Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, one question we frequently hear from our clients is: How has local travel behavior changed? To help provide answers, we embarked on a self-funded research effort, collecting pre-COVID and 2022/2023 traffic data at residential, retail, and mixed-use sites across California. We also conducted multi-day surveys at large office parks, one of the land uses most affected by the pandemic.
Our findings reveal significant shifts in travel patterns, especially at office buildings, where trip generation rates have dropped well below the rates set by ITE’s 2021 Trip Generation Manual, which consists entirely of pre-COVID data. These insights could have important implications for transportation planning, from travel demand models to infrastructure forecasting and fee programs.
For a deeper look at the data and what it means for future planning, check out our full white paper. Questions? Feel free to reach out to the report’s primary author, John Gard, PE, RSP1.
Contributors
John Gard
Email Me
Brian Wolfe
Email Me
Explore More
Partnering from Concept to Construction
With a passion for bringing transportation concepts into reality, we partner with our clients on many projects from initial plans and prioritization through to construction. Learn how we worked to integrate complete streets solutions in Honolulu, Hawaii from concept all the way through implementation.
Understanding VMT Metrics: Explore Our Modeling Lexicon
CEQA’s July 1 deadline is swiftly approaching, making it increasingly important to be able to understand and navigate all types of VMT calculations. Our new quick-reference VMT lexicon makes that easier. Explore it now here.
Navigating Long-Term Transit: Planning in an Uncertain Time
We’re partnering with the Whatcom Transportation Authority in Bellingham, Washington to plan the long-term future and develop a strategy for restarting transit service, welcoming back riders, and ensuring riders can safely get where they would like to go. See what’s in the works.