Standing Up To Powerful Interests
Emily Scarr,
New Study Finds Technology Enabling Americans to Drive Less
Vehicle Sharing Services, Transit Apps and Wi-Fi Contribute to National Driving Decline; Policy Needs to Catch Up
Baltimore, Maryland – In a first-of-its-kind study, Maryland PIRG compiled nation-wide evidence on transportation apps and vehicle sharing programs, like Zipcar, and found that these advanced new tools have made it easier for Americans to drive less. Real-time apps and on-board wi-fi for public transit, as well as carsharing, bikesharing and ridesharing have spread rapidly in recent years. The report examines new evidence on how these practices are changing travel behavior.
"Personal auto ownership used to be the clear ticket to mobility," said Joanna Guy at Maryland PIRG Foundation, which released the report. "For Baby Boomers, driving your car represented freedom and spontaneity. But today–especially for younger people–owning a car increasingly represents big expenses and parking hassles. Technology and vehicle-sharing services have started to make it easier not to own a car or for households to own fewer. Public transit systems, especially with on-board wi-fi and real-time apps, can be the backbone of this new mobility."
The report, "A New Way to Go: The Apps, Maps, and New Technologies that are Giving More Americans Freedom to Drive Less" sheds additional light on how Americans have been driving less per-person for eight years in a row and total miles remain below 2005 levels (Federal highway data). In Maryland people have reduced their driving miles by 4.1 percent per person since 2007.
Among the findings cited in the report:
· Public transit enhancements—A majority of U.S. transit systems make scheduling publicly available for developers to produce smartphone apps to help riders navigate systems. Smartphone-based tools enable riders to find the best route and track the progress of trains and buses in real time.
· Bikesharing – More than 30 cities now have programs where subscribers can access bikes by the minute or by subscription at kiosks located on city streets. Approximately 40 percent of bikeshare members report reducing their driving, according to a survey of members of four bikeshare services.
· Carsharing– Roundtrip carsharing services, such as Zipcar as well as newer one-way services such as car2go enable subscribers to access cars located in their neighborhoods, providing the mobility benefits of access to a car without having to bear the burden of owning one. As of 2012, more than 800,000 Americans were members of carsharing services. Each carsharing vehicle replaces nine to 13 privately-owned vehicles. The average carsharing participant reduces his or her driving by 27 to 56 percent while increasing ridership on transit and biking.
· Ridesharing and taxi-like services—New peer-to-peer carsharing networks enable individuals to rent out their own unused vehicles to people looking for a car. Drivers with open seats in their cars can pair with other individuals who need a ride. Companies such as Lyft allow ordinary drivers to provide web-based taxi-like services during their spare time.
· Young Americans have consistently been the first to adopt and test these new technologies and practices. As of September 2012, young adults were six times more likely to have a smartphone than their grandparents' generation, and twice as likely as Americans 50 to 64 years of age.
Findings from a separate report released today by the American Public Transit Association (APTA) reinforce those from Maryland PIRG Foundation. APTA's study of Millennials revealed that 70 percent use multiple alternatives instead of the car several times or more per week. Millennials also view public transit as the superior mode for digital multitasking. A Majority of Millennials view transit-based wi-fi and mobile broadband as well as real-time information about bus and train locations as important.
"The US PIRG Report is on target with identifying how new technologies are giving commuters new ways to travel and do business," said Maryland Transportation Secretary James T. Smith, Jr. "The draft Maryland Transportation Plan also recognizes these transportation trends and identifies strategies for Maryland to continue to lead the way in employing transportation technologies and innovations. Maryland embraces real-time travel data, teleworking, ridesharing, bikesharing and advanced vehicle technologies as key elements of a modern, multimodal transportation system."
"In the past, people often felt little choice but to depend on personal cars. Once you've already paid for a car and insurance, then it's harder to consider other choices," said Guy. "The new tools make it easier not to own a car or own fewer cars. New apps make it easy to catch a bus and ride unfamiliar routes. Bikeshare or rideshare can be the perfect complement when public transit doesn't reach nearby your destination, when weather changes, or unexpected errands arise."
The report provides policy makers with a number of recommendations such as to install more wi-fi on public transit and to integrate bike and car sharing into traffic management plans and near transit stations. Highway expansion projects should be reconsidered and canceled if no longer justified.
"These technological tools and practices are still in their infancy but spreading fast. Government leaders should focus less on expanding highway capacity and more on public transit, biking, walking and other alternatives to personal cars," said Guy.
Download "A New Way to Go: The Apps, Maps, and New Technologies that are Giving More Americans Freedom to Drive Less"
See other recent reports on state-by-state declines in driving, the Millennial generation's leading role in this trend, and the policy implications at: http://marylandpirgfoundation.org/topics/transportation
Maryland PIRG Foundation works to protect consumers and promote good government. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public, and offer meaningful opportunities for civic participation. www.marylandpirgfoundation.org
Together Against COVID
Test More, Save Lives
Protect Healthcare Workers
Stop the Overuse of Antibiotics
Hold The Antibiotics: Wendy's
Healthy Farms, Healthy Families
End the Nicotine Trap
Democracy for the People
Big Money Out
Modernize the Vote
Work for Wellbeing
Zero Out Toxics
Make It Toxic-Free
Ban Roundup
Fight Against Flame Retardants
The Problem With PFAS Chemicals
Beyond Plastic
Transform Transportation
Electric Buses for Maryland
Stop Highway Boondoggles
PIRG Consumer Watchdog
Defend Net Neutrality
Defend The Consumer Bureau
Make Higher Education Affordable
High Value Health Care
Smart Energy Solutions
Emily Scarr
Media Hits
Your donation supports Maryland PIRG's work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.
Join our network and stay up to date on our campaigns, get important consumer updates, and take action on critical issues.
Maryland Public Interest Research Group
2209 Maryland Ave., Ste. D
Member questions or requests: 1-800-838-6554
Visit the website of Maryland PIRG Foundation, our sister 501(c)(3) organization.
Maryland PIRG is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change.