Regional Dashboard
1. Transportation - Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
2. Transportation - Transit Ridership
photo: Sam Hodgson, Voice of San Diego
1. Transportation - Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
What is the
measure?
Per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is an estimate
(based on actual data) of the average number of freeway miles driven by an
individual in San Diego County on a daily basis.
How are we doing?
According to CalTrans data, San Diego’s total VMT is the highest among major
cities in California. The recently approved (October 2011) Regional
Transportation Plan will do little to reduce VMT in the region by 2050. With
soaring gas prices, energy security concerns, air quality related public health
issues, and debilitating traffic congestion, San Diego’s high VMT presents a
regional challenge to overcome.
We also note that reliable VMT data is becoming more difficult to obtain due to state and local budget difficulties which hamper collection efforts. However, historical data show a long-term increase in VMT, with a decline from 2007-2009 reflecting decreased traffic volumes due primarily to the recession and high gas prices, and a slight increase in 2010.
California recently authorized “pay as you drive” insurance that rewards customers for driving less through cost savings. This development can have a positive impact on vehicle miles traveled.
Why is it important?
- High VMT and traffic congestion contribute to air pollution, noise pollution, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and increased costs on fuel for drivers.
- Through Senate Bill 375 (2008), the California Air Resources Board (CARB) established GHG emissions targets for the San Diego region, which require innovative solutions to reduce VMT.
How can we improve?
Policy Options:
- Adopt and enforce “Complete Streets” policies that make streets safe for all users including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and transit users, regardless of age or mobility.
- Perform “walk audits” to assess the walkability of cities, with special attention given to landscaping and crosswalks, street width and lighting.
- Encourage local efforts to promote Safe Routes to School, so that students may safely walk or bike to and from school, thus decreasing VMT, increasing physical activity, and improving air quality near schools.
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photo: SANDAG
2. Transportation - Transit Ridership
What is the measure?
The percent of the population that commutes to work via public transit.
How are we doing?
Despite relatively high gas prices and economically difficult times, the vast majority of workers still commute to work alone in their cars due to a lack of transportation alternatives. The 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) approved by SANDAG in October 2011 attempts to tackle some of these issues, and includes positive developments such as double tracking the Coaster and Sprinter rail lines and improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, but more needs to be done to reduce the numbers of individuals commuting to work alone.
Why is it important?
- Increasing public transit options and unclogging freeways will benefit San Diego’s economy by allowing for efficient flow of people and goods, and reduces greenhouse gases, which the state has mandated (Senate Bill 375, 2008).
- Data shows that 17% fewer 16 year olds earn a drivers license now as compared to 1988, with young people increasingly preferring to live in urban areas with good transit infrastructure. In addition, the number of senior residents will increase 143% by 2050, increasing the demand for public transit options.
- Repairing and improving public transit infrastructure generates more jobs per dollar spent than other transportation projects.
- Senate Bill 375 requires every region of the state to reduce vehicle miles traveled and corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and public transit can help achieve this goal.
How can we improve?
Policy options:
- Focus on “transit-oriented development” policies to increase transit ridership and curb VMT.
- Improve vehicle parking near transit hubs, set up bicycle sections and bicycle carriers on all public transit, and promote bike sharing programs in order to improve connectivity for drivers and bicyclists.
- Expand light rail and frequent shuttles in busy downtown areas.
- Generate incentives to transition the growing senior population into mixed-use residential developments, within walking distance of commonly visited destinations and central transportation hubs.