External link: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/55634.pdf

Publication date: March 1, 2013

Capsule summary: This policy research paper investigates the impact of transportation infrastructure and policies on energy usage and economic conditions of urban communities.

Author(s): Cambridge Systematics, Inc.; National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Publisher(s): U.S. Department of Energy

Definition: Planning practices for pedestrians, bikes and transit
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/bikeped/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Aex
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Aex

Definition: Examining the environmental impacts of transportation
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/environment/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Jfb
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Jfb

Definitions: Passenger transportation services
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/mode/personal/transit/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Aet
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Aet

Definitions: The movement of people
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/mode/personal/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Ajp
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Ajp

Definition: A federally funded transportation policy-making organization, comprised of local government representatives and transportation authorities
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/mpo/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Nggks
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Nggks

Definition: Governmental agency focused on transportation
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/dot/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Nggj
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Nggj

Definition: Administrative subdivision of a state
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/county/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Ngdhc
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Ngdhc

Definition: A large urban area
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/city/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Ngdhs
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Ngdhs

Definition: Report published by a governmental body or other organization (e.g. FHWA, NAS, etc.)
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/resource-type/report/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: n/a
TRT Search Results Page: n/a

Description: The planning and development of transportation infrastructure has an effect on emission and energy use of a community. In urban centers research suggests that different types of transportation and infrastructure development has led to varied economic results because of the way in which the public attitude and behavior is affected. There is still debate on the extent of effect on behavior of the community members, but the paper includes data suggesting that variation of infrastructure in urban areas- eg. walk ways, neighborhoods that are accessible and encourage walking contribute to lower vehicle travel and energy use.

Objectives: The transportation industry has an effect on economics on the national level through various direct and indirect correlations. This research paper seeks to identify and explore how use and development of land in different community settings influences behaviors of the community to reduce transportation energy consumption- and how this change can impact issues on a federal level like the economy.

Findings: The research and studies showed that the built environment does have an effect on the behaviors of community members and use of transportation and transportation infrastructure. The built environment affects the use of public transportation, overall traffic and energy consumption of the community. Planning and developing new communities, especially urban areas, with the goal of maximizing energy efficiency allows for the built environment to be most effective.

Recommendations: Because the federal government is impacted by local energy conservation efforts, they paper suggests several policies for the federal government to implement to maximize results. The paper suggests the federal government to be involved in local and technical planning, revise tax policies, provide support in outreach to the community, and continue seeking new policies to implement for better results. Most of the research and development is focused on urban communities.

Research Theme: Environment, Planning for Pedestrians, Bikes, and Transit

Community Type:

Transportation Mode: Personal, Transit

Planning Scope:

Organization Type: City, County, DOT, MPO or RPO

Planning Subject: Analysis, Decision Making, Development, Evaluation and Assessment, Facility or Land Use, Forecasting, Land Use Planning, Mixed-Use Development, Performance Management, Plan Implementation, Planning Methods, Sustainable Development, Transit-Oriented Development