California Air Resources Board

Principal Investigator/Author: Karen Chapple

Contractor: University of California, Berkeley

Contract Number: 16RD003

Project Status: Completed

Relevant CARB Programs: Climate Change

Topic Areas: Behavioral Change, Sustainable Communities, Transport

Research Summary:

This study assessed the travel patterns of low-income households in order to estimate the impact of affordable transit-oriented developments (TODs) on vehicle miles traveled (VMT) using a multi-method research design. Data were collected, assembled, and analyzed for 292 tenants living in subsidized units both near and far from high quality transit to provide a robust picture of trip frequency, length, mode, purpose, and vehicle ownership as a function of development characteristics, household demographics, and urban setting. Results showed a significant association between affordable TOD and vehicle trip frequency, but not VMT. These mixed findings align with the mixed results found for other populations and settings. Qualitative results highlight the many benefits of living in affordable TODs, especially those in highly accessible areas and in close proximity to many services and opportunities.

Final Report: Please email research@arb.ca.gov to request the final report generated by this research contract.