NAVIGATE Many workplaces were closed, changing traffic levels and commuting patterns. With gyms closed, Valley paths became more crowded.
Rethinking how we move in the world Restarting society more thoughtfully, fairly and sustainably There has been a significant drop in automobile use in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. According to Ram Pendyala, director of the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment at ASU, Phoenix traffic may have been reduced by 30% during stay-athome orders. “From a transportation perspective, it means reduced traffic and energy consumption, cleaner air and less wear and tear 2 8 S U M M E R 2 0 2 0
on our roads — all good things for sustainability,” Pendyala says. “But the lack of traffic is not really a good thing. Traffic is a sign of economic and social vitality. Mobility is a sign that people are interacting with each other, businesses are thriving. It’s only the adverse effects of traffic that we don’t want.” Forecasting travel demand to better manage traffic, promote sustainable transportation and support infrastructure planning is a focus of Pendyala’s work. His research related to transportation offers insights for navigating the pandemic. Read more at this link.
Learn more about integrative transportation research and education at transportation. asu.edu
JAROD OPPERMAN/ASU, LINDSAY KINKADE/ASU
