Arlington County Residential Building Study: Aggregate Analysis Update includes data gathered over several years via resident surveys, intercept surveys, parking counts, and other field observations of high-density residential buildings in Arlington County, Va.
The buildings included in this analysis are subject to transportation-performance monitoring as a condition of the permitting process. Another requirement for these buildings is for the management to provide transportation demand management (TDM) services to further the county’s goal of reducing single-occupant vehicle use.
By shifting trips to more space efficient modes (transit, active transport, and carpools are more space efficient than single occupant vehicles), and to times of day when demand is lower, the county can get more productivity from the existing transportation system. This, in turn, supports increased economic activity (enabling all kinds of new trip making from shopping trips to commuter trips) and improves quality of life by fostering access to a wide range of activities and opportunities.
Arlington County is a national leader in having embedded TDM program requirements as a condition of building permitting. The goal of this study is to learn something about travel and parking behaviors of the residents of these buildings so the county can plan future transportation options more effectively.
The information provided herein should assist for staff and decision-makers charged with advising on parking and TDM requirements and implementing programs and services. Also, the analysis serves to inform the public about the performance of residential site plans relative to the county’s transportation objectives.
And read an accompanying blog post, “Unbundling” parking costs is a top way to promote transportation options.