This research project was undertaken to (1) identify, describe, and quantify the synergistic interaction between transit and land use and the effects on transportation-related GHG emissions and energy use and (2) develop a methodology to quantify the transportation-related GHG emissions and energy use related to land use changes that can be attributed to transit. The final report is a concisely written document that * Presents transit’s impact on GHG emissions and energy use, including both the ridership effects and the land use effects; * Introduces and provides a user’s guide to the calculator tool; * Identifies future research; and * Includes two technical appendices pertaining to the use of statistical models in this research. The calculator tool allows the user to estimate the land use benefits of the existing regional transit system, a regional transit plan, a new transit route or improved transit service along an existing corridor, a new transit station or stop, or improved transit service to an existing station or stop. All land use benefits are estimated in terms of reduction in vehicle miles travelled, gasoline consumption reduced, and GHG emissions saved. The calculator tool is posted on the TCRP Report 176 summary web page of the TRB website and can be accessed at http://www.TRB.org/main/blurbs/172110.aspx. (Author/publisher)
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