Trip generation, trip chains and polycentric development in metropolitan USA: A Case Study of the Wasatch Front Region, Utah

Abstract

Polycentric development is being promoted to lessen problems of urban sprawl and reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT). This study examines polycentric development in the Wasatch Front Region (WFR), Utah, from a morphological perspective using employment data and a functional perspective by analyzing trip chain behavior. We find that morphologically, the WFR is more dispersed than centered but only has one functional urban center as the downtown Salt Lake City. Regarding trip chains, we find that although the automobile is the dominant travel mode outside urban centers, the trip chains by walking and biking are common in urban centers. Furthermore, we employed a multinomial logit model to examine travel behavior associated with urban centers. The results suggest that the WFR is still dominated by a single urban center, rather than being polycentric, reflecting the reality of many U.S. metropolitan regions. Our study suggests that job opportunities and amenities are critical to increasing functional polycentricity. Moreover, compact development, open space, and walkability encourage trip chain generation in urban centers. Last, improved public transportation facilities in the urban centers provide more options for commuting beyond the automobile and are necessary to increase the functional polycentricity of urban centers.