4.5. TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
This section outlines the process and requirements for analyzing the impact of transportation projects on vehicle miles traveled (VMT) within the City of Dublin's jurisdiction. The analysis ensures compliance with California’s SB 743, which shifts the focus of transportation impact evaluations from vehicle delay to VMT, promoting sustainable transportation systems and reducing environmental impacts.
4.5.1. Determining the Need for Detailed VMT Analysis
The City of Dublin requires a detailed VMT analysis for transportation projects expected to increase VMT, particularly those encouraging the use of single-occupancy vehicles, such as adding through travel lanes. However, certain transportation projects may be exempt from detailed analysis if they have been specifically evaluated in a citywide plan, such as the General Plan or Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). In such cases, the necessary VMT impacts and mitigation measures would already be accounted for at the plan level.
Conversely, transportation projects unlikely to lead to a significant increase in VMT and those that promote transit use or active transportation generally do not require detailed VMT analysis. These include:
- Road Rehabilitation: Maintenance projects that do not add capacity but improve existing infrastructure.
- Safety Projects: Initiatives aimed at improving safety without increasing vehicle throughput.
- Auxiliary Lanes (<1 mile): Short lane additions designed to improve traffic flow without inducing significant travel demand.
- Turning Lanes: Enhancements to intersections for better traffic movement.
- Conversion to Managed/Transit Lanes: Reconfiguration of existing lanes to prioritize transit or high-occupancy vehicles (HOV).
- Road Diets: Reduction of road capacity to add bike lanes, pedestrian spaces, or transit lanes.
- Removal or Relocation of Parking Spaces: Changes that encourage alternative modes of travel.
- Non-Motorized and Transit Facilities: Adding bike paths, sidewalks, or transit stops.
These projects typically do not increase roadway capacity enough to substantially impact VMT, making them consistent with SB 743’s intent to streamline VMT-reducing projects and comprehensively assess projects that could increase VMT.
4.5.2. VMT Analysis for General Plan or RTP/SCS Projects
For transportation projects not explicitly included in the General Plan or RTP/SCS, or for modifications or replacements of planned projects, the City evaluates the impact on VMT as follows:
- Replacement Projects: If a new project replaces one already included in the General Plan and results in lower VMT, it is presumed to have a less than significant impact.
- Non-Planned Projects: If a project not included in the General Plan or RTP/SCS results in a net increase in VMT, it is deemed to have a significant impact.
This ensures that projects align with regional and citywide transportation and sustainability goals while avoiding unplanned increases in VMT.
4.5.3. VMT Analysis Methodology and Tools
Transportation projects requiring a detailed VMT analysis—such as those adding vehicular capacity or not evaluated in citywide plans—must use the City’s specified methodology. Key elements include:
- Travel Demand Modeling: The City mandates the use of the most current travel demand model to estimate changes in VMT caused by rerouted trips or changes to travel patterns resulting from the project.
- Induced Demand Assessment: Long-term impacts, such as induced travel demand, must be evaluated using the formula: [%Increase in Lane Miles]×[Existing VMT]×[Elasticity]=[VMT Resulting from the Project][\% \text{Increase in Lane Miles}] \times [\text{Existing VMT}] \times [\text{Elasticity}] = [\text{VMT Resulting from the Project}][%Increase in Lane Miles]×[Existing VMT]×[Elasticity]=[VMT Resulting from the Project]
- Elasticity values can be determined using tools such as the National Center for Sustainable Transportation's resources.
- VMT Metric and Threshold: The total VMT within the City is the primary metric for transportation project evaluation. Any increase in total VMT constitutes a significant impact.
- Horizon Year Analysis: The evaluation must consider long-term impacts, typically 20 years into the future, to ensure the project does not exceed baseline VMT levels.
This methodology discourages projects that induce significant increases in VMT and prioritizes sustainable transportation solutions.
4.5.4. Mitigation for Transportation Projects
When transportation projects are determined to have significant VMT impacts, mitigation measures must be implemented to reduce or offset the increase. These measures focus on discouraging single-occupancy vehicle travel and enhancing alternatives such as public transit, carpooling, and non-motorized transportation. Potential mitigation strategies include:
- Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Programs: Implementing or funding off-site TDM measures to incentivize carpooling, transit use, or telecommuting.
- Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): Adopting ITS strategies to improve passenger throughput rather than vehicle throughput. Examples include real-time traffic management, adaptive signal control, and transit signal priority.
- Active Transportation Infrastructure: Expanding bike lanes, sidewalks, and transit facilities to encourage walking, biking, and public transit use.
- Land Use Coordination: Designing projects to integrate with transit-oriented developments or mixed-use neighborhoods to reduce the need for automobile travel.
By incorporating these measures, transportation projects can align with Dublin’s goals for sustainable growth and reduced environmental impacts.
Our Services are available throughout City of Dublin with Zipcode 94568