New Census data out this week shows the share of Americans commuting by alternatives to the automobile continues to rise. In two-thirds of 342 metropolitan areas for which data was provided, public transit use was up, while solo driving dropped.
Although the headline in USA Today celebrated "Fewer Americans commuting solo," as Wendell Cox points out, the actual decline from 2010 to 2011 was only .17 percent of market share and the raw number of people commuting alone actually increased. This decrease may not be something to scoff at, however, as all modes of commuting except for driving alone and car pooling (which decreased by a mere .01 percent) showed increases in their market share between 2010 and 2011.
It should be noted though, that the broader trend from 2000 to 2011 still shows a marked increase in single-occupant commuting.
Can the recent increases in commuting by transit, biking, and walking be explained solely by the "dismal economy and skyrocketing gas prices," or is a broader shift in commuting preferences, increasing urban population growth, and investments by cities in expanding non-automotive-oriented infrastructure having an impact?
FULL STORY: Fewer Americans commuting solo
Transit Use is Growing, But Not Where You Think
Transit saw some big ridership increases over the past few years, but maybe not where you'd expect. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows the top ten metropolitan areas where transit use has increased the most.
Employers Going Beyond Requirements for Commute Alternatives
Employers in the Seattle area are outpacing City Hall in providing incentives to employees not to drive to work in single occupancy cars. A state law even requires companies with 100 or more commuters to provide alternative commuting plans.
Study: Biking Brings Happiness
A Minneapolis study showed cyclists experienced the highest rates of satisfaction during their commute.
The End of Single-Family Zoning in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County is the latest jurisdiction in the country to effectively end single-family zoning.
Seattle Bus Lane Cameras Capture Over 100,000 Violations
An automated traffic enforcement pilot program caught drivers illegally using transit lanes more than 110,000 times in less than a year.
Planners Look to ‘Activity Centers’ for Sustainable Development
Existing hubs of ‘hyperlocal’ economic activity provide a model for urban density.
Study: Seattle’s Lower Speed Limits Reduced Crash Injuries
A change in the city’s speed limits has been shown to reduce the likelihood of injuries during collisions.
Millennials Now Majority Homeowners
Just over half of people in the ‘Y’ generation now own homes, but the largest generation also continues to dominate the rental market.
Minnesota Lawmakers Propose New Ridehailing, Delivery Fees
The proposed fees on transportation network companies and delivery services would help cover buddget shortfalls for transportation and transit in the state.
City of Malibu
Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations
Strategic Economics Inc
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Spearfish
City of Lomita
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.
