20th Century Transportation System, 21st Century Driving Habits
When gas prices exploded this summer, it wasn’t hard to notice that Americans were changing their habits. Our streets were dominated with bikers and pedestrians; our mass transit systems packed with commuters looking to save time and money; and our driveways were full with unused cars as millions of us found easier, cheaper ways to get to work or go to the grocery store.
But if you know anyone who still has their doubts about just how much our country has cut back on driving — and just how long we’ve been doing it for — be sure to show them this new report from the Washington, D.C. think tank The Brookings Institution.
There’s a whole lot of data and analysis available if you want to read the whole report, but for someone looking to get a general idea of what’s happening on our roads, this first sentence really says it all:
Driving, as measured by national VMT[vehicle miles traveled], began to plateau as far back as 2004 and dropped in 2007 for the first time since 1980. Per capita driving followed a similar pattern, with flat-lining growth after 2000 and falling rates since 2005. These recent declines in driving predated the steady hikes in gas prices during 2007 and 2008. Moreover, the recent drops in VMT (90 billion miles) and VMT per capita (388 miles) are the largest annualized drops since World War II.
Combine those numbers with our skyrocketing demand for transit, and it seems pretty clear what Americans want — clean, green infrastructure, and a complete transportation system that gives us plenty of options for getting around.
November 19, 2008Denny Zane on Measure R and Transit in L.A. County
When people think about Los Angeles County, images of high-speed subway lines extending to the sea and sleek light-rail cars passing through dense transit-oriented development are generally not the first things to pop into their heads.
But thanks to the November 4 approval of Ballot Measure R – a half-cent sales tax increase expected to generate $40 billion for transportation improvements, largely in transit, over the next 30 years – L.A. County’s reputation as the epicenter of sprawling development and automobile culture could be set for a major overhaul.
Denny Zane (right), a longtime community activist and former mayor of Santa Monica, helped lead the fight to win support for Measure R by heading up Move L.A., a coalition of labor, business, and environmental groups that saw a common interest in battling climate change, reducing congestion, and improving transportation options in the region.
In a phone interview this week, Zane spoke to Transportation for America about the process of building a unified front for the effort, the challenges in getting the measure on the November ballot, and the future for Los Angeles County and Move L.A.
(Continue Reading)
October 16, 2008Metro ridership remains strong as gas prices fall
Despite a steep drop in gas prices over the past couple months, ridership on the Los Angeles Metro has remained at record levels. (Los Angeles Times — Steve Hymon)
October 14, 2008We drive less, but roads are still full, Chicago-area study says
A new study by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning shows that while total miles of car travel in the Chicago area has dropped by nearly five percent since last year, congestion in the region has managed to get worse. (Chicago Tribune — Jon Hilkevitch)
October 14, 2008U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar and future transit funding
U.S. Representative James Oberstar, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, answers questions from the Kansas City Star about the challenges facing our transportation system and the role of transit in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and oil dependence.
October 14, 2008Pay less for gas, drive more?
While gas prices are sliding down below three dollars across the country, many commuters may continue to save energy and find ways to get around that don’t involve driving a car. (Minneapolis Star-Tribune — Chao Xiong and Bill McAuliffe.)
October 10, 2008Reinventing American Transportation
Transportation for America’s policy director Mariia Zimmerman pushed for a 21st century infrastructure system in an op-ed for PBS this week, outlining a five-point plan for making our transportation system cleaner, more affordable, and better suited to meet the needs of Americans. The entire article is posted below, and is also available on PBS’ website.
(Continue Reading)
October 10, 2008Tough economy may cost Chicago transit riders
Chicago Transit Authority officials consider raising fares, and generating $42 million in revenue, in order to offset high fuel prices and a slumping economy. (Associated Press)
October 9, 2008Yes on Measure R
The Los Angeles Times editorial board backs a ballot measure which, if passed, will bring the county sales tax up half a cent in order to fund various transportation improvements.
October 9, 2008School Buses: Still Vehicles for Change
Decades after school buses became a symbol for educational integration, high fuel costs and shrinking budgets are causing school districts to make cutbacks in bus service — and pushing children to attend school closer to home. (Wall Street Journal — Robert Tomsho)
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- Why Jackson, MS needs better transit and complete streets
December 17, 2008 - Introducing the Streetsblog Network
December 8, 2008 - Americans overwhelmingly support new transportation investments
November 20, 2008 - Governors call for new approach to transportation
October 15, 2008 - Reinventing American Transportation
October 10, 2008
- Why Jackson, MS needs better transit and complete streets
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