Communities are increasingly seeking these choices -- particularly a wider range of transportation options -- in an effort to improve beleaguered transportation systems.

Where in 1982 65% of travel occurred in uncongested conditions, by 1997 only 36% of peak travel occurred in such areas. In fact, according to the Texas Transportation Institute, congestion over the last several years has worsened in nearly every major metropolitan area in the United States.

Communities are beginning to implement new approaches to transportation planning, including better coordinating land use and transportation; increasing the availability of high quality transit service; creating redundancy, resiliency and connectivity within their road networks; and ensuring connectivity between pedestrian, bike, transit, and road facilities.

Take a multi-modal approach to transportation with supportive development patterns to create a variety of transportation options.

Create programs and policies that support car sharing.

Make sure transportation models and surveys accurately reflect all modes of transportation.

Consult early with emergency responders when developing smart growth plans.

Integrate the movement and delivery of goods into smart growth.

Provide riders with customized transit information.

Create comprehensive bicycling programs.