American cities are fighting a major problem in recent months, which is an increase in traffic congestion. The worst cities, of course, are L.A., New York, Chicago, D.C., and Dallas, but most other large cities are seeing similar problems. According to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. drivers drove 21 billion more miles in 2010 than in 2009, a significant increase despite the economic recession. The problem is only expected to worsen as the economy picks up and jobs increase. The average American driver logs 25 miles per day, and now pays just short of $4 per gallon of gas (28% higher than a year ago). This problem is presenting significant financial hardship on millions of families nationwide.

One major solution comes in the form of well-developed transit systems. According to CEOs for Cities, motorists in compactly developed cities that have extensive transit systems can drive nearly 50% less. The key factor is whether residents have to drive everywhere, or whether they have other options.

Edward McMahon, an expert on sustainable development at the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in Washington, D.C., speaks to a study undertaken in 2009 on the relationship between urban design and driving. “Most trips in a car are not back and forth to work,” he says. “Most trips — 80% to 85% — are lifestyle trips to the movies, the grocery store, taking the kids to school, and so on. What we found is if you live in a community where you can walk, ride a bike, take a short trip, those savings start to add up really quickly.”

Cities where people drive less tend to do well in three essential areas: land use, urban design, and transportation. In downtown Mesa, the city is working hard to enhance all three of these areas through the new light rail transit system, opportunities and zoning for mixed-use developments, and intentional, citizen-friendly street layouts.

Ideally, the improvements over the next five years will allow Mesa residents to realize a significant savings in gas expenditures–and will ease the stress of congestion so many other cities are fighting.