Moving towards Sustainable Transport in Dallas

Dallas Factsheet• 9th largest city and 4th

largest metropolitan area in the United States

• Dallas covers approximately 343 square miles and has a population of 1,299,543.

Current status of Transport in Dallas

• Congestion will cost the region $6.5 Billion in travel delays by 2030

• From 1999 to 2009, vehicle miles traveled increased 30 percent. During that same period, signal and congestion delay time increased by 44 percent

• Rapid motorization has deteriorated the air quality. Increasing emissions of Green House Gases.

Current status of Transport in Dallas

Challenges lack of funds to build and

maintain an effective transportation system.

• Federal transportation funding is dependent on air quality conformity. 10 Dallas area counties do not meet the EPA’s

regulation for ozone pollution, Convincing people to use public

transport

Solution: Move towards Sustainable Transport Create and connect pedestrian and bicyclist oriented

neighborhoods, centers and places throughout the region. Bus rapid transit or rail in highly populated areas. Affordable housing close to public transport. Increase awareness among public officials, the development

community, school districts, and the general public

Solution: Move towards Sustainable Transportcontd.

• Invest in transportation systems, facilities and operations that provide multi-modal choices

• Use the Avoid-Shift-Improve approachAvoid Unnecessary motorized tripsShift to more sustainable modes like Bus Rapid

Transit Improve vehicle efficiency• Target areas with high emitting vehicles

Student AssignmentNow that you have a fair idea about what the Transportation status in Dallas is, you will complete the following assignment.

Design a survey to find out the modes of transportation used by people in your neighborhood. Collect data from at least 10 families. Some of the questions you can ask in the survey are-

• How often do you use public transportation? If not then what hinders you from using public transportation.

• How many miles do you drive every day?• What is your average gasoline expense each month?• Do you have any suggestions on how public transportation can be

improved in Dallas?

Student Assignment (contd.) Present the results of your survey using Graphs as far as possible.

Finally why do you think sustainable transport is essential in Dallas and what are some steps that should be taken in moving towards this direction.

References “Moving towards sustainable transport”, Chapter-4 published

in Worldwatch Institute’s State of the World 2012: Moving Toward Sustainable Prosperity.

visionnorthtexas.org North Central Texas Council of Governments http://www.nctcog.org/trans/index.asp