With all the bad news about plummeting ridership as the D.C. Metro transit system has struggled to deal with maintenance issues, a new report indicates that regional commuters are still driving alone less.
Stephen Hudson reports from the Washington, D.C. region: "In recent years, there has been no shortage of bad news about local riders fleeing transit. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), however, has published a report indicating that commuters are increasingly choosing transit or telework over driving."
Drive alone rates have been dropping since 2007, according to the COG's analysis. During the same period, transit, biking and walking, and teleworking have been increasing.
According to Hudson, the mode people choose to get to work in the D.C. region has a lot to do with the particular corner of the region where they live or work. "A plurality of commuters who live in the ‘inner core’ (DC, Arlington, and Alexandria) commute by transit. Likewise, 13% of commuters in the core area commute by bike, versus only 1% and 0% of commuters in the middle and outer rings, respectively."
FULL STORY: Washington area commuters are driving less and using transit more
Denver Area Public Transit Ridership Dips in Favor of Car Commuting
The Downtown Commuter Survey saw an uptick in 'drive alones' among commuters who work in the city.
Faced With Infamously Bad Traffic, More Atlanta Residents Choose to Telecommute
More people are telecommuting in Atlanta, keeping cars of the road, but the percentages of people driving alone to work, taking transit, and walking or biking to work are holding steady.
Transit's No Good, Very Bad Day
Transit commuters in New York and Washington, D.C. were understandably frustrated yesterday. One wonders when enough will be enough, and what happens then?
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
A Visual Celebration of Manhattan’s Chinatown Elder Community, Through Food
Lanterns, cafeteria trays, and community connection take center stage in this stunning photo essay.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service