Which statement best describes the relationship between density and transportation demand?

• A. Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and mode share are most directly influenced by density
• B. Water usage
• C. Property tax values
• D. School enrollment projections

Answer: (A)

Density shapes transportation demand by changing how close people live to work, services, and each other. When places are denser, destinations cluster within short distances, making walking, biking, and transit more practical and attractive. That proximity also supports more frequent trips and easier transfers, which lowers per‑person vehicle miles traveled and increases the share of trips made by non‑auto modes. In short, density directly affects how far and how often people travel and which modes they choose, so VMT and mode share are the clearest way density shows up in transportation planning.

Water usage, property tax values, and school enrollment projections relate to different factors (utilities, land value, demographics) and do not describe the main link between density and transportation demand.