Assessment of Local Models and Tools for Analyzing Smart-Growth Strategies

This report examines current travel demand models used by local jurisdictions in California. Focus is on determining the adequacy of the models in terms of sensitivity to smart-growth strategies and to evaluate the potential impact of the strategies on reducing trip making and vehicular travel. The report first gives an overview of travel demand models and their use in local land use decision-making. This is followed by a detailed review of the Urban Transportation Modeling system (UTMS), the conventional modeling process used by most local California jurisdictions. The limitations of this approach to smart growth sensitivity are discussed, and methods are described for improving the sensitivity. Examples of where innovative practices have been implemented in California are also included. The report next provides a review of supplemental tools that are currently used for gaining smart-growth sensitivity through the application of a "4D elasticities" (Density, Diversity, Design and Destinations) approach. Current modeling practices in California are then reviewed, with focus on how travel models have been used in smart growth decision-making. Six case studies are used to illustrate the range of practice. Finally, the results of a sensitivity test of one of the 4Ds-based supplemental tools are discussed and compared with the results from the baseline travel model.

• Record URL:
  http://dot.ca.gov/newtech/researchreports/reports/2007/local_models_tools.pdf
• 
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/164606119
• Corporate Authors:

  DKS Associates, Incorporated

  1000 Broadway, Suite 450
  Oakland, CA  United States  94607-4099

  University of California, Irvine

  Institute of Transportation Studies
  4000 Anteater Instruction and Research Building
  Irvine, CA  United States  92697

  University of California, Santa Barbara

  GeoTrans Laboratory
  Santa Barbara, CA  United States 

  California Department of Transportation

  Division of Research and Innovation
  1227 O Street, MS-83
  Sacramento, CA  United States  94273-0001
• Publication Date: 2007-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: v.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Decision making; Land use models; Sensitivity; Smart growth; Sustainable development; Transportation planning; Travel demand
• Geographic Terms: California
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01055818
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: CALTRANS, TRIS, ATRI, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 28 2007 10:56AM