Structural equation models of VMT growth in US urbanised areas.

Urban Studies
By: , and 

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Abstract

Vehicle miles travelled (VMT) is a primary performance indicator for land use and transportation, bringing with it both positive and negative externalities. This study updates and refines previous work on VMT in urbanised areas, using recent data, additional metrics and structural equation modelling (SEM). In a cross-sectional model for 2010, population, income and freeway capacity are positively related to VMT, while gasoline prices, development density and transit service levels are negatively related. Findings of the cross-sectional model are generally confirmed in a more tightly controlled longitudinal study of changes in VMT between 2000 and 2010, the first model of its kind. The cross-sectional and longitudinal models together, plus the transportation literature generally, give us a basis for generalising across studies to arrive at elasticity values of VMT with respect to different urban variables.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Structural equation models of VMT growth in US urbanised areas.
Series title Urban Studies
DOI 10.1177/0042098013516521
Volume 51
Issue 14
Year Published 2014
Language English
Publisher Sage Publications
Contributing office(s) National Wetlands Research Center
Description 18 p.
First page 3079
Last page 3096
Country United States
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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