University of California Institute of Transportation Studies

California adopted a statewide target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. To meet these goals, the state must achieve a 15 percent reduction in total travel by light-duty vehicles by 2050 compared to expected levels. Under current state policies, reductions of this magnitude are likely. This report explores the evidence for strategies to reduce vehicle miles of travel in pricing, infill development, transportation investments and travel demand management programs. For each category, the report outlines programs from other states that, if adopted, have the potential to reduce VMT and thus greenhouse gas emissions.