## Macon Metro Area Transportation Retooling Analysis

## Baseline Data

(Previous baseline data remains the same)

- Population: 972,307 (2024 data)

- Road miles: 6,339 (FHWA data)

- Households: 379,808

- Car ownership: 0.86 cars per household

- Total number of cars: 326,635

- Annual car costs: $3.0b

- Total car value: $9.6b

- Annual miles driven: 3.9b

- Traffic fatalities: 46

- Traffic injuries: 12,800

- Parking spaces: 1,306,540

- Walkability Score: 41

## JPods Network Implementation

Estimated JPods network size: 453 miles (6,339 road miles / 14)

Estimated cost: $9.1b ($20 million per mile)

## One-Time Savings

- 60% reduction in car ownership: $5.8b

- 60% reduction in highway miles (land repurposing): $4.7b

- 60% reduction in parking spaces: $4.7b

Total one-time savings: $15.2b

## Annual Savings

- 60% fewer cars: $1.8b

- 60% fewer traffic fatalities: $276m

- 60% fewer traffic injuries: $461m

- 60% less congestion: $460m

- 60% less gasoline purchases: $440m

- 60% less highway damage: $140m

Total annual savings: $3.6b

## Economic Development

- Increased walkability: $1.2b annually

- 60% less car and gasoline expenses: $2.2b annually reinvested in local economy

- Repurposing lane-miles and parking: $620m annually in new economic activity

- Estimated increase in walkability score: 44 points (from 41 to 85)

Total economic development impact: $4.0b annually

## Environmental Impact

- CO2 savings: 1.2 million metric tons annually

- Health cost reductions: $260m annually

## Conclusion

The revised analysis with the new JPods network calculation (dividing road miles by 14 instead of 8) reduces the initial investment from $15.8b to $9.1b, making the project even more financially attractive while maintaining the same benefits. This adjustment better reflects Macon's lower density areas while still providing comprehensive coverage for the metropolitan area.

The potential returns in terms of economic savings, development, and environmental benefits remain compelling, especially given the reduced initial investment required. The privately funded nature of the project under the 5X5 Solar standard continues to enhance its attractiveness as a solution to urban transportation challenges.

Citations:

[1] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1733246600/user_uploads/odrzzzlxa/image.jpg

[2] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1733246590/user_uploads/dckaqkhvi/image.jpg

[3] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1733237015/user_uploads/lcqlfvxfw/image.jpg

[4] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1733237012/user_uploads/jfyzcpaxo/image.jpg

[5] https://highways.dot.gov