Browsing by Subject "Smart growth"
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Item Examining the Impacts of Residential Self-Selection On Travel Behavior: Methodologies and Empirical Findings(University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies, 2008-10) Cao, X.(J.); Mokhtarian, P.L.; Handy, S.L.Numerous studies have found that suburban residents drive more and walk less than residents in traditional neighborhoods. What is less well understood is the extent to which the observed patterns of travel behavior can be attributed to the residential built environment itself, as opposed to the prior self-selection of residents into a built environment that is consistent with their predispositions toward certain travel modes and land use configurations. To date, most studies addressing this attitudinal self-selection issue fall into nine categories: direct questioning, statistical control, instrumental variables models, sample selection models, propensity score, joint discrete choice models, structural equations models, mutually-dependent discrete choice models, and longitudinal designs. This report reviews and evaluates these alternative approaches. Virtually all of the 38 empirical studies reviewed found a statistically significant influence of the built environment remaining after self-selection was accounted for. However, the practical importance of that influence was seldom assessed. Although time and resource limitations are recognized, we recommend usage of longitudinal structural equations modeling with control groups, a design which is strong with respect to all causality requisites.Item The influence of transport infrastructures on land-use conversion decisions within municipal plans(Journal of Transport and Land Use, 2014) Padeiro, MiguelTransit-oriented development (TOD) is one of the most popular means of public intervention in the field of spatial planning, which aims at reducing land consumption caused by urban sprawl. In this paper, a logit model is computed to assess whether the Municipal Master Plans approved during the 1990s in the Lisbon region (Portugal), currently in force, contemplated public transit stations as a relevant requirement for the location of the planned urban expansion areas and, more specifically, for the conversion of non-urban areas to artificialized areas. It is shown that TOD was not taken as a preferential approach, suggesting that there may be at the outset an inherent resistance to public injunctions on limiting land-use conversion, regardless of other obstacles frequently mentioned.Item Method to adjust Institute of Transportation Engineers vehicle trip-generation estimates in smart-growth areas(Journal of Transport and Land Use, 2015) Schneider, Robert James; Shafizadeh, Kevan; Handy, Susan L.This paper describes a practical method of adjusting existing Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) estimates to produce more accurate estimates of motor-vehicle trip-generation at developments in smart-growth areas. Two linear regression equations, one for an A.M. peak-hour adjustment and one for a P.M. peak-hour adjustment, were developed using vehicle trip counts and easily measured site and surrounding area context variables from a sample of 50 smart-growth sites in California. Many of the contextual variables that were associated with lower vehicle trip generation at the smart-growth study sites were correlated. Therefore, variables representing characteristics such as residential population density, employment density, transit service, metered on-street parking, and building setback distance from the sidewalk were combined into a single “smart-growth factor” that was used in the linear regression equations. The A.M. peak-hour and P.M. peak-hour adjustment equations are only appropriate for planning-level analysis at sites in smart-growth areas. In addition, the method is only appropriate for single land uses in several common categories, such as office, mid- to high-density residential, restaurant, and coffee/donut shop. The method uses data from California, but the methodological approach could provide a framework for adjusting ITE trip-generation estimates in smart-growth areas throughout the United States.Item Metropolitan smart growth centers: An assessment of incentive policies in four regions(Journal of Transport and Land Use, 2013) Margerum, Richard; Brody, Susan; Parker, Robert; McEwen, GailAcross the United States, metropolitan areas face challenges related to transportation and land use. An emerging policy in many regions is to promote development around higher-density, mixed-use (smart-growth) centers that create locally accessible nodes; many of these nodes are also linked to transit stops. Some metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) have developed regional plans and incentive programs to encourage local governments to develop these centers. Incentives include grants as well as funding criteria in transportation improvement programs (TIP) that favor projects supporting centers. This paper assesses these policies as they have been applied in: (1) Puget Sound, Washington; (2) Portland, Oregon; (3) Denver, Colorado; and (4) San Diego, California. For the four regions we reviewed documents, conducted 40 interviews with key individuals, administered an online survey of 450 experts (response rate = 44 percent), and held a two-day forum involving 40 participants. We found that incentive policies by themselves were having a limited impact because they are new and offer small amounts of funding relative to local government needs and market forces. However, when incentives are combined with plans, policies, and transit investment, they provide a significant foundation for promoting growth around centers. There are a number of ways these policies can be improved, and many policies are transferable to other metropolitan regions.