Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 23
Indirect Demand Strategies
—
Land Use,
Transit, Alternative Modes
23.1 Introduction
This chapter describes strategies that reduce motor vehicle use in urban areas by
(1) improving public transportation services (where appropriate) and (2) imple-
menting land use policies that support travel mode alternatives to the automobile.
These strategies are discussed in a single chapter because they are closely related
and interdependent.
The chapter describes the relationship between development density and public
transportation and how both affect highway travel demand and traf
c congestion. It
shows how both population and employment density in
uence modal choice and
usage. It shows various public transit actions that can bene
fl
t existing riders, attract
car drivers, and possibly support high density land development. It also identi
es
land development actions that can reduce the use of automobiles and can create
pedestrian friendly communities. It also suggests future land development patterns
that can foster compactness rather than spread and limit the growth of VMT as
metropolitan areas expand.
23.2 Density, Transit, and Traffic Congestion
23.2.1 Land Use Density
Land use density is what distinguishes a suburban area from a city. In the suburbs
traveling by car is a necessity because activities are separated by distances too long
to walk, and effective transit service cannot be provided. This condition results in
low density (uncongested) traf
c on local streets but high density (congested) traf
c
on arterial roads that receive traf
c from local roads to bring it to destinations far
away.
