Passenger vehicle ownership and vehicle miles traveled per person and per household remain below their historic peaks set in 2006 and 2004, respectively, but they have been on the upswing for the past four to five years, according to new data.
University of Michigan transportation researcher Michael Sivak released his 10th "peak motorization" report last month [see abstract (pdf)] in a series that began June 2013. Sivak, who founded and directs Sustainable Worldwide Transportation at the University of Michigan Transportation Institute (UMTRI), focuses on two aspects of "peak car:" changes in ownership of passenger vehicles and distance driven, or vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
Both are measured as rates, per person and per household, as opposed to total VMT, which the Federal Highway Administration reports monthly in Traffic Volume Trends. The period examined was 1984 to 2016.
- Auto ownership per person measured 0.766 in 2016, highest since 2008. Measured per household, it was 1.968, highest since 2009. [Peaks for both rates were set in 2006]
- VMT per person was 8,819 miles, highest since 2007. Measured per household, it was 22,649 miles, also highest since 2007. [Peaks for both rates set in 2004]
Southern California comparison
According to research released last month by the UCLA-Institute of Transportation Studies on causes for the decline in public transit ridership in Southern California, increased auto ownership was the primary reason.
Between 2000 and 2015, private vehicle ownership dramatically increased among households in the Southern California Association of Governments region, from 1.7 to 2.4 vehicles per household.
Contrast those nationwide rates provided by Dr. Sivak: 2.031 vehicles per HH in 2000 to 1.950 per HH in 2015. The UMTRI data would appear to more than verify the findings of UCLA-ITS in pointing to increased car ownership as the primary reason for the decline in transit ridership in Southern California.
FULL STORY: On the road again: Vehicle ownership, miles driven continue to rise
Southern California's Declining Transit Ridership, Explained
More Southern Californians are purchasing motor vehicles, particularly those who were previously transit-dependent, which largely explains the region's declining transit ridership, according to a newly released study.
If Congestion Is Getting Worse, Why Are We Spending Less Time Traveling?
The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute released its eighth report on peak motorization in the U.S., an evaluation of time spent traveling for a broad category of purposes, not just work. From 2004 to 2014, total time decreased.
U.S. Gasoline Consumption Up, Oil Production Down
Gas prices are on the rise, though they will remain well below 2014 levels through this year. U.S. oil production dropped by 600,000 barrels from last year, while gas consumption is on track to break the 2007 record thanks to cheap gas and more SUVs.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)