Reducing the need for single-occupancy and privately owned vehicles promotes health and cleaner air, and lessens the impact of cars on the environment. LA County voters have taken steps to commit to public
transit through the passages of Measures R and M over the past decade.
Providing people with real alternatives to sitting alone in a car can improve the quality of life for everyone, not just those who have a car. The growing prevalence of telecommuting is creating a trend of fewer commuting trips, alleviating rush hour congestion. Perhaps most impactful is the emergence of new modes of transportation linked to 21st-century technology. Innovations such as ride-hailing services, micromobility services like on-demand scooters, and autonomous vehicles are dramatically changing the County’s transportation network. Still, private passenger vehicles are traveling more miles than ever.
By proactively engaging with new transportation options and expanding transit through partnerships with LA Metro and Metrolink, among others, the County can increase the likelihood that people choose alternatives
to private vehicles, and that these alternatives are equitably implemented.
Shifting away from a car-dominated approach will also help free up land and infrastructure currently dedicated to automobiles so that it may be used instead for housing, public space, and other people-centered
priorities. A 2015 study estimated that 25% of the County’s incorporated land was devoted to roadways and parking, with 14% committed to parking alone.
Approximately 11% of all commute trips in LA County were made by foot, bike, micromobility, or public transit in 2015. (U.S. Census)
Increase to at least 15% all trips by foot, bike, micromobility, or public transit
Increase to at least 30% all trips by foot, bike, micromobility, or public transit
Increase to at least 50% all trips by foot, bike, micromobility, or public transit
LA County tallied 21.9 average daily vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per capita in 2017. (Caltrans)
Reduce average daily VMT per capita to 20 miles
Reduce average daily VMT per capita to 15 miles
Reduce average daily VMT per capita to 10 miles