Todd Litman
@toddlitman.bsky.social
I am a transport and land use policy analyst. I love doing research about ways to make communities healthier, wealthier and wiser at the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (www.vtpi.org)
"Road Cost Recovery Trends" (vtpi.org/rcrt.pdf)
This short study calculates the portion of US roadway expenditures paid by fuel taxes and tolls. Most local road costs and a growing portion highway costs are funded by general taxes; user fees now cover less than half of road spending.
This short study calculates the portion of US roadway expenditures paid by fuel taxes and tolls. Most local road costs and a growing portion highway costs are funded by general taxes; user fees now cover less than half of road spending.
November 26, 2025 at 10:11 PM
"Road Cost Recovery Trends" (vtpi.org/rcrt.pdf)
This short study calculates the portion of US roadway expenditures paid by fuel taxes and tolls. Most local road costs and a growing portion highway costs are funded by general taxes; user fees now cover less than half of road spending.
This short study calculates the portion of US roadway expenditures paid by fuel taxes and tolls. Most local road costs and a growing portion highway costs are funded by general taxes; user fees now cover less than half of road spending.
This evening I'll be speaking at the Planning Institute of British Columbia's Networking Night on a panel, "A Healthy Built Environment Framework." I will describe ways that communities can make transportation systems healthier, safer and happier.
Join us if you are in Victoria.
Join us if you are in Victoria.
PIBC VIS - Panel & Networking Night: A Healthy Built Environment Framework | Planning Institute of British Columbia
www.pibc.bc.ca
November 21, 2025 at 5:06 PM
This evening I'll be speaking at the Planning Institute of British Columbia's Networking Night on a panel, "A Healthy Built Environment Framework." I will describe ways that communities can make transportation systems healthier, safer and happier.
Join us if you are in Victoria.
Join us if you are in Victoria.
Breaking: Trump Admin Seeks To Decimate Federal Transit Funding - usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/18/b...
It cites my column, "Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation" (lnkd.in/gjdKaCs2).
What do you think? How can be better communicate the importance of multimodal planning?
It cites my column, "Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation" (lnkd.in/gjdKaCs2).
What do you think? How can be better communicate the importance of multimodal planning?
Breaking: Trump Admin Seeks To Decimate Federal Transit Funding — Streetsblog USA
"When you're talking about taking away money from transit, your proposal is flawed from the get-go," said one expert.
usa.streetsblog.org
November 20, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Breaking: Trump Admin Seeks To Decimate Federal Transit Funding - usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/18/b...
It cites my column, "Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation" (lnkd.in/gjdKaCs2).
What do you think? How can be better communicate the importance of multimodal planning?
It cites my column, "Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation" (lnkd.in/gjdKaCs2).
What do you think? How can be better communicate the importance of multimodal planning?
Transport expert Todd Litman joined the Streets and People podcast to explore how rethinking mobility can make our communities healthier, fairer, and more productive. He explained how cities that invest in walking, cycling, and public transport tend to perform better economically and socially.
Todd Litman on Smarter, Better and Fairer Transport
Todd Litman explains why car dependence reduces productivity and how Caboolture can thrive when made walkable and transport is multimodal.
getaroundcaboolture.au
November 14, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Transport expert Todd Litman joined the Streets and People podcast to explore how rethinking mobility can make our communities healthier, fairer, and more productive. He explained how cities that invest in walking, cycling, and public transport tend to perform better economically and socially.
The activist organization Transportation Alternatives offers detailed recommendations for more efficient and affordable transportation to New York City's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
transalt.org/road-to-affo...
transalt.org/road-to-affo...
The Road to Affordability: A Streets and Transportation Agenda for the Next Mayor of NYC — Transportation Alternatives
transalt.org
November 13, 2025 at 7:58 PM
The activist organization Transportation Alternatives offers detailed recommendations for more efficient and affordable transportation to New York City's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
transalt.org/road-to-affo...
transalt.org/road-to-affo...
The UN Climate Change Conference (slocat.net/cop30) starts today in Brazil. In preparation Sustainable Mobility for All produced the "Transport, Climate and Sustainability Global Status Report" (gsr4.slocat.net). I co-wrote the North American Overview and several of my studies are cited in it.
COP30 Engagement - SLOCAT
slocat.net
November 10, 2025 at 11:46 PM
The UN Climate Change Conference (slocat.net/cop30) starts today in Brazil. In preparation Sustainable Mobility for All produced the "Transport, Climate and Sustainability Global Status Report" (gsr4.slocat.net). I co-wrote the North American Overview and several of my studies are cited in it.
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/09/30/m...
This article, which emphasizes the relative safety (low crash rates) and security (low crime rates)of public transit compared to driving, is based on my research (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf). What do you think.Can we overcome unjustified fears of transit travel?
This article, which emphasizes the relative safety (low crash rates) and security (low crime rates)of public transit compared to driving, is based on my research (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf). What do you think.Can we overcome unjustified fears of transit travel?
More Transit Means Safer Streets — Streetsblog USA
Promoting transit isn't just a social good. It's also a tool to achieve Vision Zero.
usa.streetsblog.org
October 8, 2025 at 12:46 AM
usa.streetsblog.org/2025/09/30/m...
This article, which emphasizes the relative safety (low crash rates) and security (low crime rates)of public transit compared to driving, is based on my research (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf). What do you think.Can we overcome unjustified fears of transit travel?
This article, which emphasizes the relative safety (low crash rates) and security (low crime rates)of public transit compared to driving, is based on my research (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf). What do you think.Can we overcome unjustified fears of transit travel?
This celebration of Donald Shoup's work is just about to start at UCLA. I'm sorry to miss it! I updated my reports:
"Parking Management: Comprehensive Implementation Guide (lnkd.in/gixZBybx) and "Pavement Busters Guide (www.vtpi.org/pavbust.pdf).
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebrat...
"Parking Management: Comprehensive Implementation Guide (lnkd.in/gixZBybx) and "Pavement Busters Guide (www.vtpi.org/pavbust.pdf).
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebrat...
A Celebration of the Life and Work of Donald Shoup
The Department of Urban Planning and UCLA ITS celebrate and remember the life and work of Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Donald Shoup.
www.eventbrite.com
October 3, 2025 at 8:47 PM
This celebration of Donald Shoup's work is just about to start at UCLA. I'm sorry to miss it! I updated my reports:
"Parking Management: Comprehensive Implementation Guide (lnkd.in/gixZBybx) and "Pavement Busters Guide (www.vtpi.org/pavbust.pdf).
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebrat...
"Parking Management: Comprehensive Implementation Guide (lnkd.in/gixZBybx) and "Pavement Busters Guide (www.vtpi.org/pavbust.pdf).
www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celebrat...
This podcast discusses why conservatives should support active and public transport. It cites my report, "Responsive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities" (vtpi.org/ppcc.pdf) summarized in "Good Planning under Bad Leadership" (lnkd.in/gGgBcDsj).
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
#transportpolicy #activetransport #publictransport #conservativevalues #governmentspending #healthsavings #sustainability #urbanplanning #infrastructure #politicalstrategy #healthandwellness… | Get Ar...
🚗 Russell King on Conservative Values & Transport
In the latest Streets and People podcast, transport policy expert Russell King discusses how conservatives can support public and active transport. H...
www.linkedin.com
October 3, 2025 at 6:14 PM
This podcast discusses why conservatives should support active and public transport. It cites my report, "Responsive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities" (vtpi.org/ppcc.pdf) summarized in "Good Planning under Bad Leadership" (lnkd.in/gGgBcDsj).
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Week Without Driving (weekwithoutdriving.org)
Monday, September 29 – Sunday, October 5, 2025
The Week Without Driving helps motorists learn firsthand about the barriers and challenges that nondrivers face, and help identify ways to create transportation systems that serve everybody.
Monday, September 29 – Sunday, October 5, 2025
The Week Without Driving helps motorists learn firsthand about the barriers and challenges that nondrivers face, and help identify ways to create transportation systems that serve everybody.
Week Without Driving
Sep 29th – Oct 5th, 2025 - An experience created for everyone to learn firsthand about barriers and challenges for nondrivers. Join, support, or become a host.
weekwithoutdriving.org
September 24, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Week Without Driving (weekwithoutdriving.org)
Monday, September 29 – Sunday, October 5, 2025
The Week Without Driving helps motorists learn firsthand about the barriers and challenges that nondrivers face, and help identify ways to create transportation systems that serve everybody.
Monday, September 29 – Sunday, October 5, 2025
The Week Without Driving helps motorists learn firsthand about the barriers and challenges that nondrivers face, and help identify ways to create transportation systems that serve everybody.
I was interviewed for this article about transit security. I emphasize that transit travel is overall very safe and it becomes safer the more non-criminals use it.
"Why It’s So Hard to Keep America’s Public Transit Riders Safe," (www.cnn.com/2025/09/14/us/public-transit-safety-charlotte-stabbing)
"Why It’s So Hard to Keep America’s Public Transit Riders Safe," (www.cnn.com/2025/09/14/us/public-transit-safety-charlotte-stabbing)
Breaking News, Latest News and Videos | CNN
View the latest news and breaking news today for U.S., world, weather, entertainment, politics and health at CNN.com.
www.cnn.com
September 16, 2025 at 3:55 PM
I was interviewed for this article about transit security. I emphasize that transit travel is overall very safe and it becomes safer the more non-criminals use it.
"Why It’s So Hard to Keep America’s Public Transit Riders Safe," (www.cnn.com/2025/09/14/us/public-transit-safety-charlotte-stabbing)
"Why It’s So Hard to Keep America’s Public Transit Riders Safe," (www.cnn.com/2025/09/14/us/public-transit-safety-charlotte-stabbing)
This cites my research on public transit's relative safety and security. See "Safer Than You Think: Revising the Transit Safety Narrative" (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf).
Republicans Want to Scare You off Mass Transit. Cars Are Scarier. newrepublic.com/article/2003... via @newrepublic.com
Republicans Want to Scare You off Mass Transit. Cars Are Scarier. newrepublic.com/article/2003... via @newrepublic.com
Republicans Want to Scare You off Mass Transit. Cars Are Scarier.
A fatal stabbing on Charlotte Light Rail set off a panic about the risks of public transportation. There’s just one thing: It’s worlds safer than cars.
newrepublic.com
September 15, 2025 at 6:18 PM
This cites my research on public transit's relative safety and security. See "Safer Than You Think: Revising the Transit Safety Narrative" (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf).
Republicans Want to Scare You off Mass Transit. Cars Are Scarier. newrepublic.com/article/2003... via @newrepublic.com
Republicans Want to Scare You off Mass Transit. Cars Are Scarier. newrepublic.com/article/2003... via @newrepublic.com
Here is a terrific program I support that helps youths become comfortable using public transit. My research highlights the many benefits, including safety described in "Safer than You Think: The New Transit Safety Narrative" (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf).
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
www.vtpi.org
September 12, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Here is a terrific program I support that helps youths become comfortable using public transit. My research highlights the many benefits, including safety described in "Safer than You Think: The New Transit Safety Narrative" (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf).
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
“It’s Time for Smarter Solutions to Parking Problems” (www.timescolonist.com/opinion/comment-its-time-for-smarter-solutions-to-parking-problems-11172578). My research supports more efficient parking management (www.planetizen.com/blogs/135767...). Affordability, convenience and less pavement!
Comment: It’s time for smarter solutions to parking problems
Our parking needs are changing. Driving has peaked and continues to decline in cities that invest in non-auto modes.
www.timescolonist.com
September 8, 2025 at 5:48 PM
“It’s Time for Smarter Solutions to Parking Problems” (www.timescolonist.com/opinion/comment-its-time-for-smarter-solutions-to-parking-problems-11172578). My research supports more efficient parking management (www.planetizen.com/blogs/135767...). Affordability, convenience and less pavement!
"Parking: The Dark Matter of the Urban Universe" (www.planetizen.com/blogs/135767...) generated debate on the ITE website.
Critics assume that vehicle ownership is growing, but it peaked and is declining. See "They Future Isn't What it Used to Be" (www.vtpi.org/future.pdf)
Less parking is needed!
Critics assume that vehicle ownership is growing, but it peaked and is declining. See "They Future Isn't What it Used to Be" (www.vtpi.org/future.pdf)
Less parking is needed!
August 27, 2025 at 8:38 PM
"Parking: The Dark Matter of the Urban Universe" (www.planetizen.com/blogs/135767...) generated debate on the ITE website.
Critics assume that vehicle ownership is growing, but it peaked and is declining. See "They Future Isn't What it Used to Be" (www.vtpi.org/future.pdf)
Less parking is needed!
Critics assume that vehicle ownership is growing, but it peaked and is declining. See "They Future Isn't What it Used to Be" (www.vtpi.org/future.pdf)
Less parking is needed!
"A Reality Check on Crime, Safety and Transit" (www.planetizen.com/blogs/135871...)
It's time to correct misinformation about the dangers of transit and urban living. As transit travel increases crash casualties and crime tend to decline due to less driving and more non-criminal pedestrians.
It's time to correct misinformation about the dangers of transit and urban living. As transit travel increases crash casualties and crime tend to decline due to less driving and more non-criminal pedestrians.
A Reality Check on Crime, Safety, and Transit
While Duffy and Nadler battle it out in a shouting match, the data is clear: transit is safe.
www.planetizen.com
August 26, 2025 at 3:16 PM
"A Reality Check on Crime, Safety and Transit" (www.planetizen.com/blogs/135871...)
It's time to correct misinformation about the dangers of transit and urban living. As transit travel increases crash casualties and crime tend to decline due to less driving and more non-criminal pedestrians.
It's time to correct misinformation about the dangers of transit and urban living. As transit travel increases crash casualties and crime tend to decline due to less driving and more non-criminal pedestrians.
Here is Russell King's newsletter that cites my column "Parking: The Dark Matter of the Urban Universe" (lnkd.in/dhmgBrkB) and report "Parking Management" (lnkd.in/gixZBybx).
It's time to rethink parking mandates!
www.linkedin.com/posts/russel...
It's time to rethink parking mandates!
www.linkedin.com/posts/russel...
People believe parking problems mean we need more spaces. The real issue is that we are terrible at managing parking.
"Free" parking costs us millions of dollars every year.
We just don...
People believe parking problems mean we need more spaces. The real issue is that we are terrible at managing parking.
"Free" parking costs us millions of dollars every year.
We just don't see the bi...
www.linkedin.com
August 25, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Here is Russell King's newsletter that cites my column "Parking: The Dark Matter of the Urban Universe" (lnkd.in/dhmgBrkB) and report "Parking Management" (lnkd.in/gixZBybx).
It's time to rethink parking mandates!
www.linkedin.com/posts/russel...
It's time to rethink parking mandates!
www.linkedin.com/posts/russel...
My latest Bloomberg CityLab column.
“We Need a Reality Check on Crime, Safety and Transit” (www.bloomberg.com/news/article... ). Despite common assumptions, traveling by bus, subway or train is far safer than driving. How can transit agencies correct misinformation about the real risks?
“We Need a Reality Check on Crime, Safety and Transit” (www.bloomberg.com/news/article... ). Despite common assumptions, traveling by bus, subway or train is far safer than driving. How can transit agencies correct misinformation about the real risks?
We Need a Reality Check on Crime, Safety and Transit
Despite common assumptions, traveling by bus, subway or train is far safer than driving. How can transit agencies correct misinformation about the real risks?
www.bloomberg.com
August 21, 2025 at 5:04 PM
My latest Bloomberg CityLab column.
“We Need a Reality Check on Crime, Safety and Transit” (www.bloomberg.com/news/article... ). Despite common assumptions, traveling by bus, subway or train is far safer than driving. How can transit agencies correct misinformation about the real risks?
“We Need a Reality Check on Crime, Safety and Transit” (www.bloomberg.com/news/article... ). Despite common assumptions, traveling by bus, subway or train is far safer than driving. How can transit agencies correct misinformation about the real risks?
"Parking: The Dark Matter of the Urban Universe" (www.planetizen.com/blogs/135767...)
Parking regulations affect our lives and communities in many, often mysterious ways. It's time to apply urban planning magic: fewer driveways and better managed public parking.
Parking regulations affect our lives and communities in many, often mysterious ways. It's time to apply urban planning magic: fewer driveways and better managed public parking.
Parking: The Dark Matter of the Urban Universe
Parking regulations affect our lives and communities in many, often mysterious ways. These impacts are often overlooked, resulting in bad policies. It's time to apply urban planning magic.
www.planetizen.com
August 20, 2025 at 4:46 PM
"Parking: The Dark Matter of the Urban Universe" (www.planetizen.com/blogs/135767...)
Parking regulations affect our lives and communities in many, often mysterious ways. It's time to apply urban planning magic: fewer driveways and better managed public parking.
Parking regulations affect our lives and communities in many, often mysterious ways. It's time to apply urban planning magic: fewer driveways and better managed public parking.
US cities are safe! Urban crime rates plummeted during the last thirty years, especially in large cities, illustrated below. New York is particularly successful. Unfortunately, most people don't know this; their perceptions are outdated. See "A New Transit Safety Paradigm" (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf).
August 12, 2025 at 6:45 PM
US cities are safe! Urban crime rates plummeted during the last thirty years, especially in large cities, illustrated below. New York is particularly successful. Unfortunately, most people don't know this; their perceptions are outdated. See "A New Transit Safety Paradigm" (www.vtpi.org/safer.pdf).
Mednarodni pregled prakse upravljanja parkiranja (International Overview of Parking Management)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha02...
I helped give an overview of parking problems and better solutions for the Slovenian National Conference on Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning.
What do you think?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha02...
I helped give an overview of parking problems and better solutions for the Slovenian National Conference on Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning.
What do you think?
Mednarodni pregled prakse upravljanja parkiranja / An International Overview of Parking Management
YouTube video by Transformative transport planning research group
www.youtube.com
August 11, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Mednarodni pregled prakse upravljanja parkiranja (International Overview of Parking Management)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha02...
I helped give an overview of parking problems and better solutions for the Slovenian National Conference on Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning.
What do you think?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha02...
I helped give an overview of parking problems and better solutions for the Slovenian National Conference on Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning.
What do you think?
This Parking Reform Network map shows jurisdictions that reduce or eliminate parking mandates. It now includes Denver, Vancouver and Washington State. These reforms increase affordability, fairness, transportation efficiency and community livability.
parkingreform.org/resources/ma...
parkingreform.org/resources/ma...
Parking Mandates Map - Parking Reform Network
A map of cities which have reduced or eliminated costly car parking mandates (parking requirements).
parkingreform.org
August 7, 2025 at 6:40 PM
This Parking Reform Network map shows jurisdictions that reduce or eliminate parking mandates. It now includes Denver, Vancouver and Washington State. These reforms increase affordability, fairness, transportation efficiency and community livability.
parkingreform.org/resources/ma...
parkingreform.org/resources/ma...
"Mobility Across Canada" (tram.mcgill.ca/Research/Sur...). New study finds that over half of Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Victoria commuters use non-auto modes, much more than census indicates. Non-drivers report more quality of life. More justification for non-auto investments.
August 6, 2025 at 7:08 PM
"Mobility Across Canada" (tram.mcgill.ca/Research/Sur...). New study finds that over half of Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Victoria commuters use non-auto modes, much more than census indicates. Non-drivers report more quality of life. More justification for non-auto investments.
Join me for an interesting discussion concerning walking and bicycling benefits, transit safety and parking reform in Conversations in Transportation, this Thursday, August 7 at 9:00 am Pacific Time, noon EST! Free.
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Join us for the next virtual episode of Conversations in Transportation, hosted by NCSITE, this Thursday, August 7 at 12:00 PM EST! | Christa Greene
Join us for the next virtual episode of Conversations in Transportation, hosted by NCSITE, this Thursday, August 7 at 12:00 PM EST!
This session will feature an engaging conversation with Todd Litman...
www.linkedin.com
August 5, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Join me for an interesting discussion concerning walking and bicycling benefits, transit safety and parking reform in Conversations in Transportation, this Thursday, August 7 at 9:00 am Pacific Time, noon EST! Free.
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
For three decades, the Transportation Research Board's annual meeting was a highlight of my year. However, the Trump administration is debasing TRB, as discussed in this article, so I won't bother. Very sad.
"US Transportation Research at a Crossroads" (osf.io/preprints/os...)
"US Transportation Research at a Crossroads" (osf.io/preprints/os...)
OSF
osf.io
August 5, 2025 at 6:47 PM
For three decades, the Transportation Research Board's annual meeting was a highlight of my year. However, the Trump administration is debasing TRB, as discussed in this article, so I won't bother. Very sad.
"US Transportation Research at a Crossroads" (osf.io/preprints/os...)
"US Transportation Research at a Crossroads" (osf.io/preprints/os...)