Fehr & Peers 2019 VMT per Capita Estimates

Derived from StreetLight Data

About

VMT+ provides a combination of resources to review VMT per capita data at the Census Block Group (CBG) level throughout California. Specific metrics include home-based VMT per resident and home-based work VMT per worker. These metrics are commonly used for VMT impact analysis to comply with the SB 743 changes to the CEQA Guidelines. The VMT+ dashboard can be used to select, filter, and view the CBG VMT as compared to the VMT averages for relevant jurisdictions including City or Unincorporated County (UC), County, MPO (if applicable) and Statewide averages. 

While SB 743 has prompted greater attention for VMT data and analysis, the VMT estimates in this tool may be useful for a wide variety of other applications including grant programs, land use efficiency assessments, validation of walk score or other similar indexes, and evaluation of air pollutant or GHG emission patterns. For SB 743 purposes, having a complete statewide data set can better inform threshold choices by expanding the potential comparisons across jurisdictions or user-defined areas.

The data is derived from a custom application of StreetLight device trip samples and estimates from March through May of 2019. Fehr & Peers will also be offering 2022 data for the same time period as part of our consulting services.

Note: Fehr & Peers makes no warranty regarding the data's accuracy, quality, or appropriate use. This data set is intended to complement other VMT data sources such as regional or local travel demand models. Since the VMT+ estimates are new and have not been fully validated or peer reviewed, the data is offered as is and should be thoroughly reviewed for reasonableness in any applications.

Resident HBX VMT Map

Knowing that the geographic context influences VMT, the map below shows the HBX VMT for each Census Block Group relative the statewide average. Zoom into an area of interest and click on a Census Block Group for VMT data. The Resident HBX VMT statewide average is 21.1.

Employee HBW VMT Map

Knowing that the geographic context influences VMT, the map below shows the HBW VMT for each Census Block Group relative the statewide average. Zoom into an area of interest and click on a Census Block Group for VMT data. The Employee HBW VMT statewide average is 15.3.

VMT+ Dashboard

Click on the image below to open a new browser window containing an interactive dashboard to explore each MPO, City, and County.

SLD VMT Final

Streetlight Data Documentation

Factors for a SB 743 Dataset

Regional Models and Data 

  • Not all jurisdictions in California have travel demand models and those that do often have base years over five years old and are less relevant for producing current year VMT estimates. This is particularly important due to ongoing disruptive trends such as COVID-19 that continue to affect travel behavior that are not reflected in travel models.
  • The full length of the trips in travel models may be truncated at the model boundary.
  • Home or work locations that vary throughout the year are often excluded, focusing on permanent locations.

VMT+ Statewide Data 

  • The ability to reflect observed travel behavior for the specific context and trip starting/ending locations rather than aggregated to traffic analysis zones.
  • Easily obtained and updated to reflect existing travel behavior. Fehr & Peers will be offering 2022 data for clients needing current baseline estimates or that would like the ability to track VMT performance over time for applications such as VMT mitigation monitoring.
  • Full length of trip for all trips with at least one end in California but the sample rate (devices observed/person) varies by block group.
  • Reflects typical daily activity for the data period, including seasonal homes or work locations (i.e. construction or agriculture).  

Specific metrics include home-based VMT per resident and home-based work VMT per worker. These metrics are commonly used for VMT impact analysis to comply with the SB 743 changes to the CEQA Guidelines. Highlights of the VMT methods are shown, including the average VMT for each metric. Full documentation for the specific methodology used to develop this data set are also available. 

Home-Based VMT per resident (HBX) 

HBX

Home-Based VMT per resident (HBX)

  • All home-based automobile vehicle trips are traced back to the residence of the trip-maker; non-home-based trips are excluded. 
  • Commercial vehicle trips are not included. 
  • Statewide Average of Resident HBX VMT: 21.1
  • 15% below Statewide Average of Resident HBX VMT: 17.94

Histogram of all Census Block Groups in California Resident HBX VMT

Home-Based Work VMT per employee (HBW) 

Home-Based VMT per employee (HBW)

  • All automobile trips directly between home and work are counted.  
  • Commercial vehicle trips are not included. 
  • Statewide Average of Employee HBW VMT: 15.3
  • 15% below Statewide Average of Employee HBW VMT: 13.0

Histogram of all Census Block Groups in California Employee HBW VMT

Fehr & Peers contributors: Mike Wallace, Patrick McDonough, and Ron Milam.

Home-Based VMT per resident (HBX)

Histogram of all Census Block Groups in California Resident HBX VMT

Home-Based VMT per employee (HBW)

Histogram of all Census Block Groups in California Employee HBW VMT