Solutions that put people first.

VMT Impacts

Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is a key metric used in planning and policy to measure how much people are driving. More than just a number, it is a broad metric that connects planning, land use, environmental policy and impacts, and community development to make transportation networks more efficient, safer, and better for the environment.

VMT as a transportation impact metric was first introduced in California through Senate Bill 743 (SB 743). Since then, it has gained national attention as a way to reduce car dependency while also improving accessibility and travel choices. By lowering how much people drive, or VMT, we can help reduce collisions, cut costs for building and maintaining infrastructure, improve air quality, and support healthier, more connected communities.

In short, VMT is a powerful tool for shaping the future of transportation by focusing on the broader impacts of driving rather than the individual experiences of driving.

Our Expertise

VMT is gaining national momentum, and our experts make it easier to understand and implement solutions. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, we offer support in key areas:

• Getting Started with VMT:
  • Understand VMT basics and its role in planning and policy
  • Transition from Level of Service (LOS) to VMT
  • Navigate evolving policies like California’s SB 743, Washington’s VMT reduction law, and Oregon’s Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities program
• VMT Analysis & Strategy:
  • Forecast VMT impacts and develop mitigation strategies
  • Conduct VMT impact assessments with advanced modeling tools
  • Address environmental goals, including emissions and sustainability targets
• Land Use & Transportation Planning:
  • Apply VMT in development projects, from housing to mixed-use plans
  • Design multimodal networks that support walking, biking, and transit
  • Enhance roadway safety and overall transportation efficiency
• Tools & Solutions:
  • Use our VMT+ to analyze and visualize local VMT data
  • Develop customized VMT impact and screening tools to accelerate impact analysis

Why We’re Trusted

As California leads the way in using VMT to assess transportation impacts, we bring extensive experience helping clients across the nation.

• Pioneering VMT Leadership: We’ve worked with over 350 public agencies across 166 jurisdictions in California to develop effective, compliant VMT procedures, including major cities, suburban regions, and rural areas.
• Statewide & National Expertise: Our team has shaped evolving national practices and advised various offices and agencies on VMT-related guidance, including the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (now called the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation), Caltrans, the California Attorney General’s Office, regional agencies, and local governments from coast to coast.
• Industry Recognition: We’ve been featured in transportation publications and have provided training to professionals and academia, making significant contributions to VMT standards and modeling practices. Current VMT analysis course offerings are available through UC Berkeley Tech Transfer and the UC Davis Extension.

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