2030 VMT Goals and Strategies

Summary

As required by Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 21-3, on reduction of carbon emissions and preparation for the impacts of climate change, the Department of Transportation has prepared 2030 VMT Goals and Strategies. The Executive Order instructed that CTDOT set a 2030 Vehicle Miles Traveled [VMT] reduction target and develop a plan of investments to contribute to and encourage the achievement of such targeted reductions.

The purpose of including a VMT reduction target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the vehicles individuals choose to drive in Connecticut. The target set is a 5% reduction in VMT per person by 2030 (from a 2019 baseline). While land use decisions both past and present play a very large role in VMT, as do other factors such as the economy, population demographics, fuel prices and personal choices, DOT has set forth a set of strategies that it can influence.

The strategies involving DOT that could have the largest potential influence on VMT are:

• Increase Active Transportation/Complete Streets infrastructure in areas of urban/dense residential/commercial development
• Increase in transit frequency
• Increase in transit access
• Continue to assist/partner with Municipalities who are pursuing Transit-Oriented Development
• Trip Reduction Program (e.g., employer-based programs)

The strategies above are most effective when combined with land use strategies referenced in the VMT document.