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Up Front

Here you'll find charts, graphs, and various factoids that make the case for transit and TOD.

Population & Transportation Change 1990-2005

Here is a chart that shows population versus Total VMT, Urban VMT, and Transit PMT.

Transportation Energy (BTUs Per Passenger Mile)

This chart shows transportation energy data from the Department of Energy Oak Ridge National Laboratory and specific APTA data which separates out modes.

Transit-Oriented Development at Different Scales

Here is a link to a graphic that shows the different scales of TOD. One size does not fit all TOD planning.

Transit System Sizes

System Size determines a transit system's effectiveness. Click the link to see 12 Systems at different stages of development.

APTA Ridership Trends

APTA Ridership Trends

Did you know? Since 1990, trips taken by transit have increased 11.5%. 75% of that increase has come from rail modes including, commuter, light and heavy rail. Light rail has made big gains at 117% over 1990 levels and Heavy Rail has increased ridership by 462 million trips which is roughly 1.3 million trips per day.

Survey Says: Transit & Land Use Reduce VMT

Survey Says: Transit & Land Use Reduce VMT

1994 Portland Travel Survey Results

A study for Metro Portland found that VMT per capita was reduced by 12 miles per day when citizens lived in areas with good transit and mixed use living versus suburban areas. Auto ownership was also reduced. In both cases household costs can be drastically reduced.

Where You Live Impacts Affordability

Where You Live Impacts Affordability

Families in areas with good transit and walkable neighborhoods can pay less than 10% of their income for transportation while families in areas where they need to drive a car everywhere might pay upwards of 25%. For a family making $35,000 a year, this can be a difference of over $5000 dollars. Recent CTOD work on the Affordability Index and Realizing the Potential: Expanding Housing Opportunities Near Transit discusses the trade offs in more detail. Click on reports below to find out more.

Transit technology comparison sheet

This one-page cheat sheet compares transit types from heavy rail to express bus on cost per mile, operating speeds, power source, and more. Real-world examples and photos make this an easy illustration for comparison purposes.