23 January, 8:30-10:15, Marriott

 

"Sustainable Transportation Indicators Subcommittee" (ADD40[1])

Monday 23 January, 10:45-12:30, Hilton

 

"Sustainable Transportation Committee" (ADD40)

Monday 23 January, 1:30-5:30, Hilton

 

"Comprehensive Analysis of Congestion Costs and Congestion Reduction
Benefits" (Poster 12-5310)

Monday 23 January, 10:45-12:30, Hilton, International Center

 

"New Social Equity Agenda for Sustainable Transportation" (paper 12-3916),
with Brenman, Marc

Wednesday, 25 January, 8:00AM- 9:45AM, Hilton

 

 

USEFUL RESOURCES

=================

 

"SLoCaT Partnership Pushes For Sustainbale Transport"
(http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php )

Concern about the lack of transport sustainability in the developing world
led to the establishment of the Partnership on Sustainable Low Carbon
Transport (http://www.slocat.net). To help shape the outcome of the "Rio+20"
UN Conference on Sustainable Development to be held June 2012, the SLoCaT
Partnership released its call to the United Nations to adopt a Sustainable
Development Goal (http://www.slocat.net/rio-plus-20 ). SloCat's "GHG
Assessment Tools"
(http://www.slocat.net/?q=content-stream/187/ghg-assessment-tools )
describes various methods used to quantify transport sector greenhouse gas
emissions, and the impacts of emission reduction strategies. The Global
Subsidies Initiative is seeking support for fossil-fuel subsidy reform
(http://www.globalsubsidies.org/resources/august-2011-high-impact-initiative
-rio20-pledge-phase-out-fossil-fuel-subsidies ) for the Rio+20 conference.
Countries in the G-20 and APEC forums are committed to phasing out
fossil-fuel subsidies, but progress has been disappointing. 

 

"Active Transportation and Obesity in Europe, North America, and Australia"
(www.ite.org/itejournal/1108.asp ).

This study, published in the ITE Journal uses travel survey data from
Germany and the U.S. to evaluate how transport and land use policies affect
walking and cycling activity. Between 2001 and 2008, the proportion of
walking trips was stable in the U.S. (18.5%) but increased in Germany from
36.5% to 42.3%. The proportion of cycling trips in the U.S. remained at 1.8%
but increased in Germany from 12.1% to 14.1%. Virtually all demographic
groups in Germany walk and cycle much more than their counterparts in the
U.S. 

 

"Transportation Demand Management for Canadian Communities: A Guide to
Understanding, Planning and Delivering TDM Programs"
(http://www.noxonassociates.com/guide.html ) offers advice on the planning
and development of TDM programs.

 

"Toll Avoidance And Transportation Funding: Official Estimates Frequently
Overestimate Traffic And Revenue For Toll Roads"
(http://www.sightline.org/research/sprawl/toll-avoidance-and-transportation-
funding ) by Sightline Institute researcher Clark Williams-Derry. 

This study concludes that toll roads usually generate less revenue than
forecasted because motorists are more price sensitive than most models
assume. Official forecasts frequently overestimate actual toll road traffic
volumes and revenue, particularly where drivers have un-tolled alternatives.


 

"Early Success for Pay-As-You-Drive (PAYD) Vehicle Insurance in California"
( <http://reason.org/blog/show/early-success-pay-as-you-drive-ca>
http://reason.org/blog/show/early-success-pay-as-you-drive-ca ). This column
by Harris Kenny highlights efforts to support PAYD vehicle insurance in
California. 

 

"Past Peak Oil - And Traveling Towards Transition"
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbPPJdq8zMw&feature=related ). This fun
little video by Movilidad Sostenible (http://www.movilidad-sostenible.org )
should delight and inspire bicycle enthusiasts. Ride on! 

 

"International Conference On Parking Reform"
(http://www.cseindia.org/content/cse%E2%80%99s-international-conference-park
ing-reforms ) held August 2011 in Delhi, India explored parking policy
strategies suitable for developing country cities. The website includes
presentations and reports.

 

The Congress for New Urbanism's "Highways to Boulevards"
(http://www.cnu.org/highways ) page describes successful highway conversion
projects in various cities around the world. In each case, reducing road
space improved the city's livability and supported economic development
without creating gridlock. The "Freeways Without Futures"
(http://www.cnu.org/highways/freewayswithoutfutures ) page identifies ten
North American urban highways with significant opportunity to replace aging
urban highways with boulevards and other cost-saving urban alternatives.

 

"Reviving the Soul in Seoul: Seoul's Experience in Demolishing Road
Infrastructure and Improving Public Transport"
(http://www.sutp.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2782 )
describes transport planning innovations in Seoul, South Korea, including
the removal of an elevated expressway and restoration of the Chenggyecheon
River in the city center, plus significant improvements to walking and
public transit services, and other transport management strategies. 

 

"Street Smarts Score"
(http://blog.walkscore.com/2010/08/street-smart-walk-score ) is a new
generation of WalkScore that measures actual walking distances rather than
crow-flies distances. It therefore reduces the inaccuracies that result when
a destination is close but inaccessible due to barriers such as waterways or
highways.

 

"Wider Economic Impacts of Transport Investments in New Zealand"
(http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/research/reports/448/docs/448.pdf ) by
Duncan Kernohan and Lars Rognlien for the New Zealand Transport Agency
develops a methodology and evidence to enable the assessment of wider
economic impacts of transport including increased competition benefits,
labour supply benefits and job relocation benefits.

 

"Living Streets Model Design Manual"
(http://www.modelstreetdesignmanual.com), developed by a team of planners,
engineers and designers for the Los Angeles County Department of Public
Health, presents best current urban street design practices to maximize
health, safety, livability and sustainability. It provides information and a
template that can be adopted, modified, customized, or expanded as
appropriate. It includes chapters on street and intersection design,
universal pedestrian access, pedestrian crossings, bikeway design, transit
accommodation, traffic calming, streetscape ecosystems (including stormwater
management, landscaping and street furniture), placemaking, land use
policies, retrofitting suburbia, and community engagement. 

 

"Share the Road: Investment in Walking and Cycling Road Infrastructure"
(http://www.unep.org/transport/sharetheroad/PDF/SharetheRoadReportweb.pdf )
by the FIA Foundation for Automobiles and Society and the United Nations
Environmental Program emphasizes the importance of improving walking and
cycling conditions by changing roadway design and management, particularly
in developing countries.

 

"Mobility" (http://www.mobilitymagazine.co.za) is a southern African
quarterly about integrated, sustainable and equitable land-use and transport
policy and practice.

 

"Shared Space" (http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/ltn/1-11.pdf ) is a
design approach that seeks to create more walkable, multi-modal streets,
particularly in commercial settings.

 

"Crashes vs. Congestion - What's the Cost to Society?"
(http://bit.ly/AAAcrashes2011 ) published by the American Automobile
Association estimates that traffic crashes cost society more than three
times the congestion. According to the study crash costs average $1,522 per
person annually compared to $590 per person annually for congestion. The
report questions conventional wisdom which assumes that roadway expansion
projects reduce overall traffic risk, based in part on our report, "Safe
Travels: Evaluating Mobility Management Traffic Safety Benefits"
(www.vtpi.org/safetrav.pdf ).

 

"Understanding Walking And Cycling"
(http://www.lec.lancs.ac.uk/research/society_and_environment/walking_and_cyc
ling.php ) is a research project by the Lancaster Environmental Centre that
investigates household decision making with respect to short urban journeys.
Their recent report, "Summary of Key Findings and Recommendations"
(http://www.lec.lancs.ac.uk/research/society_and_environment/cycling/Underst
anding_Walking_&_Cycling_Report_WEB.pdf ) provides results of a detailed
survey.

 

Candy Chang (http://candychang.com) is an artist who makes cities more
comfortable for people. She's passionate about redefining the ways people
share information in public space to improve neighborhoods and personal
well-being.  She is the co-founder of "Civic Center" (http://civiccenter.cc
) a civic design studio in New Orleans that makes tools to help people
navigate and shape cities.

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Please let us know if you have comments or questions about any information
in this newsletter, or if you would like to be removed from our email list.
And please pass this newsletter on to others who may find it useful.

 

 

Sincerely,
Todd Litman
Victoria Transport Policy Institute ( <http://www.vtpi.org/> www.vtpi.org)
litman at vtpi.org

facebook.com/todd.litman
Phone & Fax 250-360-1560
1250 Rudlin Street, Victoria, BC, V8V 3R7, CANADA
"Efficiency - Equity - Clarit