In evaluating transportation demand, which variable is most directly influenced by land-use density?

• A. Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and mode share
• B. Number of parking spaces
• C. Construction cost per unit
• D. Water demand

Answer: (A)

Density directly shapes how people travel by changing trip distances and the practicality of walking, biking, or taking transit. When destinations are closely clustered and mixed in use, trips tend to be shorter and more people can reach them without a car. This increases the share of trips made by non-automobile modes and reduces the total vehicle miles traveled. Because VMT and mode share are the core measures of how land use influences transportation demand, they best reflect the impact of density.

Parking supply is influenced by density and policy, but it’s more of a design/implementation outcome than a direct measure of transportation demand. Construction cost per unit and water demand are affected by density and other factors, but they don’t capture the direct link to transportation demand as clearly as VMT and mode share.