Effects of Travel Reduction and Efficient Driving on Transportation: Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Numerous transportation strategies are directed at reducing energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by changing the behavior of individual drivers or travelers. These behavioral changes may have the effect of reducing travel, shifting travel to more efficient modes, or improving the efficiency of existing travel. This report reviews and summarizes the literature on relationships between these strategies and transportation-related energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The primary objectives of this report are to examine how changes to travel behavior can reduce transportation energy use and discuss the potential for federal actions to affect travel behavior. Since the 1970s, federal, regional, state and municipal agencies have tried to reduce energy use, emissions, and congestion by influencing travel behavior. This report summarizes historical findings documented in existing literature, as well as recent efforts that had not previously been reported, and highlights and interprets that literature for information most relevant to an energy perspective. Opportunities for federal action to encourage travel reduction and efficient driving as a way to reduce energy use are summarized.