Can new development projects lead to improved transportation options for your community? With the Equitable Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Mitigation Program, VTA seeks to develop a framework where cities, the county and developers can work together to reduce driving and improve equity along the way.
VMT is a measure of the total amount of driving in a given area over a certain time period, like a day or a year. The amount of VMT is related to important issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, noise pollution, and street safety. Thus, lowering VMT improves both quality of life and the environment.
Due to a recent change in state law, cities and counties are now required to consider the amount of VMT when they evaluate projects like new housing, office buildings, or stores. You can learn more about VMT by viewing our “What is VMT and Why Does it Matter?” and “Why It’s Important to Reduce VMT” videos, which break the concept down further.
In this project, VTA is working with the cities and the county to develop the framework for an equitable program to reduce the amount of driving from land use developments in Santa Clara County that works across city lines and improves travel options.
We want to hear from you! Join us Monday, October 16 for a virtual community meeting. We welcome input on travel challenges you face, and what types of transportation improvements would help you or other community members drive less.
Equitable VMT Mitigation Program Community Meeting
Monday, October 16, 2023
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Online via Zoom
RSVP at https://VMTCommunityMeeting.eventbrite.com
Members of the public can also contribute to the project by participating in a Community Web Survey. The survey, which takes about 10 minutes to complete, asks for information about how you travel, challenges you face, and your preferences for improvements. Survey participants will be eligible to win one of five loaded $50 Clipper Cards. Winners will be selected randomly.
If you’d rather talk face-to-face, there are also several opportunities to engage with our project team in person. Find us at any of the following upcoming events:
Saturday, October 14
Day on the Bay Festival
Alviso Marina County Park
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Saturday, October 28
La Ofrenda Festival 2023
Downtown Gilroy
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Saturday, December 2
De Anza Flea Market
De Anza College, Parking Lot B
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
In addition to gathering feedback on the Equitable VMT Mitigation Project, we’re also working to share information and gather feedback on a number of planning projects right now. You can join VTA staff at the ground up to help develop the plans that will impact transportation in the future! We’re hosting a Community Field Trip to learn about our VTP 2050 plan on October 21, and you’re also invited to our next Ask VTA on October 24, where we answer your questions about speeding up transit. All of our events can be found at the Community Outreach website: vta.org/COPE
There will be additional opportunities for community input over the course of the project. Stay tuned for more!