Jun 04
The Austin Police Department’s Highway Enforcement Command has launched an online traffic survey and ask Austin drivers to help identify the most pressing driving safety issues in the community.
The survey asks drivers to provide input regarding overall traffic safety and driving behavior on Austin streets and roadways. APD is encouraging every citizen to participate as the department continues to prioritize its traffic safety efforts and moves forward with making the Austin a safer place.
Take the survey online by July 15 - APD Traffic Survey
Jun 01
A Brookings Institution study on the carbon footprints of 100 American metropolitan areas showed a slight decrease in highway emissions in the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan statistical area (MSA). The study found that the amount of carbon dioxide from highway transportation in the Austin area decreased 1% from 2000-2005. While the study ranked Austin a less-than-favorable 54th in carbon emissions from cars and trucks, the decrease is notable considering that according to the Texas Transportation Institute Urban Mobility Study, Austin’s highway daily vehicle miles traveled (DVMT) increased by 6.7% in that same same time period.
In that same time period, residential energy usage increased 33% per capita, placing Austin 55th among the 100 metro areas analyzed. Austin Energy officials noted that it relies more heavily on renewable energy sources than other Texas energy providers, and that total residential electric use increased 6% from 2000-2005 versus an increase of 12% in the number of residential customers.
Austin ranks low in emissions study - Austin American-Statesman
Shrinking the Carbon Footprint of Metropolitan America - Brookings Institution
