Regional Transportation Modeling Studies Review from North America and Europe
A compilation of regional modeling studies from North America and Europe, this study provides estimates of reductions in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) resulting from different combinations of policy and infrastructure initiatives.
This report looks at multiple cities’ approaches to meeting new Federal requirements focusing on enhancing mobility and supporting economic development while minimizing fuel use and emissions. Each city is viewed as a case study and the report determines success of overall strategies based on reductions in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), fuel use and emissions of both traditional pollutants and greenhouse gasses. European cases are used to confirm micro economic findings of North American studies.
The results of the exercises demonstrate that substantial reductions in VMT, fuel use and emissions of both traditional pollutants and greenhouse gasses are possible using transportation pricing policies and other transportation policies. These studies illustrate that the implemented strategies produce higher transportation system productivity, positive net user economic benefits, greater equity in the distribution of transportation system benefits, reduced congestion delays and a reduction in other adverse environmental impacts. The most effective policy sets combine land use policies, such as compact growth, with strong transit systems and controlled highway capacity. Ultimately, it is the implementation of pricing policies, such as fuel taxes, work trip parking charges, or all-day tolls that increases the effectiveness of the land use and transit policies.
