The US Census Bureau has recently released data showing
that the percentage of workers who car pool has dropped by almost half since
1980.
that the percentage of workers who car pool has dropped by almost half since
1980.
Factors contributing to the decline in car pooling are
thought to be a greater number of people driving, companies being more spread
out, Americans being wealthier across the board, and cars becoming relatively
cheaper to own. Somewhat ironically, the frustration of the traffic will often
drive people to commute alone, preferring to manage the stress of congestion by
themselves.
thought to be a greater number of people driving, companies being more spread
out, Americans being wealthier across the board, and cars becoming relatively
cheaper to own. Somewhat ironically, the frustration of the traffic will often
drive people to commute alone, preferring to manage the stress of congestion by
themselves.
According to the NY Times, the sharp decline has
confounded efforts by urban planners, who over the years have tried to
encourage the practice by setting aside highway lanes for car-poolers, as well
as offering incentives like discounted parking.
confounded efforts by urban planners, who over the years have tried to
encourage the practice by setting aside highway lanes for car-poolers, as well
as offering incentives like discounted parking.