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Structural equation models of VMT growth in US urbanised areas

Author

Listed:
  • Reid Ewing

    (University of Utah, USA)

  • Shima Hamidi

    (University of Utah, USA)

  • Frank Gallivan

    (ICF International, USA)

  • Arthur C Nelson

    (University of Utah, USA)

  • James B Grace

    (US Geological Survey, USA)

Abstract

Vehicle miles travelled (VMT) is a primary performance indicator for land use and transportation, bringing with it both positive and negative externalities. This study updates and refines previous work on VMT in urbanised areas, using recent data, additional metrics and structural equation modelling (SEM). In a cross-sectional model for 2010, population, income and freeway capacity are positively related to VMT, while gasoline prices, development density and transit service levels are negatively related. Findings of the cross-sectional model are generally confirmed in a more tightly controlled longitudinal study of changes in VMT between 2000 and 2010, the first model of its kind. The cross-sectional and longitudinal models together, plus the transportation literature generally, give us a basis for generalising across studies to arrive at elasticity values of VMT with respect to different urban variables.

Suggested Citation

  • Reid Ewing & Shima Hamidi & Frank Gallivan & Arthur C Nelson & James B Grace, 2014. "Structural equation models of VMT growth in US urbanised areas," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 51(14), pages 3079-3096, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:51:y:2014:i:14:p:3079-3096
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098013516521
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Kenneth A. Small & Kurt Van Dender, 2007. "Fuel Efficiency and Motor Vehicle Travel: The Declining Rebound Effect," The Energy Journal, International Association for Energy Economics, vol. 0(Number 1), pages 25-52.
    3. Reid Ewing & Fang Rong, 2008. "The impact of urban form on U.S. residential energy use," Housing Policy Debate, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 19(1), pages 1-30, January.
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    5. Martijn Brons & Peter Nijkamp & Eric Pels & Piet Rietveld, 2006. "A Meta-analysis of the Price Elasticity of Gasoline Demand. A System of Equations Approach," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 06-106/3, Tinbergen Institute.
    6. Andrew Tracy & Peng Su & Adel Sadek & Qian Wang, 2011. "Assessing the impact of the built environment on travel behavior: a case study of Buffalo, New York," Transportation, Springer, vol. 38(4), pages 663-678, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Roya Etminani-Ghasrodashti & Shima Hamidi, 2019. "Individuals’ Demand for Ride-hailing Services: Investigating the Combined Effects of Attitudinal Factors, Land Use, and Travel Attributes on Demand for App-based Taxis in Tehran, Iran," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(20), pages 1-19, October.
    2. Daniel Albalate & Xavier Fageda, 2019. "Congestion, Road Safety, and the Effectiveness of Public Policies in Urban Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(18), pages 1-21, September.

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