State Smart Transportation Initiative
@innovativedot.bsky.social
SSTI supports state transportation agencies committed to sustainability, equity, and transparent governance.
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SSTI is helping shape our transportation system to be more sustainable, equitable, safe, and efficient.
We share the latest research, highlight innovative practices from state DOTs, and connect transportation professionals across the country to exchange solutions.
Stay up to date: ssti.us/blog/
We share the latest research, highlight innovative practices from state DOTs, and connect transportation professionals across the country to exchange solutions.
Stay up to date: ssti.us/blog/
Global CO2 emissions are expected to rise about 1% this year to a new record. U.S. emissions, which had been falling, are expected to rise about 2%.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions Head for Another Record in 2025
But there are signs that greenhouse gas pollution in China might be slowing, according to a new analysis.
www.nytimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Global CO2 emissions are expected to rise about 1% this year to a new record. U.S. emissions, which had been falling, are expected to rise about 2%.
New highways have led to increased urban sprawl by encouraging growth on the outer edges of urban areas, according to research from Portugal.
The heterogenous effects of motorways on urban sprawl: causal evidence from Portugal
As urban land increased in mainland Portugal by 55.9% between 1990 and 2012 and the country developed an extensive motorway network, we set out to inv…
doi.org
November 27, 2025 at 3:42 PM
New highways have led to increased urban sprawl by encouraging growth on the outer edges of urban areas, according to research from Portugal.
A new study says common “carrot” strategies like transit, biking, and land use changes help locally but do little to cut traffic or emissions at scale. Researchers say states may need “stick” tools like pricing or limits on road expansion to meet climate goals.
To reduce traffic, DOTs need both “carrots” and “sticks”
Nearly every state DOT is grappling with how to reduce traffic and carbon emissions—many states developed official , and congestion relief is often at the top of a DOT’s priority list. But a new…
ssti.us
November 26, 2025 at 3:42 PM
A new study says common “carrot” strategies like transit, biking, and land use changes help locally but do little to cut traffic or emissions at scale. Researchers say states may need “stick” tools like pricing or limits on road expansion to meet climate goals.
A TxDOT report says Texas will need more public transit in rural and urban areas to keep up with rapid population growth.
TxDOT: Car-dominant Texas needs more public transit
As the state’s population grows, more travel options are needed in rural and smaller urban areas and between major cities, according to a draft of the first-of-its-kind plan.
www.texastribune.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:42 PM
A TxDOT report says Texas will need more public transit in rural and urban areas to keep up with rapid population growth.
Utah plans a 3,100-mile paved bike network that would put a trail within one mile of 95% of residents.
Utah Unveils 'Ambitious' 3,100-mile Bike Network
The complete network would put a paved bike trail within one mile of 95% of Utah residents.
www.planetizen.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Utah plans a 3,100-mile paved bike network that would put a trail within one mile of 95% of residents.
Washington State DOT released a new quick-build guide for projects that calm traffic and create safe spaces for people walking, biking, and connecting with their communities.
wsdot.wa.gov
November 21, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Washington State DOT released a new quick-build guide for projects that calm traffic and create safe spaces for people walking, biking, and connecting with their communities.
Only 42% of Head Start programs are within 0.2 miles of a transit stop, and 19% could become more accessible with low-cost improvements.
static1.squarespace.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Only 42% of Head Start programs are within 0.2 miles of a transit stop, and 19% could become more accessible with low-cost improvements.
Mobile phone data accurately estimates car trips, but it's less reliable for biking and walking trips.
Uncertainty in Cell-Phone Generated Bike and Pedestrian Volumes | Published in Findings
By Lily Heidger, Trisalyn Nelson & 1 more. Big data from mobile phones show notable uncertainty for estimating biking and walking in Santa Barbara, highlighting challenges in applying these data to…
doi.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Mobile phone data accurately estimates car trips, but it's less reliable for biking and walking trips.
Transit agencies across the U.S. are facing funding gaps as federal COVID relief funds expire. Temporary measures, like budget adjustments and redirected funds, are helping agencies maintain service while long-term funding solutions are explored.
Transit agencies are averting the fiscal cliff, but still need long-term funding solutions
Last month, SSTI staff joined the mayors of Milwaukee and two nearby communities for a meeting aimed at preventing a pending crisis for the local transit agency. Like many transit systems across the…
ssti.us
November 18, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Transit agencies across the U.S. are facing funding gaps as federal COVID relief funds expire. Temporary measures, like budget adjustments and redirected funds, are helping agencies maintain service while long-term funding solutions are explored.
When a new light rail station opened in Japan, nearby residents increased their daily step count by nearly 800 on average.
The impact of introducing new light rail on step counts: Threshold distance analysis in a Japanese regional city
Light rail transit (LRT) systems are expected to reduce car use and promote physical activity, particularly walking, addressing the issue of physical …
doi.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:42 PM
When a new light rail station opened in Japan, nearby residents increased their daily step count by nearly 800 on average.
Federal investments are expanding vehicle charging, clean freight, public transit, and street safety. These programs have contributed to $4.6 billion in domestic manufacturing and over 14,400 jobs.
Clean Transportation Works: An Analysis of U.S. Investments — Coalition Helping America Rebuild and Go Electric
A report from CHARGE and Atlas Public Policy finds that clean transportation programs worth billions are cutting costs, creating good-paying jobs, and protecting public health. Four sectoral analyses…
www.chargingusforward.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Federal investments are expanding vehicle charging, clean freight, public transit, and street safety. These programs have contributed to $4.6 billion in domestic manufacturing and over 14,400 jobs.
A review of California’s travel demand models finds many are outdated, poorly documented, and miss key factors like post-pandemic travel habits and land use changes.
Caltrans review finds outdated and misunderstood models hinder project analysis
In California, where travel demand models often guide project-level decisions and analysis, a new report finds many are outdated, poorly documented, and ill-suited to the purposes agencies sometimes…
ssti.us
November 12, 2025 at 3:42 PM
A review of California’s travel demand models finds many are outdated, poorly documented, and miss key factors like post-pandemic travel habits and land use changes.
Maryland DOT has proposed record spending on sidewalks, bike lanes, and accessible trails.
Walking the Walk: Maryland Proposes Highest Investment on Record in Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects | MDOT News Blog
by Quinn Wallace | Oct 16, 2025
blog.mdot.maryland.gov
November 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Maryland DOT has proposed record spending on sidewalks, bike lanes, and accessible trails.
Researchers have introduced a new Winter Walkability Audit Tool to assess how winter conditions affect walkability. The tool was piloted reliably in Alberta in 2023.
Development and reliability testing of the winter walkability audit tool
The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the Winter Walkability Audit Tool (WWAT) for assessing the walkability of pedestrian environme…
doi.org
October 31, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Researchers have introduced a new Winter Walkability Audit Tool to assess how winter conditions affect walkability. The tool was piloted reliably in Alberta in 2023.
DelDOT is incorporating equity into planning and project prioritization, according to a new case study. The agency uses its Equity Analysis Tool and other measures to pursue its goals.
How practitioners conceptualize and operationalize transportation equity in Delaware’s capital expenditure process
Equitable outcomes are an increasingly important expectation for state Departments of Transportation capital expenditures, yet little is known about t…
doi.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:30 PM
DelDOT is incorporating equity into planning and project prioritization, according to a new case study. The agency uses its Equity Analysis Tool and other measures to pursue its goals.
In most states, charging an EV at home costs about half as much as fueling a gas car, though fast charging is pricier. On the West Coast, however, fast charging often matches or even beats gas prices.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/u...
How Much It Costs to Drive an E.V. and a Gas Car in Every State
Charging an electric car battery is usually cheaper than going to the gas pump. But it depends on where you live.
www.nytimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM
In most states, charging an EV at home costs about half as much as fueling a gas car, though fast charging is pricier. On the West Coast, however, fast charging often matches or even beats gas prices.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/u...
A new NRDC dashboard maps where Americans lack access to cars and need other options for transportation. It reveals that over a third of people over age 10 can’t rely on a personal vehicle to meet their daily needs.
Who Doesn’t Have a Car?
A new NRDC map shows car-free living and the factors affecting car usage in United States.
www.nrdc.org
October 24, 2025 at 2:04 PM
A new NRDC dashboard maps where Americans lack access to cars and need other options for transportation. It reveals that over a third of people over age 10 can’t rely on a personal vehicle to meet their daily needs.
Frequent driveways and higher traffic speeds led to more bike and pedestrian crashes in Albuquerque. Researchers say better access management could make streets safer.
Evaluating the impact of access management practices on urban arterial crashes
Effective access management on arterial roads plays a crucial role in mitigating crashes, yet the impacts of specific access controls on various crash…
doi.org
October 23, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Frequent driveways and higher traffic speeds led to more bike and pedestrian crashes in Albuquerque. Researchers say better access management could make streets safer.
California’s SB 79 sets new housing standards near major transit. The law allows for multifamily development within a half mile of transit stations, overriding restrictive local zoning limits.
Everything You Need To Know About SB 79
…but were too afraid to read about in the actual bill.
mnolangray.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:42 PM
California’s SB 79 sets new housing standards near major transit. The law allows for multifamily development within a half mile of transit stations, overriding restrictive local zoning limits.
The U.S. spends a quarter of its highway funds on new construction despite a $1 trillion repair backlog. Evidence shows that investing in maintenance and rehabilitation not only creates more jobs but also strengthens local economies.
Repairing highways is better for the economy than expanding them
By Chris McCahill The U.S. faces a $1 trillion backlog of roads and bridges needing repair, according to FHWA. Yet we still spend roughly $27 billion per year (25% of the total) expanding and…
ssti.us
October 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The U.S. spends a quarter of its highway funds on new construction despite a $1 trillion repair backlog. Evidence shows that investing in maintenance and rehabilitation not only creates more jobs but also strengthens local economies.
Many North American transit-oriented developments still prioritize car use. Wide roads and large parking lots near transit stops undermine their purpose.
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
Why Are We Still Building Car-Oriented Development Next to Transit?
Op-ed: Transit-oriented developments across North America continue to be designed with cars in mind, dooming our transit systems.
nextcity.org
October 20, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Many North American transit-oriented developments still prioritize car use. Wide roads and large parking lots near transit stops undermine their purpose.
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
Many North American transit-oriented developments still prioritize car use. Wide roads and large parking lots near transit stops undermine their purpose.
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
Why Are We Still Building Car-Oriented Development Next to Transit?
Op-ed: Transit-oriented developments across North America continue to be designed with cars in mind, dooming our transit systems.
nextcity.org
October 20, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Many North American transit-oriented developments still prioritize car use. Wide roads and large parking lots near transit stops undermine their purpose.
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
In Minnesota, road design changes are helping drivers slow down as they move from highways to lower-speed areas. Roundabouts, medians, and two-way turn lanes have all been effective.
Examination of Roadway Characteristics Affecting Driver Speed Selection in Speed Transition Zones - Sunday Imosemi, Gagan Gupta, Nischal Gupta, Megat-Usamah Megat-Johari, Peter Savolainen, Timothy J. Gates, 2025
Recent approaches to speed management have shifted from focusing on the 85th percentile speed to a more comprehensive, safety-focused approach. This new approac...
doi.org
October 16, 2025 at 2:03 PM
In Minnesota, road design changes are helping drivers slow down as they move from highways to lower-speed areas. Roundabouts, medians, and two-way turn lanes have all been effective.
New AI tools can help cities reduce traffic congestion and make travel safer. They can analyze real-time data, adjust traffic signals, and even detect road damage.
www.route-fifty.com/artificial-i...
www.route-fifty.com/artificial-i...
AI-driven traffic management is already having a big impact
COMMENTARY | Amid growing congestion, the technology holds promise for cities and their transportation planners, although the benefits and risks must be carefully weighed.
www.route-fifty.com
October 15, 2025 at 3:22 PM
New AI tools can help cities reduce traffic congestion and make travel safer. They can analyze real-time data, adjust traffic signals, and even detect road damage.
www.route-fifty.com/artificial-i...
www.route-fifty.com/artificial-i...
Illinois DOT is expanding its intern-to-hire program to address their engineer shortage. New civil engineers can accrue time toward state benefits during their internships.
Illinois expands intern-to-hire program to address engineer shortage
The state of Illinois is expanding its intern-to-hire program to include engineering positions with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). This initi
newschannel20.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Illinois DOT is expanding its intern-to-hire program to address their engineer shortage. New civil engineers can accrue time toward state benefits during their internships.