How built environment affects travel behavior: A comparative analysis of the connections between land use and vehicle miles traveled in US cities

• DOI: 10.5198/jtlu.v5i3.266
• Publication Date: 2012-12-31T19:33:42Z
• Authors: Lei Zhang; Arefeh Nasri; Jin Hyun Hong; Qing Shen
• Keywords: Empirical Research

Mixed findings have been reported in previous research regarding the impact of built environment on travel behavior, i.e. statistically and practically significant effects found a number empirical studies insignificant correlations shown many other studies. It is not clear why estimated stronger or weaker certain urban areas, how effective proposed land use change/policy will be changing behavior. This knowledge gap has made it difficult for decision makers to evaluate plans policies according their vehicle miles traveled (VMT), consequently congestion mitigation, energy conservation, pollution green house gas emission reduction. several objectives: (1) Re-examine built-environment factors particular VMT five U.S. metropolitan areas grouped into four case study areas; (2) Develop consistent models all with same model specification datasets enable direct comparisons; (3) Identify such as existing characteristics policy decision-making processes that may explain different impacts (4) Provide prototype tool government agencies decision-makers estimate changes VMT. The include Seattle, WA; Richmond-Petersburg Norfolk-Virginia Beach, VA; Baltimore, MD; Washington DC. Our analysis employs Bayesian multilevel various person-level socio-economic demographic variables including residential density, employment entropy (measuring level mixed-use development), average block size transit/walking friendliness), distance city center decentralization infill development). show promoting compact, mixed-use, small-block developments can reducing per person areas. However, effectiveness encouraging these types both across within area. We identified potentially influence connection between shifts area size, characteristics, transit service coverage quality, processes.