Coachella Valley Regional Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Study
This project is complete.
Read about it below.
Coachella Valley Regional Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Study
This project is complete.
Read about it below.
The Coachella Valley Regional Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Study reexamined how people travel throughout the region while supporting vibrant communities and a healthier environment. The study developed strategies to reduce vehicle miles traveled, traffic impacts, and greenhouse gas emissions, while improving access to walking, biking, and public transit.
Through practical solutions such as enhanced transit options, safer bike infrastructure, and incentives for development near transit, the study provides a framework to help local communities thrive. It also prioritized fair and equitable transportation improvements to better connect historically underserved communities to essential destinations and resources.
WHAT IS VMT?
VMT stands for "Vehicle Miles Traveled." It's a measure used in transportation planning to quantify the amount of travel in miles for all vehicles in a specific region over a set period. VMT is an important metric for assessing travel demand, understanding travel behavior, and planning infrastructure needs. It helps policymakers and planners evaluate the impact of transportation projects, design efficient road networks, and develop strategies to reduce congestion and improve air quality. Lowering VMT is a goal to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation systems.
HOW DOES VMT IMPACT ME?
VMT can have a significant impact on your daily life. VMT measures the total miles driven by all vehicles in a given area over a specific period. High VMT often correlates with increased traffic congestion, longer commute times, and higher transportation costs. It also contributes to air pollution and road wear, leading to more frequent repairs and maintenance needs. By being aware of VMT, we can work together to reduce it through community planning, the use of public transportation, and the promotion of walking or biking. Lowering VMT not only improves your travel experience, but also enhances air quality and promotes a healthier, more sustainable environment for everyone.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The completion of the VMT Study marks an important step in supporting local implementation of VMT reduction strategies across the Coachella Valley.
Local jurisdictions can use the study’s findings and tools to:
- Inform General Plan updates and policy development
- Evaluate development projects for VMT impacts and identify transportation demand management (TDM) strategies
- Advance regional coordination on mobility and land use planning
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PROJECT TIMELINE
This Project is funded and managed by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) with Regional Early Action Program 2021 grant funding from the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development.
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