Summer SAVY, Session 6 Day 3, Urban Transportation and Data Analytics (7th – 8th)
Today, our discussion focus was the critical issues in transportation, which include congestion, infrastructure, finance, energy, environment and climate change, equity, resilience to extreme weather, safety, institutions, and human and intellectual capital.
Congestion emerged as a major concern, especially considering that the U.S. ranks as the most congested developed country, with costs reaching nearly $70 billion in 2023. Notably, cities like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. face the most severe traffic issues, resulting in significant economic costs for both time and fuel. It’s important to recognize that simply adding more lanes does not alleviate congestion; in fact, it often exacerbates the issue due to induced demand.
The transportation sector’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels and subsequent contribution to greenhouse gas emissions cannot be overlooked. With highway vehicles serving as major emitters of CO and NOx, urgent action is required to transition towards renewable energy sources and invest in charging infrastructure to foster the adoption of electric vehicles. Nevertheless, it’s essential to acknowledge the limitations of current battery technology and the non-eco-friendly nature of the electricity production process.
Addressing the aging and underfunded infrastructure, we highlighted the staggering $786 billion backlog in road and bridge capital needs. Given the grade of C- awarded to the U.S. infrastructure by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), with roads receiving a grade of D, it’s evident that significant improvements are necessary.
The financing of transportation poses a challenge, particularly with the outdated gas tax losing value to inflation and potential fuel efficiency improvements. As we discussed, the traditional reliance on gas taxes for funding is outmoded, especially considering the increasing adoption of fuel-efficient, hybrid, and electric vehicles, which could lead to a decline in state transportation revenues. Moving forward, it’s imperative to explore new funding strategies that can adapt to the changing transportation landscape, potentially involving increased taxes, tolling, public-private partnerships, and other innovative financing mechanisms.
Equity concerns were also touched upon, taking into account the disproportionate burdens faced by disadvantaged groups, urban households, and the aging population. Addressing these concerns is crucial to ensure an inclusive and fair transportation system for all.
In the afternoon session, we made significant progress by uploading the Metro Nashville Traffic Crash Data and delving deeper into the steps of data analysis. Our main focus was on data visualization. We examined the various factors contributing to traffic crashes in Nashville, TN, from 2017 to 2024. Students enhanced the code to display the counts and generate plots for each recorded factor, with a specific focus on traffic crashes in Nashville for the year 2023.
Dinner table questions:
– What are the key challenges in the transportation sector?
– How does traffic congestion affect the US economy and the environment?
– What solutions can we implement to fund transportation infrastructure amidst advancements in vehicle technologies?
The agenda for tomorrow includes addressing important transportation issues, emphasizing inclusive mobility, and performing thorough data analysis.
Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the valuable resources provided below. These videos offer an excellent opportunity to enhance your comprehension and interest in specific concepts and technological progress regarding inclusive mobility and universal design principles.
https://youtu.be/VEs9w2IxriI?si=uPisMhrjbmZfb0uf
https://youtu.be/48DqdwzftnQ?si=9OQInsgoSPddfA8U
https://youtu.be/gx2fQY4xN9Y?si=cJE3feWE_u1oArty
https://youtu.be/8mh-GTlvf0w?si=LRKieI2eEARLXVqG