State Smart Transportation Initiative
@innovativedot.bsky.social
SSTI supports state transportation agencies committed to sustainability, equity, and transparent governance.
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SSTI is helping shape our transportation system to be more sustainable, equitable, safe, and efficient.
We share the latest research, highlight innovative practices from state DOTs, and connect transportation professionals across the country to exchange solutions.
Stay up to date: ssti.us/blog/
We share the latest research, highlight innovative practices from state DOTs, and connect transportation professionals across the country to exchange solutions.
Stay up to date: ssti.us/blog/
When a new light rail station opened in Japan, nearby residents increased their daily step count by nearly 800 on average.
The impact of introducing new light rail on step counts: Threshold distance analysis in a Japanese regional city
Light rail transit (LRT) systems are expected to reduce car use and promote physical activity, particularly walking, addressing the issue of physical …
doi.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:42 PM
When a new light rail station opened in Japan, nearby residents increased their daily step count by nearly 800 on average.
Federal investments are expanding vehicle charging, clean freight, public transit, and street safety. These programs have contributed to $4.6 billion in domestic manufacturing and over 14,400 jobs.
Clean Transportation Works: An Analysis of U.S. Investments — Coalition Helping America Rebuild and Go Electric
A report from CHARGE and Atlas Public Policy finds that clean transportation programs worth billions are cutting costs, creating good-paying jobs, and protecting public health. Four sectoral analyses…
www.chargingusforward.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Federal investments are expanding vehicle charging, clean freight, public transit, and street safety. These programs have contributed to $4.6 billion in domestic manufacturing and over 14,400 jobs.
A review of California’s travel demand models finds many are outdated, poorly documented, and miss key factors like post-pandemic travel habits and land use changes.
Caltrans review finds outdated and misunderstood models hinder project analysis
In California, where travel demand models often guide project-level decisions and analysis, a new report finds many are outdated, poorly documented, and ill-suited to the purposes agencies sometimes…
ssti.us
November 12, 2025 at 3:42 PM
A review of California’s travel demand models finds many are outdated, poorly documented, and miss key factors like post-pandemic travel habits and land use changes.
Maryland DOT has proposed record spending on sidewalks, bike lanes, and accessible trails.
Walking the Walk: Maryland Proposes Highest Investment on Record in Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects | MDOT News Blog
by Quinn Wallace | Oct 16, 2025
blog.mdot.maryland.gov
November 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Maryland DOT has proposed record spending on sidewalks, bike lanes, and accessible trails.
Researchers have introduced a new Winter Walkability Audit Tool to assess how winter conditions affect walkability. The tool was piloted reliably in Alberta in 2023.
Development and reliability testing of the winter walkability audit tool
The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the Winter Walkability Audit Tool (WWAT) for assessing the walkability of pedestrian environme…
doi.org
October 31, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Researchers have introduced a new Winter Walkability Audit Tool to assess how winter conditions affect walkability. The tool was piloted reliably in Alberta in 2023.
DelDOT is incorporating equity into planning and project prioritization, according to a new case study. The agency uses its Equity Analysis Tool and other measures to pursue its goals.
How practitioners conceptualize and operationalize transportation equity in Delaware’s capital expenditure process
Equitable outcomes are an increasingly important expectation for state Departments of Transportation capital expenditures, yet little is known about t…
doi.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:30 PM
DelDOT is incorporating equity into planning and project prioritization, according to a new case study. The agency uses its Equity Analysis Tool and other measures to pursue its goals.
In most states, charging an EV at home costs about half as much as fueling a gas car, though fast charging is pricier. On the West Coast, however, fast charging often matches or even beats gas prices.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/u...
How Much It Costs to Drive an E.V. and a Gas Car in Every State
Charging an electric car battery is usually cheaper than going to the gas pump. But it depends on where you live.
www.nytimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM
In most states, charging an EV at home costs about half as much as fueling a gas car, though fast charging is pricier. On the West Coast, however, fast charging often matches or even beats gas prices.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/u...
A new NRDC dashboard maps where Americans lack access to cars and need other options for transportation. It reveals that over a third of people over age 10 can’t rely on a personal vehicle to meet their daily needs.
Who Doesn’t Have a Car?
A new NRDC map shows car-free living and the factors affecting car usage in United States.
www.nrdc.org
October 24, 2025 at 2:04 PM
A new NRDC dashboard maps where Americans lack access to cars and need other options for transportation. It reveals that over a third of people over age 10 can’t rely on a personal vehicle to meet their daily needs.
Frequent driveways and higher traffic speeds led to more bike and pedestrian crashes in Albuquerque. Researchers say better access management could make streets safer.
Evaluating the impact of access management practices on urban arterial crashes
Effective access management on arterial roads plays a crucial role in mitigating crashes, yet the impacts of specific access controls on various crash…
doi.org
October 23, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Frequent driveways and higher traffic speeds led to more bike and pedestrian crashes in Albuquerque. Researchers say better access management could make streets safer.
California’s SB 79 sets new housing standards near major transit. The law allows for multifamily development within a half mile of transit stations, overriding restrictive local zoning limits.
Everything You Need To Know About SB 79
…but were too afraid to read about in the actual bill.
mnolangray.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:42 PM
California’s SB 79 sets new housing standards near major transit. The law allows for multifamily development within a half mile of transit stations, overriding restrictive local zoning limits.
The U.S. spends a quarter of its highway funds on new construction despite a $1 trillion repair backlog. Evidence shows that investing in maintenance and rehabilitation not only creates more jobs but also strengthens local economies.
Repairing highways is better for the economy than expanding them
By Chris McCahill The U.S. faces a $1 trillion backlog of roads and bridges needing repair, according to FHWA. Yet we still spend roughly $27 billion per year (25% of the total) expanding and…
ssti.us
October 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The U.S. spends a quarter of its highway funds on new construction despite a $1 trillion repair backlog. Evidence shows that investing in maintenance and rehabilitation not only creates more jobs but also strengthens local economies.
Many North American transit-oriented developments still prioritize car use. Wide roads and large parking lots near transit stops undermine their purpose.
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
Why Are We Still Building Car-Oriented Development Next to Transit?
Op-ed: Transit-oriented developments across North America continue to be designed with cars in mind, dooming our transit systems.
nextcity.org
October 20, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Many North American transit-oriented developments still prioritize car use. Wide roads and large parking lots near transit stops undermine their purpose.
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
Many North American transit-oriented developments still prioritize car use. Wide roads and large parking lots near transit stops undermine their purpose.
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
Why Are We Still Building Car-Oriented Development Next to Transit?
Op-ed: Transit-oriented developments across North America continue to be designed with cars in mind, dooming our transit systems.
nextcity.org
October 20, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Many North American transit-oriented developments still prioritize car use. Wide roads and large parking lots near transit stops undermine their purpose.
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
In Minnesota, road design changes are helping drivers slow down as they move from highways to lower-speed areas. Roundabouts, medians, and two-way turn lanes have all been effective.
Examination of Roadway Characteristics Affecting Driver Speed Selection in Speed Transition Zones - Sunday Imosemi, Gagan Gupta, Nischal Gupta, Megat-Usamah Megat-Johari, Peter Savolainen, Timothy J. Gates, 2025
Recent approaches to speed management have shifted from focusing on the 85th percentile speed to a more comprehensive, safety-focused approach. This new approac...
doi.org
October 16, 2025 at 2:03 PM
In Minnesota, road design changes are helping drivers slow down as they move from highways to lower-speed areas. Roundabouts, medians, and two-way turn lanes have all been effective.
New AI tools can help cities reduce traffic congestion and make travel safer. They can analyze real-time data, adjust traffic signals, and even detect road damage.
www.route-fifty.com/artificial-i...
www.route-fifty.com/artificial-i...
AI-driven traffic management is already having a big impact
COMMENTARY | Amid growing congestion, the technology holds promise for cities and their transportation planners, although the benefits and risks must be carefully weighed.
www.route-fifty.com
October 15, 2025 at 3:22 PM
New AI tools can help cities reduce traffic congestion and make travel safer. They can analyze real-time data, adjust traffic signals, and even detect road damage.
www.route-fifty.com/artificial-i...
www.route-fifty.com/artificial-i...
Illinois DOT is expanding its intern-to-hire program to address their engineer shortage. New civil engineers can accrue time toward state benefits during their internships.
Illinois expands intern-to-hire program to address engineer shortage
The state of Illinois is expanding its intern-to-hire program to include engineering positions with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). This initi
newschannel20.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Illinois DOT is expanding its intern-to-hire program to address their engineer shortage. New civil engineers can accrue time toward state benefits during their internships.
Even a small sea level rise in Hawaii could reduce access to services, with transportation bottlenecks hitting seniors hardest.
Impact of sea level rise on aging population’s accessibility to essential services in Honolulu, Hawaii
With demographic shifts showing an increasing elderly population and growth in low-elevation coastal zones, this study investigates the impacts of sea…
doi.org
October 13, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Even a small sea level rise in Hawaii could reduce access to services, with transportation bottlenecks hitting seniors hardest.
Efficiency gains have cut emissions per mile, but not enough to offset rising travel demand. Transportation emissions are projected to rise in half of U.S. states.
ssti.us/2025/10/07/d...
ssti.us/2025/10/07/d...
Despite efficiency gains, rising travel demand pushes emissions higher
Advances in technology have made transportation more energy efficient in recent decades, lowering emissions per mile and per unit of freight. But according to a new study, those efficiency gains haven...
ssti.us
October 9, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Efficiency gains have cut emissions per mile, but not enough to offset rising travel demand. Transportation emissions are projected to rise in half of U.S. states.
ssti.us/2025/10/07/d...
ssti.us/2025/10/07/d...
Framing environmentally friendly driving as safer encourages drivers to use those fuel-saving practices more effectively than emphasizing environmental or economic gains does.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Is road safety effective in promoting eco-driving? An experiment on how benefit framing affects eco-driving intentions among Montreal drivers
In Quebec, Canada, the transportation sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Given the widespread use of personal cars, raising aw…
www.sciencedirect.com
October 6, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Framing environmentally friendly driving as safer encourages drivers to use those fuel-saving practices more effectively than emphasizing environmental or economic gains does.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
State agencies met in Minneapolis last month to advance tools for modeling emissions. SSTI and Georgetown Climate Center brought together states working to integrate emissions analysis into the transportation planning cycle. If your agency wants to know more, email info@ssti.us.
October 3, 2025 at 2:42 PM
State agencies met in Minneapolis last month to advance tools for modeling emissions. SSTI and Georgetown Climate Center brought together states working to integrate emissions analysis into the transportation planning cycle. If your agency wants to know more, email info@ssti.us.
A MassDOT study identified a "woonerf," where people walking, biking, and driving share the same space, as a potential solution to frequent crashes and flooding at an intersection on Martha's Vineyard.
MassDOT and the Town of Tisbury Make Plans to Address Climate Change, Crashes, and Connectivity on Martha's Vineyard - Streetsblog Massachusetts
On Martha’s Vineyard, MassDOT is collaborating with the Town of Tisbury to address safety problems as well as increasing flood risks from sea level rise around Beach Road and the Five Corners…
mass.streetsblog.org
October 2, 2025 at 2:58 PM
A MassDOT study identified a "woonerf," where people walking, biking, and driving share the same space, as a potential solution to frequent crashes and flooding at an intersection on Martha's Vineyard.
Caltrans released a new Transportation Analysis Framework for evaluating how highway investments affect travel demand and the environment.
SB 743 Implementation Resources | Caltrans
State of California
dot.ca.gov
September 30, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Caltrans released a new Transportation Analysis Framework for evaluating how highway investments affect travel demand and the environment.
Using Google Maps? Walking and biking times are more reliable, with people reporting that driving and transit commutes take about five minutes longer than Google estimates.
Exploring the (Mis)match between Reported and Calculated Commute Travel Times | Published in Findings
By Adele Valero, Hisham Negm & 1 more. Reported and calculated travel times align for walking and cycling. Reported travel times are five minutes longer for public transit and car compared to Google…
findingspress.org
September 29, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Using Google Maps? Walking and biking times are more reliable, with people reporting that driving and transit commutes take about five minutes longer than Google estimates.
The number of cars in Seattle has flatlined since 2017, even as the population grew 10%, while households without cars increased by one-quarter.
While Seattle Population Spikes, Car Population Stalls Out » The Urbanist
# Seattle's human population is growing fast, but its car population has stalled out. Between 2017 and 2023, Seattle added 35,000 households and about 80,000 residents, but just 3,300 cars, new…
www.theurbanist.org
September 26, 2025 at 2:42 PM
The number of cars in Seattle has flatlined since 2017, even as the population grew 10%, while households without cars increased by one-quarter.
Researchers argue the National Academies' Transportation Research Board is "no longer able to act with scientific integrity," calling on professional organizations and philanthropic groups to step in.
U.S. transportation research at a crossroads
Science in the United States has become increasingly politicized, with a wave of recent federal grant terminations and censorship of equity and climat…
doi.org
September 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Researchers argue the National Academies' Transportation Research Board is "no longer able to act with scientific integrity," calling on professional organizations and philanthropic groups to step in.