Boulder unveils 2025 Transportation Report detailing progress on key objectives

The Boulder City Transportation Advisory Board convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss the progress of the city’s transportation initiatives as outlined in the Transportation Master Plan (TMP). The meeting, led by Transportation Planning Manager Steve Marijo, emphasized the importance of tracking and reporting on the city’s transportation goals and objectives, which are crucial for assessing progress and making necessary adjustments.

Senior Transportation Planner Lisonbee Morfarrell presented the 2025 Transportation Report on Progress, highlighting the TMP's primary goals: safety, equity, reliability, travel choices, and climate commitment. The report serves as a formal assessment of the city’s transportation metrics, which include reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT), increasing active transportation modes, and improving safety for all travel methods. The report also noted that the city will align its departmental strategic plans with broader sustainability and equity frameworks.

Morfarrell outlined eight measurable objectives that the department has been monitoring, some of which have been tracked since the 1990s. These objectives include reducing single-occupancy vehicle use, increasing access to safe transportation options, and enhancing public transit services. The report categorizes each objective based on its current status, allowing city officials to evaluate whether they are on track to meet their targets.

Principal Project Manager Chris Haglund provided insights into the methodology used for calculating VMT, noting a significant shift from traditional models to more accurate data sources, including aggregated cell phone and connected vehicle data. This change has resulted in a more precise understanding of travel patterns in Boulder, although it has also led to discrepancies in reported VMT figures compared to previous methodologies. Notably, the city has seen a 20% decline in per capita VMT since 1990, reflecting positive trends in transportation behavior among residents.

The meeting underscored the city’s commitment to improving its transportation system while addressing challenges such as the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel patterns. As hybrid work environments continue to influence commuting behaviors, the city remains focused on adapting its strategies to meet evolving needs.

In conclusion, the Boulder City Transportation Advisory Board's discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance the city’s transportation framework. The next steps involve continued monitoring of the measurable objectives and potential adjustments to strategies as necessary, ensuring that Boulder remains on a path toward a more sustainable and equitable transportation future.