As transportation emissions continue to increase in the state, and across the country, MassDOT is working to find climate solutions that support reductions in emissions.
DAILY VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED (VMT) PER CAPITA
Vehicles miles traveled (VMT) is a measure of how much people travel by car. While the average daily VMT per capita has remained relatively constant over the past four years, total VMT has increased with the growing economy since 2010 (see MassDOT 2019 Congestion in the Commonwealth Report). After decades of vehicle focused planning and design, travel by automobile is the dominant mode in the Commonwealth, and across the country, and with it comes related externalities such as congestion and environmental impacts like greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and pollution. VMT has increased since last year and is approaching the pre-pandemic (2019) number of 24.4. As concerns about public health continue alongside state reopening, MassDOT is closely tracking VMT.
VMT is the number of miles traveled by motor vehicles in the Commonwealth, calculated per capita, on an average daily basis. The data is obtained from the Office of Transportation Planning (OTP), which derives the information from FHWA Annual Highway Statistics Reports (part of the Federal Highway Administration Performance Monitoring System – HPMS), various HPMS state reports, and U.S. Census Bureau population estimates. Projected figures are based on modeled traffic growth, state population projections, and state and national VMT growth trends.
MassDOT’s target of 24.3 daily vehicle miles per capita is meant to return daily VMT per capita to 2008 levels, when the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) was passed. In FY22, VMT per capita was below the target at 23.6. This was a slight increase from the previous year (21.5 VMT per capita), suggesting that drivers might be returning to pre-covid driving levels. MassDOT’s goal is for this number to stay below the target to meet GWSA objectives and a combination of telework and investments in transit and active modes may help us to do that.
Complete Streets
Complete Streets refers to an approach to transportation policy and infrastructure design that ensures safe transportation options for all roadway users regardless of age, ability, or mode of travel. The approach, if adopted in all work, will help the Commonwealth meet its mobility and safety performance measures. However, work on state-owned roadways alone is not enough. Cities and towns own 80 percent of roadway miles across the Commonwealth.
The MassDOT Complete Streets Funding Program supports communities to incorporate Complete Streets elements into regular planning and design practice for their local roadways. This is accomplished by MassDOT providing technical assistance funding and construction funding to eligible municipalities through a three-tiered approach that includes policy, planning and capital construction to increase safe travel options. Municipalities that participate in the Complete Streets Funding Program are important partners in meeting statewide sustainability goals.
At the end of FY22, 282 municipalities throughout the Commonwealth have registered with the Complete Streets Funding Program; 256 local Complete Streets policies have been approved; and 214 construction grants have been awarded. All three numbers have increased over the prior year, showing an increasing interest and application of Complete Streets principles across the Commonwealth. The Program also continues to support municipalities in taking a comprehensive approach to making travel safer and more comfortable for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users through new training opportunities.
Renewable Energy
The MassDOT Highway Division, in partnership with Ameresco, has developed a total of eight solar projects (4292 kW) generating renewable energy. All sites were commissioned under the former Massachusetts incentive program SREC-II, and installed between 2015 and 2018. The largest sites are located along I-90 in Framingham near Exit 10. The systems are expected to produce approximately 5,250,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year, avoiding annual CO2 emissions of approximately 2100 metric tons.
MassDOT owns and operates 11 public fast charging stations at various service plazas statewide. We have installed another 34 Level-II charging ports at various Park & Rides statewide. In FY22, there were a total of 13,020 charging sessions (a significant increase from 2,802 the previous year), saving approximately 96.2 metric tons of CO2 emissions and avoiding 17,300 gallons of gasoline. Electric vehicles are one of the critical solutions needed to solve the climate crisis, but currently electric vehicle charging stations are not a profitable endeavor and have not been picked up by private industry. New England faces a unique challenge for electric vehicle adoption due to high utility rates in comparison with low fuel rates. Until there is a business model that supports development and ownership by private companies, MassDOT views itself as having an important role filling the gaps in station availability for electric vehicle first adopters.
