Todd Litman is founder and executive director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, an independent research organization dedicated to developing innovative solutions to transport problems. His work helps to expand the range of impacts and options considered in transportation decision-making, improve evaluation methods, and make specialized technical concepts accessible to a larger audience. His research is used worldwide in transport planning and policy analysis.
Mr. Litman has worked on numerous studies that evaluate transportation costs, benefits and innovations. He authored the Online TDM Encyclopedia, a comprehensive Internet resource for identifying and evaluating mobility management strategies; Transportation Cost and Benefit Analysis: Techniques, Estimates and Implications, a comprehensive study which provides cost and benefit information in an easy-to-apply format; and Parking Management Best Practices, the most comprehensive book available on management solutions to parking problems. Mr. Litman is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops. His presentations range from technical and practical to humorous and inspirational. He is active in several professional organizations, including the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the Transportation Research Board (a section of U.S. National Academy of Sciences). He is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Transportation Research A, a professional journal.
Parking Cash-Out Creates a Level Playing Field for Commuters
Many employers offer subsidized parking to automobile commuters but no comparable benefits to those who walk, bicycle, or use public transit. A Washington, D.C. proposal would help correct this inequity.
Chain Restaurants and Cars Go Together. Driving Ruins Local Flavor
City Observatory research shows that urban regions where residents drive less and rely more on other travel modes have more independent restaurants and more varied dining options. Bon appetit for walking, bicycling and public transit.
All Vehicle Traffic Imposes Danger. Vision Zero Requires Vehicle Travel Reduction Policies
Traffic safety initiatives must recognise that all vehicle travel imposes risks, and traffic reduction policies increase safety in addition to other benefits.
Vision Zero, Meet VMT Reductions
Many jurisdictions have vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction targets, intended to reduce congestion and pollution. They can also provide large but often overlooked traffic safety benefits.
Better Planning with More Comprehensive Transportation Cost Analysis
Transportation planning decisions often involve trade-offs between various economic impacts, including direct user costs, and various external costs imposed on other people. All of these impacts should be considered in planning analysis.