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SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION: OVERVIEW

Over the last ten years, many cities in the United States have been experiencing a back to the city movement. Younger and older generations alike are recognizing value in the diversity of social and cultural experiences, economic opportunities and increased quality of life that cities offer. As a result, more and more people across demographic lines are choosing to relocate to urban areas. To accommodate this movement, local governments across the country are increasing service provision - be it infrastructure services, housing, public safety or recreational amenities in order to meet increasing demands from a diverse group of constituents. As populations shift towards urban centers, many local governments are reexamining current transportation systems to determine how to accommodate a growing and socioeconomically diverse population, while seeking to minimize environmental pollution and urban congestion. Within this context, sustainable transportation approaches, such as public transit and comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian networks, become a critical part of a citys growth strategy and its ability to effectively meet the needs of its residents. Sustainable transportation options can serve to attract and accommodate the varied needs and desires of urban residents, and are often part of a long-term strategy that includes the integration of various systems, both across geographies and modes of travel. A sustainable transportation system is one that allows the basic access and mobility needs of all individuals to be met safely; is affordable, provides multiple transport options and supports both public health and a vibrant economy; limits emissions and minimizes consumption of non-renewable resources. Although personal vehicles can be part of a sustainable transportation system, there is an increased emphasis on public, non-motorized, and multi-modal transportation options. 1 This overview will provide readers with some of the opportunities and challenges of creating a sustainable, multi-modal transportation system. It will provide a brief summary of sustainable transportation approaches within the global context as a means to understand how local governments across the world are thinking holistically about the environmental, economic, and social challenges of implementing transportation projects. The overview will also frame sustainable transportation within a local context, describing common elements of a sustainable transportation system, sustainability principles to keep in mind when planning for multi-modal, connected transportation systems and various strategies that local governments across the country are utilizing in order to ensure that they are meeting these sustainability principles. Finally, the overview describes the local elected officials role in enabling a sustainable transportation system.

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION: CHALLENGES Environmental Challenges

1

The Centre for Sustainable Transportation. Definition and Vision of Sustainable Transportation. Last accessed May 18, 2013. http://cst.uwinnipeg.ca/documents/Definition_Vision_E.pdf

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GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in

2010 transportation contributed approximately 27 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. 2 Additionally, transportation accounted for 45 percent of the net increase in total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States from 1990-2010. Globally, as of 2008, China, the United States and the European Union were the top emitters of carbon dioxide (CO2) from fossil fuel combustion and some industrial processes. 3

FOSSIL FUELS: Non-renewable fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum (oil), and natural gas meet around 82 percent of U.S. total energy demand. According to the Institute for Energy Research, as of 2012, 95.5 percent of the United States transportation sector consumed fossil fuels. 4 As consumption and demand for these resources increase, availability is rapidly declining. Reliance on fossil fuels from other countries creates vulnerabilities within U.S. energy security and can lead to extreme price fluctuations. While domestic hydraulic fracturing can lower the price of natural gas in the United States, the environmental challenges (such as the possibility for groundwater contamination) of this method are still somewhat unclear. RENEWABLE ENERGY: Alternative fuel vehicles are becoming more commonplace, for city
departments and otherwise, as gas prices continue to rise. However, reliable access to renewable energy options to power current and future transportation demands continues to remain a challenge. For example, since fossil fuels still generate much of the power in the United States, electric cars would not actually be contributing to reducing emissions within this framework.

Economic Challenges
FUNDING: Across the country local governments are struggling to maintain and repair aging transportation infrastructure such as roadways, highways, and bridges. Cities that support multimodal transportation options must often decide how to allocate financial resources to both ensuring the safety of existing transportation infrastructure while also supporting new options such as public transit, complete streets, and increased connectivity. Federal funding sources often have rigid parameters on the type of transportation projects the money can fund, which may limit or exclude multi-modal transportation options. DEMAND MANAGEMENT: Regardless of how many or what types of multi-modal options a
local government decides to invest in, one of the biggest challenges is being able to meet the demand by consumers at various times of the day. While public transit helps to alleviate peak level traffic on roads, transit agencies still face the challenge of ensuring that public transit infrastructure is flexible enough to accommodate various passenger loads throughout the day. Similarly, local governments often face the challenge of pricing transit options appropriately so that maintenance costs are covered while keeping fares affordable for users.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Last accessed May 18, 2013. http://www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/basicinfo.htm U.S 3 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Global Emissions by Gas. Last accessed May 18, 2013. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/global.html 4 Institute for Energy Research. Fossil Fuels. Last accessed May 18, 2013. http://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/energy-overview/fossil-fuels/

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Social Challenges
SPATIAL MISMATCH: Although people are moving back to cities in high numbers, at a local and regional scale there is often a disparity between where residents can afford to live and where employment opportunities and various amenities are located. As a result, many residents experience long commutes in personal vehicles (contributing to traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions), or via public transit that may or may not be fully integrated into a multi-modal transportation network that provides convenient access to areas outside of the immediate downtown corridor. This spatial mismatch can be a significant challenge for local governments attempting to meet the travel demands of an increasingly socioeconomically diverse and multigenerational population. COMMUTING COSTS: Commuting costs are often a deterrent for residents who would typically
use public transit options. In some cases, commuting by car is cheaper than using public transit. Additionally, if multi-modal systems are not fully integrated, traveling by public transit could take more time than driving. In 2012, the Center for Housing Policy and the Center for Neighborhood Technology found that for households earning 50 100 percent of the median income of their metropolitan area, 59 percent of income goes towards housing and transportation costs. Similarly, between 2006 and 2010, for the top 25 regions combined, 27 percent of income went towards transportation costs. 5

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION: GLOBAL

In both developed and rapidly urbanizing countries, transportation exists at the foundation of any functioning city, providing mobility and access to jobs, amenities and resources. As a result, transportation systems are a vital component of building sustainable cities, both domestically and globally. They also have a profound impact on both the global and local environment. In the United States, motor vehicle transportation accounts for more than 27 percent of oil consumption, and produces one-third of all carbon dioxide emissions. The negative effects are well known: Increased traffic congestion and commute times Increased air pollution resulting in health problems such as asthma Increased fuel consumption and greater reliance on foreign oil Increased stormwater runoff from streets, bridges and parking areas

Globally, automobile use is on an upward trajectory. According to the World Resource Institute, in 1950, 70 million cars, trucks and buses made up the global fleet; by 1994, 630 million vehicles (roughly 9 times the number in 1950) were on the roads. 6 If the rate of increase in motor vehicles remains consistent with the rates since 1970 (roughly 16 million vehicles/year), then we can expect that by the year 2025, there will be over 1 billion vehicles on the worlds roads. The
5

Center for Neighborhood Technology. Losing Ground: The Struggle of Moderate Income Households to Afford the Rising Costs of Housing and Transportation." Last accessed May 18, 2013. http://www.cnt.org/repository/LosingGround.FINAL.pdf 6 World Resources Institute. The Global Commons: Proceed with caution: Growth in the global motor vehicle fleet. Last accessed May 18, 2013. http://www.wri.org/publication/content/8467

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number of motor vehicles and car ownership per capita varies drastically by country; however, the United States still has one of the highest rates of motor vehicles per person (802 cars per 1,000 people as of 2009) in the world. 7 Within this context, however, cities both within and outside of the United States are recognizing the need to provide a menu of transportation options to meet the varied needs of residents, while intentionally decreasing the environmental impact of transportation systems. Using technology and innovation, cities are developing alternative solutions to increase transit use, improving mobility and accessibility for residents. For example, bus rapid transit systems, first tested in Curitiba, Brazil, are gaining popularity in cities around the world, including the United States, China and India. Bike share programs are not only popular in small and large cities across the United States, but also in Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, China and the United Arab Emirates to name a few. Similarly, cities in the United States, Europe, and Japan are utilizing intelligent transportation system technologies to improve travel efficiency and effectiveness through increased safety and decreased congestion. For example, real-time bus and train information; variable speed limits based on congestion; and data integration of multiple transportation systems between jurisdictions are some examples of technologies meant to enhance user experience of multi-modal systems. While local contexts vary and cities must determine for themselves how best to design and deliver transportation programs, cities across the world are sharing and learning from others best practices. Given that the environmental impacts of transportation use are global, there is an increased recognition that providing smarter and more varied transportation options can reduce human impact on the environment while actively meeting the needs of city residents.

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION: LOCAL Common Elements

As stated in Understanding Urban Transportation Systems, an action guide published by the National League of Cities, transportation systems are complex and require an understanding of travel behavior and demand, of pricing options for consumers and of community goals. Traditional approaches to transportation- including the construction and maintenance of roadways and sidewalks - remain critical elements of a successful transportation system. The planning, design and implementation of these elements based on transportation and land use priorities - greatly impact how effectively cities are able to deliver a sustainable transportation system.

STREETS: Streets are considered the backbone of any transportation system. They enable the delivery of goods, as well as travel by residents and visitors. Streets are generally classified according to the volume of vehicular traffic for which they were designed. Common classifications include:

The World Bank, Data: World Development Indicators, Motor vehicles (per 1,000 people): http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IS.VEH.NVEH.P3?order=wbapi_data_value_2009+wbapi_data_value+wb api_data_value-last&sort=desc

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 Arterials: Facilitate relatively longer trip lengths at moderate to high speeds with limited access to adjacent properties. They are the high-volume traffic corridors serving major urban centers. Collectors: Collect and distribute significant amounts of traffic between arterials, minor collectors and local streets at moderate to low operating speeds. Local Streets: Provide direct access to abutting properties. They have relatively low traffic volumes, operating speeds, and minimal through traffic.

SIDEWALKS/ PEDESTRIAN NETWORKS: The most basic sustainable transportation system is

the sidewalk, which gives residents access by foot to nearby amenities. Sidewalks increase connectivity between developments, provide a safe space for pedestrian activity, help to encourage active living and in turn can contribute to a sense of place and community.

TRANSIT: Two basic types of transit are bus and rail. More recently, however, hybrid forms, like bus rapid transit, combine the best of both systems. Mid-sized and large cities typically offer routine bus service. Only the largest cities have a full rail system, although many cities now have at least one rail route, commonly using light rail. Streetcars are often the preferred option for new urban rail systems. BICYCLE ROUTES: City bicycle travel generally takes place on streets integrated with other

traffic, often in designated bike lanes. Many cities also offer off-road paths, sometimes integrated with running trails. Increasingly, cities are creating bike share programs to allow for greater mobility and access around the city. The rise in popularity of bike share programs has increased demand for dedicated bike lanes, bike service stations and bike shops in and around cities.

other specialized fleets are being offered by private companies and non-profit organizations, including carsharing, bike sharing, pedi-cab companies and tourist trolleys.

PRIVATE FLEETS: Taxicab companies are the most common type of private fleets. However,

vehicles or sanitation vehicles, are highly specialized. Others are simply cars used for city business. Cities are increasingly greening their fleets as a means to demonstrate sustainability priorities to their constituents and reduce operating expenses by utilizing alternatively fueled or fuel-efficient vehicles.

PUBLIC FLEETS: Most local governments maintain a fleet of vehicles. Some, like emergency

Sustainability Principles
Although there is not one right approach when designing and building a sustainable transportation system, an awareness of the following principles can help guide policy makers and practitioners in the right direction:

HOLISTIC TRANSPORTATION AND LAND USE PLANNING: Transportation and land use decisions are integrally related and each influences the outcome of the other. Short- and longterm planning decisions determine how and where people travel, where businesses develop and where housing is situated. As a result, delivering sustainable urban transportation systems relies on carefully planned and integrated land use and transportation decisions.

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PLANNING WITH THE ENVIRONMENT IN MIND: Whether purchasing a new city fleet or
determining how best to allocate financial resources, local government leaders can prioritize the reduction of carbon emissions, as well as gain a better understanding (beforehand) of the types of impact that their decisions will have on the environment. Environmental assessments of transportation investments help to make a more educated decision on the short-and long-term environmental impacts of a major transportation project.

ACCESSIBILITY: Multi- modal transportation systems can be thoughtfully designed and incorporated into a citys plan so that transportation options are enhanced for a range of users, regardless of age, income or physical ability. A complete streets policy focuses on an outcome where all users are able to successfully utilize the street and associated transportation options. Improving transit options can help to provide a viable alternative for residents who are unable to drive or cannot afford to buy a vehicle.
Additionally, the spatial mismatch issue between jobs and workers continues to increase, specifically in fast-growing regions and regions with high traffic. For this reason and others, having as many people as possible be able to access as many parts of a city and a region is critical. By planning for and implementing projects that increase all residents access via public transit as well as surface transportation, local government leaders and city staff can ensure that residents have an opportunity to enjoy the full spectrum of city amenities.

AFFORDABILITY: In many metropolitan areas in the United States, low- to moderate- income
residents spend a large portion of their disposable income on transportation and specifically on commuting costs. This level of spending affects the individual and the larger community as it means that these residents remain financially vulnerable, thereby impacting homeownership as well as their ability to purchase goods in the local economy. Local government leaders can work with transit agencies to drive down the burden of transportation costs on the commuter through education about the value of public transportation systems (increased demand can lowers costs), thoughtful integration of various transportation systems (so more areas are served) and by providing subsidies or discounts for lower-income residents and other special needs groups, such as youth and the elderly.

CONNECTIVITY: One of the most critical elements of a sustainable transportation system is connectivity between modes of travel both at the local and regional scale. Whether a local governments priority is to provide affordable transportation options, get commuters to their job, accommodate an aging population or encourage business development, ensuring connectivity between transit modesfor example, making sure that bus routes are coordinated with local and regional rail options helps to ease the burden of traveling for the commuter. Strategic and integrated transportation and land use planning can drive down the costs of sustainable transportation options and connect formerly isolated modes of transportation.

Sustainability Strategies
Local leaders across the country are adopting a variety of strategies, programs and policies aimed at creating more sustainable transportation systems. Listed here are commonly used strategies that both large and small cities are utilizing:

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DEVELOPMENT AROUND TRANSIT HUBS: Many municipalities are actively promoting

policies that encourage residential and business development, as well as city services, around transit hubs. City leaders are increasingly recognizing that more efficient use of urban land encourages alternatives to personal vehicle use and supports a vital urban streetscape that is increasingly appealing to the needs of a diverse population. Transit-oriented development, smart growth and new urbanism are some of the more contemporary terms referring to developments that acknowledge and accommodate this direct relationship between transportation and land use.

DEMAND MANAGEMENT: Demand management includes an array of policies and programs

designed to incentivize alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles. Reducing the number of cars on the road serves to minimize congestion, relieve strain on aging infrastructure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Strategies include carpooling, vanpooling, flexible work hours, telecommuting, transit pass programs, and others. Demand management policies can be developed and instituted by both public and private organizations.

TRAFFIC CALMING: Traffic calming is physical infrastructure that signals to drivers that they
should slow down. Examples include narrowed lanes, bulb-outs at intersections, traffic safety islands, and similar additions to streetscapes. Even the presence of trees and parked cars can act as deterrents to speeding drivers by creating the perception of narrower lanes. Beyond the direct safety benefits for pedestrians and bikers, traffic calming strategies are useful in encouraging more walkable communities in typically car-oriented areas, reducing environmental impacts and increasing property values as communities become more walkable. City leaders can adopt formal policy language on traffic calming or can encourage transportation planners to incorporate traffic calming design elements into land use plans and visioning documents.

HIGH EFFICIENCY VEHICLES: The United States is increasingly producing and demanding high
efficiency vehicles (including hybrids and alternative fuel technologies) which use dramatically less fossil fuels. Similarly, electric cars are gaining momentum with consumers, as financial savings and environmental benefits are increasingly recognized. Some municipalities are beginning to plan with their utilities for this transition through such ideas as mobility stations and plug-in electric vehicle stations that would permit electric or hybrid electric car owners to charge their vehicles away from home, thereby extending their effective range. Several cities currently have green fleet purchasing policies in place and/or encourage residents to purchase efficient vehicles.

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