Travel Demand

The NCST develops and assesses strategies to promote multi-modal travel and reduce car dependence in urban, suburban, and rural settings for both passenger and goods movement, as well as the potential of these strategies to improve accessibility to jobs, housing, and other activities for disadvantaged populations. Studies have evaluated strategies for shifting travel from solo driving to more efficient, low-carbon modes, including transit, walking and biking, and “new mobility” services, such as ride-hailing, bike-sharing, and micro-transit. Other studies have addressed the implications for vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) of “logistics sprawl,” automated cars, and highway capacity. 

Data Driven Analysis and Modeling of Merging Behavior and Traffic Breakdown at Freeway Merging Bottlenecks

  • Principal Investigator Michael Zhang, Ph.D.
  • University of California, Davis
This project will develop a data-driven, simulation-based framework using high-resolution drone trajectory data to analyze human merging dynamics and model congestion formation at freeway bottlenecks. This project will integrate a probabilistic congestion-onset model into a microscopic traffic simulation platform, providing transportation agencies with a practical tool to evaluate operational strategies and manage mixed-traffic systems.
Project Status
In Progress

Envisioning Micromobility as Public Transit: Two intervention studies in the living lab of Davis, California

  • Principal Investigator Kari E. Watkins, Ph.D.
  • University of California, Davis
To begin to envision micromobility as serving existing public transit and acting as public transportation itself, the researchers will examine the role of pricing on micromobility demand. In this project, the researchers will conduct two pricing-focused field experiments, partnered with the micromobility operator, SPIN, and a railway operator, Capitol Corridor.
Project Status
In Progress

Equity Concerns Related to Induced Travel and Mitigation

  • Principal Investigator Jesus Barajas, Ph.D
  • University of California, Davis
This project will develop guidance for evaluating sociodemographic disparities from the impacts of State Highway System expansion projects and associated vehicle miles traveled (VMT) mitigation strategies.
Project Status
Complete

Exploring Induced Travel Effects from Other Projects

  • Principal Investigator Jamey Volker, PhD
  • University of California, Davis
The purpose of this project is to explore the induced travel effects of categories of roadway expansions not currently covered by the Induced Travel Calculator, including minor arterials, interchanges, on- and off-ramps, and non-general-purpose facilities.
Project Status
Complete

Fare-Free Futures: The Diffusion of Youth Fare-Free Transit Programs in the U.S.

  • Principal Investigator Susan Pike, Ph.D.
  • University of California, Davis
This research will inform transit agencies and policymakers by supporting consistent evaluation practices and guiding future policy and funding strategies, while broader efforts improve system performance, increase ridership, and expand transit access for youth.
Project Status
In Progress
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