Taken by Megan Terebus, December 2000

While population in RI virtually remained the same through the 1990's, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) increased. This would indicate that Rhode Islanders are traveling more. This is consistent with national data for the same time period. Since 1970, VMT in RI has increased by over 50%. This could be due to sprawl. As more people leave the urban areas, they travel further distances to get to places that they need to go for everyday needs. Overall, only about 25% of travel today is accounted for by commuting to places of employment. Therefore, most of our VMTs are used up by recreation and errand running. The graph shown below illustrates a large increase from 1997 to 1998 in the per capita VMT. There are many possible reasons for such an increase such as sprawl and more people driving. These two years did see an unusually high increase in development, however, the biggest increase was from 1996 to 1997. The amount of square footage developed in 1997 doubled compared to the values in 1996. The effect on VMTs per capita from 1997 to 1998 may be a residual effect from the development of the years prior.

Click on Graph for Calculations

Rhode Island Department of Transportation

A result of increased VMT, is increased travel time. The table illustrates that the time Rhode Islander's spend in their cars commuting to work has increased over the past 20 years. Along with sprawl and VMT, congestion due to increase in cars on the road also increases travel time. This increases the costs and pollution associated with driving.

In 1970, 82% of all Rhode Island travel was done in cars. In 1990, the number increased to 90%. This is compared to national figures of 77% and 87% respectively. Rhode Islanders rely more on their automobiles than the rest of America.

One way to decrease the effects of congestion and sprawl is to encourage the use of public transit and other alternative modes such as walking and cycling. In order for walking and cycling to be viable modes of transportation, a cohesive system of trails, paths and bike lanes needs to be established. Without this infrastructure, those living outside of the cities will not have a safe way to use alternative modes and will continue to rely on their automobiles.

Sources:

RI Department of Transportation. Report 12. Areawide Daily Travel Trends – 1993 to Present. Received from Gary Bowen. RIDOT. Personal Communication. Nov. 15, 2000.

RI Department of Transportation. HPMS (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999). System Length and Daily Vehicle Travel. 11/15/2000. Received from Gary Bowen. RIDOT. Personal Communication. Nov. 15, 2000.

Conservation Law Foundation. Road Kill: How Solo Driving Runs Down the Economy. A CLF Report. May 1994.

Chung, H.C., B. Hoben, G. Chalder, R. Eigen. The Costs of Suburban Sprawl and Urban Decay. Prepared for Grow Smart Rhode Island. H.C. Planning Consultants, Inc., Planimetrics, LLP. December, 1999.

Rhode Island Department of Administration. State of Rhode Island Transportation Improvement Program, October 1, 2000 - September 30, 2002. August, 2000. Statewide Planning Program. One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908.

Rhode Island Department of Administration. Transportation 2020: Ground Transportation Plan. State Guide Plan Element 611. Report Number 96. November 1998. Statewide Planning Program. One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908.

Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. Rhode Island Annual Trends. 01/21/01. http://www.riedc.com/aboutri/economy/econframe.html

Where do I go from here within transportation? Vehicle Registrations

Transportation/Energy/RI Indicators