Theme

We define sustainable transportation as an approach to transportation that meets the needs of all segments of society while minimizing environmental, societal, and economic costs. 

At the heart of the sustainable transportation challenge is the dominance of petroleum-powered automobiles as a mode of daily travel in the U.S. More people are driving more miles than ever before. Over the last 30 years, vehicle miles of travel (VMT) on U.S. highways increased by 80 percent; VMT is projected to continue growing at rates faster than the U.S. population. The negative consequences are locally and globally significant in the near term and the long term.

Establishing a more sustainable transportation system will require new leaders and strong, interdisciplinary approaches that address consumer choices, vehicle technology, systems, planning, and policy. The UC Davis Sustainable Transportation Center seeks to contribute to strategies and solutions that meet this need.

The scope of the STC is defined by three areas of emphasis: regional transportation planning, environmental planning and review, and energy policy. Within each area, the STC supports three research approaches: behavioral research, systems analysis and planning, and policy tools.  

Regional Transportation Planning
This area encompasses the activities of metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and other state and local agencies. The coordination of transportation and land-use planning and the development of strategies for addressing traffic congestion are current challenges in this area. Researchers at UC Davis are addressing questions such as:

• Does traditional neighborhood design reduce automobile dependence?

• How can construction and traffic management plans for highway rehabilitation projects be optimized, taking into account pavement design and materials, lane closure tactics, and other factors?

Environmental Planning and Review
This area addresses the environmental review process for transportation projects as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The challenge in this domain is to improve environmental outcomes while delivering transportation services more efficiently.  Researchers at UC Davis are addressing questions such as:

• How can transportation networks be designed and operated to better manage risk from natural hazards?
• What impact would an extreme policy of concentrated development in the San Joaquin Valley of California have on future air quality?

Energy Policy
This area encompasses a wide range of federal and state policies that influence supply-side characteristics and affect energy demand. The key energy issues for the transport sector are transitioning to low-carbon fuels, replacing gasoline and diesel taxes with a reliable revenue mechanism, and ensuring the safety of new energy infrastructure.  Researchers at UC Davis are addressing questions such as: 

• What factors influence the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles?

What are the costs and benefits of alternative energy systems to provide biofuels or hydrogen for motor vehicles?