In the past, owning a car in New York City made little sense for most people. But the pandemic has many residents reconsidering their transportation options.
"Car ownership in New York was once generally reserved for those who worked in transit deserts, those who use 'summer' as a verb, those with second homes (these last two often being the same person), who could afford garages, or those who lived in the more suburban parts of the outer boroughs, with actual driveways. Not owning a car, not knowing how to drive, or doing so poorly was a point of pride," writes Foster Kamer.
The pandemic has dramatically changed car ownership trends in New York, says Kamer. A variety of factors have contributed to an increase in demand for cars, including the desire to travel by a mode perceived to be safer, the ability to leave the city, and more disposable income as people forgo activities such as dining out and traveling.
Car registrations in June and July were up 18 percent compared to the same time last year. "Many of these New Yorkers are finding one of the most valuable quantities money can buy right now: peace amid a pandemic, relief in actual escapism," notes Kamer.
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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
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
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Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service