Converting One-Way Streets to Two-Way Streets to Improve Transportation Network Efficiency and Reduce Vehicle Distance Traveled

TL;DR

Converting one-way streets to two-way in San Francisco could reduce annual vehicle travel by approximately 27 million kilometers, enhancing transportation efficiency and supporting sustainability goals.

Contribution

This study provides the first simulation-based analysis of how street conversions affect vehicle travel distances, highlighting potential efficiency gains in urban networks.

Findings

Conversion could reduce intra-city trip lengths by 1.7%.

Approximately 27 million kilometers of travel could be saved annually.

Implications for urban planning and sustainable transportation policies.

Abstract

Planning scholars have identified economic, safety, and social benefits of converting one-way streets to two-way. Less is known about how conversions could impact vehicular distances traveled - of growing relevance in an era of fleet automation, electrification, and ride-hailing. We simulate such a conversion in San Francisco, California. We find that its current street network's average intra-city trip is about 1.7% longer than it would be with all two-way streets, corresponding to 27 million kilometers of annual surplus travel. As transportation technologies evolve, planners must consider different facets of network efficiency to align local policy and street design with sustainability and other societal goals.