Regional Dashboard
Transportation
TRANSPORTATION-VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED
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 the San Diego metropolitan area on a daily basis.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
- VMT corresponds to the distances we travel to access our daily needs such as jobs, schools and services.
- An increase in VMT contributes to congestion and traffic delays.
- How much we drive affects our gasoline consumption, fuel costs, carbon emissions and land use patterns.
- This measure is historically important as it is tied to how much our region receives in federal and state transportation and highway funds.
- SB 375 requires our region to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from on-road transportation.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
In 2007, San Diego per capita VMT was about equal with the state average (14 miles/day/person), and like many other areas in the U.S., has slightly declined since 2005. While some of the decline is due to higher gasoline prices and the economic downturn, some experts believe there may be other factors at play. And while total VMT leveled off in our region in 2005, the long term historical trend is on the rise.
As a region we must develop thoughtful policy solutions that reduce VMT but at the same time allow us to secure funds to improve our transportation network and increase our transit options. To do this, we will need to consider a more integrated approach to land use, energy and transportation planning, and advance efforts to develop infrastructure for public transit, cycling and walking to reduce VMT.
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TRANSPORTATION-TRAFFIC DELAYS
WHAT IS THE MEASURE?
The average number of hours each person in the San Diego metropolitan area is delayed per year due to traffic congestion.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
- In addition to lost time for recreation or to spend with families and friends, traffic delays contribute to stress and diminished air quality, which can affect the physical health of residents and visitors.
- The financial cost of congestion to an individual commuter in San Diego in 2007 was estimated at $1,081, including lost wages and fuel expenditures. This is money lost every year that could be spent or saved for other purposes.
- Mobility drives economic development; 75% of local businesses consider traffic congestion a significant challenge to doing business in the San Diego region.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
In 2007, San Diegans spent an extra 52 hours per year delayed in traffic. This is the equivalent of more than a week’s vacation time. However, this number is down slightly from the previous year and the peak delay time in 2005, partly due to the economic downturn.
Still, San Diegans spend 100% more time in traffic delays and almost 300% more in travel delay costs today than we did twenty years ago. Notably, of 439 U.S. urban areas studied by the Texas Transportation Institute, San Diego had the third largest increase in congestion trends, beating out New York City. San Diegans spend 17 more hours annually in delays than the residents of other cities our size.
As a region and as individuals, we need to explore the development of more transportation options. For example, only 3% of our metro area population uses public transportation to commute to work. Increasing use of mass transit, telecommuting, increasing the safety and ease of cycling and walking are all possibilities tha
t will help us reduce traffic delays.
LINKS TO ACTION
Resources for commuters and employers to help reduce commute times, save money, and increase efficiency with alternative practices.
http://www.commuterchoice.com/
News and information for San Diego commuters. There are resources for public transit options, and a trip planning tool to help you get around San Diego county.
Ridesharing and traffic information by city. Here are tools to help commuters find carpools in their area and check local traffic conditions.
http://www.carpoolworld.com/carpool_UNITED_STATES.html
Move San Diego: Extensive links to resources for traffic information, transportation information, Zipcar carsharing program, and resources for bicyclists.
http://www.movesandiego.org/links.html
Policy:
EPIC's report lists possible solutions to San Diego's transit challenges, including providing more transportation choices in more communities across the country including Single occupancy vehicles, Walking, bicycling, light rail and buses;promoting development of housing in close proximity to transit;promoting mixed-use development, which incorporates residential and commercial buildings, allowing individuals the choice to walk, drive a shorter distance or easily use public transportation to reach their destination.
http://www.sandiego.edu/epic/ghgpolicy/documents/ES_GHG_Policy_On-Road_FINAL.pdf