Using VMT to Promote Sustainability

Exploring the Shift in the Transportation Planning Paradigm

Using VMT to Promote Sustainability

Exploring the Shift in the Transportation Planning Paradigm

Published: October 13, 2023

As planning strategies evolve from vehicle-centric to a multimodal, accessibility-focused approach, the focus is on moving people efficiently over vehicles. The new paradigm emphasizes sustainable transportation modes and underscores the significance of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) as a crucial metric. VMT reduction benefits traffic flow, infrastructure costs, community well-being, pollution reduction, non-driver accessibility, and public health. 

We’re excited to introduce ITE’s new technical brief, Vehicle-Miles Traveled (VMT) as a Metric for Sustainability. This resource, which includes contributions from our nationwide VMT expert Ron Milam, covers the shift from vehicle-based planning to accessibility-based planning, providing insights and case studies for transportation agencies and practitioners striving to enhance equity, safety, environmental sustainability, and community livability.