Reducing Driving from Development Projects
The Equitable Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Mitigation Program aims to reduce the amount of driving from land use developments in Santa Clara County, working across jurisdictional lines and improving travel options. The amount of driving, or VMT, is tied to greenhouse gas emissions, local air quality, health, noise pollution, and street safety. So lowering VMT improves quality of life and the environment. VTA is leading this project to develop a framework where cities, the county and developers can work together to reduce driving and improve equity along the way. We welcome your input and involvement!
Check out these short videos for an introduction to the project, what VMT is, and why it’s important to reduce VMT.
| Project Introduction | What is VMT & Why Does it Matter? | Why It's Important to Reduce VMT |
 |
 |
 |
Background
California Senate Bill (SB) 743 required cities and counties to switch from using automobile delay in transportation analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to using Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), which measures the total amount of driving over a given area. These changes became mandatory in July 2020. Now that SB 743 is in effect, cities and counties need to consider the amount of VMT when they evaluate projects like new housing, office buildings, or shops under CEQA. VTA is working with its 15 cities/towns and the County of Santa Clara to provide assistance in implementing SB 743.
In 2022 VTA was awarded a Caltrans planning grant to develop the framework for an Equitable VMT Mitigation Program for Santa Clara County, in coordination with its cities/towns and the County. The program could take the form of a VMT Exchange or VMT Bank, which could provide more options for agencies and developers who find a VMT impact that is difficult to mitigate at the individual project level.
The team working on this project includes VTA staff, a Consultant Team (including two local Community-Based Organizations), and researchers and students from San José State University and the Mineta Transportation Institute.
Reducing Driving from Development Projects
The Equitable Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Mitigation Program aims to reduce the amount of driving from land use developments in Santa Clara County, working across jurisdictional lines and improving travel options. The amount of driving, or VMT, is tied to greenhouse gas emissions, local air quality, health, noise pollution, and street safety. So lowering VMT improves quality of life and the environment. VTA is leading this project to develop a framework where cities, the county and developers can work together to reduce driving and improve equity along the way. We welcome your input and involvement!
Check out these short videos for an introduction to the project, what VMT is, and why it’s important to reduce VMT.
| Project Introduction | What is VMT & Why Does it Matter? | Why It's Important to Reduce VMT |
|
|
|
|
Background
California Senate Bill (SB) 743 required cities and counties to switch from using automobile delay in transportation analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to using Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), which measures the total amount of driving over a given area. These changes became mandatory in July 2020. Now that SB 743 is in effect, cities and counties need to consider the amount of VMT when they evaluate projects like new housing, office buildings, or shops under CEQA. VTA is working with its 15 cities/towns and the County of Santa Clara to provide assistance in implementing SB 743.
In 2022 VTA was awarded a Caltrans planning grant to develop the framework for an Equitable VMT Mitigation Program for Santa Clara County, in coordination with its cities/towns and the County. The program could take the form of a VMT Exchange or VMT Bank, which could provide more options for agencies and developers who find a VMT impact that is difficult to mitigate at the individual project level.
The team working on this project includes VTA staff, a Consultant Team (including two local Community-Based Organizations), and researchers and students from San José State University and the Mineta Transportation Institute.
Timeline
Title
Existing Conditions Analysis
Phase Date Range
-
Title
Public Input
Phase Date Range
-
Title
Report Development
Phase Date Range
-
Upcoming Meetings
Project Diagram
