The Transportation - 

Land Use Connection

Instructor: Susan Handy

Winter Quarter 2003

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. – Noon

January 7 thru March 13, 2003

Location: 2132 Wickson, Room 2120J

TTP 289A-005; CRN: 80324

3 units, letter grade

Description

Transportation and land use – or patterns of land development – are inextricably linked in numerous interesting and important ways.   The construction of a new transportation facility, such as a freeway or a light rail line, will influence the nature and location of new development in the corridor.  The nature and location of new development will influence patterns of travel for residents of the area.  Transportation facilities themselves are a significant element of the built environment, creating connections but also barriers.  An understanding of these relationships is critical to the solution of our transportation and transportation-related problems, including congestion, fuel consumption, air quality degradation, land consumption, social inequities, and public health.

This seminar will focus on the interrelated questions of how transportation investments and policies shape land use patterns, how land use patterns in turn shape travel behavior, and how transportation itself functions as an element of the built environment in metropolitan areas.  For each of these questions, we will explore key theories and concepts, research methodologies and findings, traditional and emerging policy approaches, and techniques for forecasting policy impacts.   Students will complete two written assignments and a term paper on a topic of their choosing and are expected to complete assigned readings and actively participate in class discussions and exercises.