Transportation costs are the second-highest household expenditure behind housing for all income levels.
The lowest-income U.S. households shoulder the biggest burden, proportionally, when it comes to transportation costs, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Dan Zukowski outlines the findings in Smart Cities Dive, noting that “Although households with incomes of $28,261 or less spent the least on transportation overall, those expenses consumed nearly 32% of their pre-tax income.” Meanwhile, households at the higher end of the income scale (above $148,682) spent 9.6 percent of their income on transportation, though they spent more overall.
Transportation expenses were the second-largest average household cost for all income levels behind housing, and vehicle ownership and maintenance made up the largest purchases. “Average transportation costs for households in 10 U.S. cities jumped more than 41% over a 10-year period leading up to 2022-2023, according to a separate report from the New York State Comptroller in October.”
FULL STORY: Lowest-income households face highest transportation cost burden: federal report
Preparing Transportation Systems for the ‘Silver Tsunami’
More Americans than ever will age beyond their safe ability to drive. How will they meet their mobility needs in a car-centric society?
Report Highlights Economic Benefits of Reducing Car Dependence
Encouraging Americans to drive less — and supporting cities where it’s possible to do so — could save the country trillions more than just electrifying the transportation sector.
Planning for Equity in an Ideologically Conservative Community
To support equity goals, planners must accommodate diverse ideological perspectives, including political environments that focus on functional fairness rather than demographic categories.
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 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.
In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
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)