VMT Mitigation Program Report - LA County Public Works

What is VMT?

Vehicle Miles Traveled, or VMT, measures the total distance people drive. A project that causes people to drive longer or more frequently increases VMT. Projects that shorten trip distances or encourage use of transit, walking, or biking help reduce VMT.

Reducing VMT can:

• Improve air quality and reduce emissions;
• Lower household transportation costs;
• Improve access to jobs, schools, parks, and essential services; and
• Support more efficient land use and infrastructure investments.

Under Senate Bill (SB) 743, public agencies are required to assess the potential transportation impacts of certain proposed development projects using VMT instead of traffic delay. If a project would result in significant transportation impacts, the developer must implement mitigation measures to reduce the project’s transportation impacts.

Not all development projects can fully reduce VMT through on-site improvements alone, especially in areas without frequent transit or nearby destinations. The VMT Mitigation Program Report would give developers the option to contribute to off-site improvements that reduce VMT at a broader level. These improvements could include, but are not limited to:

• Transit service upgrades;
• Safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure;
• First/last mile connections;
• Mobility hubs and EV charging; and
• Investments in affordable housing near transit.

Mitigation funds would be managed by the County and used to implement projects that achieve measurable VMT reductions and community benefits.

VMT 101: The Basics

VMT measures how much and how far people drive. It is a key metric used to understand how a development project could affect the overall efficiency of our transportation system, either increasing or reducing the amount of driving. When homes, offices, and stores are built far apart without good transit options, people have no choice but to drive longer distances. When development occurs closer to destinations with multiple travel options, unnecessary car trips may be reduced and trip lengths shortened.

Why it Matters

The VMT Mitigation Program Report could support a future program to enhance the transportation system with expanded travel options. The County is researching potential ways to reduce car dependence and expand options so people can travel with greater convenience and potentially reduced emissions. These efforts align with State climate policies and the County’s General Plan, Housing Element, Climate Action Plan, and Sustainability Plan.

Prioritizing Investment

The VMT Mitigation Program Report aims to research potential ways to direct investments toward areas where improvements could have the greatest impact. Many locations lack features such as safe sidewalks, reliable transit, or protected bike lanes. These gaps can make daily travel more difficult and limit access to jobs, schools, services, and other destinations.

The future program could fund improvements that enhance travel safety, reduce emissions, and expand access to essential destinations. Such improvements could benefit individual trips and strengthen overall travel networks by supporting cleaner air, safer travel, and better connections.

The VMT Mitigation Program Report is researching ways to ensure that everyone benefits from smarter development by creating a more connected and sustainable transportation system across Los Angeles County.

Examples of VMT Reduction Strategies

VMT reduction strategies could decrease driving by making it easier and more convenient to use alternatives to driving alone. These improvements are implemented outside the project sites, often in partnership with local cities or agencies, and are designed to create better connections and expand transportation options. These strategies are not about limiting driving but about providing choices, so driving is not the only option. VMT reduction strategies may include:

• Transit Service Improvements: Coordinate with transit providers to enhance bus or rail routes, improve frequency, or strengthen connections to destinations, including microtransit solutions.
• Mobility Hubs and Other Infrastructure Upgrades: Develop mobility hubs in areas with limited transit access, including shelters, electric vehicle (EV) chargers and other transportation amenities.
• Bike & Pedestrian Network Enhancements: Extend trails, bike lanes, and sidewalks to improve safe and effective travel between homes, schools, and shops.
• Safety Enhancements & Traffic Calming: Add crosswalks, curb extensions, and updated signals to support safer street use.
• First/Last Mile Connectivity: Make scooters, bikes, or local shuttles more accessible to connect people to transit.
• Housing Near Transit: Encourage the development of housing close to services and transit to reduce driving distances.
• Off-Site Parking Management: Provide park-and-ride or shared parking areas that allow connections to walking or transit.
• Trip Reduction Programs: Collaborate with employers or regional programs to offer incentives for walking, biking, or using transit.

Benefits

The Big Picture

Lowering VMT focuses on reducing driving distances by expanding options for how people travel and can result in an overall improvement to individual and regional quality of life.

Benefits of reducing VMT include:

• Less time spent driving,
• Cleaner air,
• Improved access to jobs, schools, parks, and services, and
• More affordable and sustainable transportation choices.

Everyone Wins

VMT reduction strategies may start with developers, but they benefit us all.