Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
I am a transport and land use policy analyst. I love doing research about ways to make communities healthier, wealthier and wiser at the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (www.vtpi.org)
Engineering
67%
Energy
15%
www.vtpi.org
My new report "Toward More Accurate and Responsive Congestion Costing" (www.vtpi.org/arcc.pdf ) critically evaluates congestion costing studies. Congestion costs are actually much lower than industry reports claim. Please let me know if you have comments about this analysis.
Yes, that is the problem. The provincial government expects regional districts to fund half of all transit services, which may be appropriate for local services that provide local benefits but not for interregional services that carry many non-residents. A new funding model is needed.
Yes, and Sunday service is being added but those additions are insignificant. We need frequent and affordable service as on the #61.
Comment: We need more buses between Island communities
We know that motorists can reach virtually any village, town or city, but public transit users often cannot get where they need to go.
www.timescolonist.com
My editorial in today's newspaper.
"We need more buses between Island communities.
Motorists can reach virtually any village, town or city, but public transit users often cannot get where they need to go."
Let me know if you want to be on our mailing list.
www.timescolonist.com/opinion/comm...
"We need more buses between Island communities.
Motorists can reach virtually any village, town or city, but public transit users often cannot get where they need to go."
Let me know if you want to be on our mailing list.
www.timescolonist.com/opinion/comm...
VTPI News - Fall 2025 Vol. 25, No. 3
mailchi.mp
Here is the latest VTPI Newsletter which includes links to our latest research on optimal traffic speeds, roadway spending and cost recovery, and rational parking policies, plus lots more useful information. Let me know if you want to be added to our mailing list.
mailchi.mp/2353261aa2d4...
mailchi.mp/2353261aa2d4...
vtpi.org
I will speak at the Oahu Transportation Forum, 8 Jan.
"Urban Village Planning for Quality of Life" (vtpi.org/Oahu_QoL_8Ja...) describes how to create neighborhoods where driving is unnecessary.
"Innovative Funding for Public Transportation" (vtpi.org/Oahu_TFundin...).
Your thoughts?
"Urban Village Planning for Quality of Life" (vtpi.org/Oahu_QoL_8Ja...) describes how to create neighborhoods where driving is unnecessary.
"Innovative Funding for Public Transportation" (vtpi.org/Oahu_TFundin...).
Your thoughts?
Resources
Read more on our site.
www.ite.org
"Movement and Place – A Framework for More People-Centered Streets" This free new ITE report examines how a Movement and Place framework reshapes the way communities think about streets—not just as corridors for moving vehicles but also as attractive places for people.
www.ite.org/technical-re...
www.ite.org/technical-re...
Op-Ed: It’s Time to Imagine a Safer, More Connected Rainier Avenue » The Urbanist
# Rainier Avenue has too many cars traveling at dangerous speeds, but conventional planning practices make it hard to change that and design a future where Rainier Avenue thrives. Let's stop making ha...
www.theurbanist.org
It's Time to Imagine a Safer, More Connected Rainier Avenue (www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/14/o...)
Insightful column by Anna Zivarts emphasizes arterial redesigns to accommodate all modes including pedestrians with disabilities. Should cities make streets safe and comfortable for walking?
Insightful column by Anna Zivarts emphasizes arterial redesigns to accommodate all modes including pedestrians with disabilities. Should cities make streets safe and comfortable for walking?
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Dec 2
My latest study:
"Traffic Speed Versus Roadway Capacity" (www.vtpi.org/tsrc.pdf). This short Note reviews research on the relationships between traffic speeds and roadway capacity, and identifies speeds that maximize traffic throughput. Moderate speeds tend to maximize efficiency.
Comments?
"Traffic Speed Versus Roadway Capacity" (www.vtpi.org/tsrc.pdf). This short Note reviews research on the relationships between traffic speeds and roadway capacity, and identifies speeds that maximize traffic throughput. Moderate speeds tend to maximize efficiency.
Comments?
Reposted by Evan Roberts
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Nov 26
"Road Cost Recovery Trends" (vtpi.org/rcrt.pdf)
This short study calculates the portion of US roadway expenditures paid by fuel taxes and tolls. Most local road costs and a growing portion highway costs are funded by general taxes; user fees now cover less than half of road spending.
This short study calculates the portion of US roadway expenditures paid by fuel taxes and tolls. Most local road costs and a growing portion highway costs are funded by general taxes; user fees now cover less than half of road spending.
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Nov 21
PIBC VIS - Panel & Networking Night: A Healthy Built Environment Framework | Planning Institute of British Columbia
www.pibc.bc.ca
This evening I'll be speaking at the Planning Institute of British Columbia's Networking Night on a panel, "A Healthy Built Environment Framework." I will describe ways that communities can make transportation systems healthier, safer and happier.
Join us if you are in Victoria.
Join us if you are in Victoria.
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Nov 20
Breaking: Trump Admin Seeks To Decimate Federal Transit Funding — Streetsblog USA
"When you're talking about taking away money from transit, your proposal is flawed from the get-go," said one expert.
usa.streetsblog.org
Breaking: Trump Admin Seeks To Decimate Federal Transit Funding - usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/18/b...
It cites my column, "Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation" (lnkd.in/gjdKaCs2).
What do you think? How can be better communicate the importance of multimodal planning?
It cites my column, "Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation" (lnkd.in/gjdKaCs2).
What do you think? How can be better communicate the importance of multimodal planning?
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Nov 14
Todd Litman on Smarter, Better and Fairer Transport
Todd Litman explains why car dependence reduces productivity and how Caboolture can thrive when made walkable and transport is multimodal.
getaroundcaboolture.au
Transport expert Todd Litman joined the Streets and People podcast to explore how rethinking mobility can make our communities healthier, fairer, and more productive. He explained how cities that invest in walking, cycling, and public transport tend to perform better economically and socially.
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Nov 13
The Road to Affordability: A Streets and Transportation Agenda for the Next Mayor of NYC — Transportation Alternatives
transalt.org
The activist organization Transportation Alternatives offers detailed recommendations for more efficient and affordable transportation to New York City's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
transalt.org/road-to-affo...
transalt.org/road-to-affo...
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Nov 10
COP30 Engagement - SLOCAT
slocat.net
The UN Climate Change Conference (slocat.net/cop30) starts today in Brazil. In preparation Sustainable Mobility for All produced the "Transport, Climate and Sustainability Global Status Report" (gsr4.slocat.net). I co-wrote the North American Overview and several of my studies are cited in it.
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Oct 8
More Transit Means Safer Streets — Streetsblog USA
Promoting transit isn't just a social good. It's also a tool to achieve Vision Zero.
usa.streetsblog.org
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/09/30/m...
This article, which emphasizes the relative safety (low crash rates) and security (low crime rates)of public transit compared to driving, is based on my research (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf). What do you think.Can we overcome unjustified fears of transit travel?
This article, which emphasizes the relative safety (low crash rates) and security (low crime rates)of public transit compared to driving, is based on my research (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf). What do you think.Can we overcome unjustified fears of transit travel?
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Oct 3
A Celebration of the Life and Work of Donald Shoup
The Department of Urban Planning and UCLA ITS celebrate and remember the life and work of Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Donald Shoup.
www.eventbrite.com
This celebration of Donald Shoup's work is just about to start at UCLA. I'm sorry to miss it! I updated my reports:
"Parking Management: Comprehensive Implementation Guide (lnkd.in/gixZBybx) and "Pavement Busters Guide (www.vtpi.org/pavbust.pdf).
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebrat...
"Parking Management: Comprehensive Implementation Guide (lnkd.in/gixZBybx) and "Pavement Busters Guide (www.vtpi.org/pavbust.pdf).
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebrat...
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Oct 3
#transportpolicy #activetransport #publictransport #conservativevalues #governmentspending #healthsavings #sustainability #urbanplanning #infrastructure #politicalstrategy #healthandwellness… | Get Ar...
🚗 Russell King on Conservative Values & Transport
In the latest Streets and People podcast, transport policy expert Russell King discusses how conservatives can support public and active transport. H...
www.linkedin.com
This podcast discusses why conservatives should support active and public transport. It cites my report, "Responsive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities" (vtpi.org/ppcc.pdf) summarized in "Good Planning under Bad Leadership" (lnkd.in/gGgBcDsj).
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Sep 24
Week Without Driving
Sep 29th – Oct 5th, 2025 - An experience created for everyone to learn firsthand about barriers and challenges for nondrivers. Join, support, or become a host.
weekwithoutdriving.org
Week Without Driving (weekwithoutdriving.org)
Monday, September 29 – Sunday, October 5, 2025
The Week Without Driving helps motorists learn firsthand about the barriers and challenges that nondrivers face, and help identify ways to create transportation systems that serve everybody.
Monday, September 29 – Sunday, October 5, 2025
The Week Without Driving helps motorists learn firsthand about the barriers and challenges that nondrivers face, and help identify ways to create transportation systems that serve everybody.
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Sep 16
Breaking News, Latest News and Videos | CNN
View the latest news and breaking news today for U.S., world, weather, entertainment, politics and health at CNN.com.
www.cnn.com
I was interviewed for this article about transit security. I emphasize that transit travel is overall very safe and it becomes safer the more non-criminals use it.
"Why It’s So Hard to Keep America’s Public Transit Riders Safe," (www.cnn.com/2025/09/14/us/public-transit-safety-charlotte-stabbing)
"Why It’s So Hard to Keep America’s Public Transit Riders Safe," (www.cnn.com/2025/09/14/us/public-transit-safety-charlotte-stabbing)
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Sep 15
Republicans Want to Scare You off Mass Transit. Cars Are Scarier.
A fatal stabbing on Charlotte Light Rail set off a panic about the risks of public transportation. There’s just one thing: It’s worlds safer than cars.
newrepublic.com
This cites my research on public transit's relative safety and security. See "Safer Than You Think: Revising the Transit Safety Narrative" (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf).
Republicans Want to Scare You off Mass Transit. Cars Are Scarier. newrepublic.com/article/2003... via @newrepublic.com
Republicans Want to Scare You off Mass Transit. Cars Are Scarier. newrepublic.com/article/2003... via @newrepublic.com
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Sep 12
www.vtpi.org
Here is a terrific program I support that helps youths become comfortable using public transit. My research highlights the many benefits, including safety described in "Safer than You Think: The New Transit Safety Narrative" (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf).
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Sep 8
Comment: It’s time for smarter solutions to parking problems
Our parking needs are changing. Driving has peaked and continues to decline in cities that invest in non-auto modes.
www.timescolonist.com
“It’s Time for Smarter Solutions to Parking Problems” (www.timescolonist.com/opinion/comment-its-time-for-smarter-solutions-to-parking-problems-11172578). My research supports more efficient parking management (www.planetizen.com/blogs/135767...). Affordability, convenience and less pavement!
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Aug 27
"Parking: The Dark Matter of the Urban Universe" (www.planetizen.com/blogs/135767...) generated debate on the ITE website.
Critics assume that vehicle ownership is growing, but it peaked and is declining. See "They Future Isn't What it Used to Be" (www.vtpi.org/future.pdf)
Less parking is needed!
Critics assume that vehicle ownership is growing, but it peaked and is declining. See "They Future Isn't What it Used to Be" (www.vtpi.org/future.pdf)
Less parking is needed!
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Aug 26
A Reality Check on Crime, Safety, and Transit
While Duffy and Nadler battle it out in a shouting match, the data is clear: transit is safe.
www.planetizen.com
"A Reality Check on Crime, Safety and Transit" (www.planetizen.com/blogs/135871...)
It's time to correct misinformation about the dangers of transit and urban living. As transit travel increases crash casualties and crime tend to decline due to less driving and more non-criminal pedestrians.
It's time to correct misinformation about the dangers of transit and urban living. As transit travel increases crash casualties and crime tend to decline due to less driving and more non-criminal pedestrians.
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Aug 25
People believe parking problems mean we need more spaces. The real issue is that we are terrible at managing parking.
"Free" parking costs us millions of dollars every year.
We just don...
People believe parking problems mean we need more spaces. The real issue is that we are terrible at managing parking.
"Free" parking costs us millions of dollars every year.
We just don't see the bi...
www.linkedin.com
Here is Russell King's newsletter that cites my column "Parking: The Dark Matter of the Urban Universe" (lnkd.in/dhmgBrkB) and report "Parking Management" (lnkd.in/gixZBybx).
It's time to rethink parking mandates!
www.linkedin.com/posts/russel...
It's time to rethink parking mandates!
www.linkedin.com/posts/russel...
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Aug 21
My concern is not responsibility or judgment, it is about impacts on passengers and transit travel. For example, the question is not whether panhandlers and drug users are good or bad, it is whether they are disruptive and therefore discourage some travellers from choosing transit.
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Aug 21
www.vtpi.org
On the contrary, I think that many people want objective and credible information, in this case, to be reassured that transit travel and city living are rational. You can ridicule anti-urban rhetoric as biased propaganda that only fools believe. See "Smart Growth Savings" (www.vtpi.org/sg_save.pdf)
Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
· Aug 21
What sour points?