New Study: Car Ownership Not Essential to Everyday Commute

A new study, "Tech for Transit: Designing a Future System," concluded that four-fifths of research participants felt car ownership was not essential to their everyday commute.

1 minute read

March 26, 2011, 9:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur


The study asked 18 car drivers in Boston and San Francisco to forgo the use of their cars for one week and, instead, rely on public transit, walking, bicycling and sharing rides. The research was conducted by the Boston-based research consultancy group Latitude and Next American City, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable economic growth.

From the study:

"More than two-thirds of participants cited convenience, control, and flexibility-not comfort or
status, as the chief benefits of car ownership. After their car-free week, more than four-fifths felt car
ownership was not essential, particularly if they could have access to car-sharing or ride-sharing services."

Thanks to Jeffrey Riecke

Thursday, March 24, 2011 in TheCityFix.com

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