The document discusses transportation accessibility and livable communities, noting that improving access enhances quality of life. It highlights trends like an aging population and growing number of low-income households that impact transportation needs. The document also reviews data sources like the National Household Travel Survey that can provide insights into how demographic factors influence transportation accessibility and mobility.

1. Transportation Accessibility and Livable CommunitiesPatricia HuDirector, Bureau of Transportation StatisticsResearch and Innovative Technology AdministrationUnited States Department of TransportationSeptember 27, 2011

2. Research & Innovative Technology AdministrationBureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)ITS Joint Program Office (ITS JPO)Office of Research, Development & Technology (RDT)Volpe National Transportation Systems CenterOffice of Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT)Transportation Safety Institute (TSI)

3. Transportation Secretary LaHood’s PrioritiesSafety:reduce fatalities and injuries

4. State of Good Repair:upgrade and maintain infrastructure

5. Economic Competitiveness: policies and investments that support economic growth

6. Livable Communities: increase transportation choices and access

7. Environmental Sustainability: reduce carbon and other harmful emissions from transportationWhy is livability a transportation priority?More transportation choices reduces costs and helps the environmentIntegrating the planning of transportation and housing creates more opportunitiesImproving access enhances quality of life and public healthMeeting needs of aged/disabled personsConnecting communities to jobs, healthcare, housing

8. We are a nation that drives to workSource: American Community Survey (2010 Estimates), U.S. Census Bureau

9. The growth in travel per capita has been slowing

10. Vehicles account for ~80% of transportation GHGs

11. A 2009 BTS survey ranked the importance of selected transportation characteristics in livable communities

12. That said, the rankings depend on socio-demographics and places of residence, for exampleLow income households rank local transit more important than the rest of the populationHigher income households rank airport access more importantThe elderly rank sidewalk less important than the rest of the populationThe difference among those who live in different communities reflects what the community perceives are needed, but that may not be available. For example, rural residents are more concerned about having sidewalks, safe walkable routes to shops and schools.

13. The challenge in improving transportation accessibility needs to consider:Demographic trends Aging populationLow income householdsImmigrantsLand use patternsWalk-able/bike-ableTransit availabilitySafety and security perception

14. United States 2050: Growing, Aging Population Total population projected to increase by 42% to 439 million

15. Projected number of age 65+ doubles to 88.5 million

16. Age 85+ will increase from 14 to 21% of older population

17. Ratio of 65+ to working age will be 35 to 100, versus 22 to 100 todayThe elderly’s propensity to travel depends on:whether they retain their driver’s licenses, whether public transportation (including paratransit) is accessible, andwhether they live alone or with others.