Vehicle distance traveled represents the distance driven (e.g., kilometers) by an individual, group, or society. Reducing the vehicle distance traveled is a challenging task because while developing more efficient vehicles and reducing the carbon intensity of fuels are inherently technical problems, reducing the vehicle distance traveled is a behavioral issue. Ways to reduce vehicle distance traveled include:
- Shifting modes from the private car to transit, walking, or biking
- Increasing vehicle occupancy in private cars and vanpools
- Telecommuting, combining trips, reducing the number of discretionary vehicle trips, and employing tools such as a compressed workweek, pricing, and more compact land development, which enhances transit, biking and walking.