U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Office

Fact #402: December 12, 2005
Reasons for Alternative Transportation for Commuting

A survey conducted in October 2005 asked respondents about their commute trips in the past year. While most respondents indicated that they drove alone to work or school on a regular basis, about 40% of respondents said that they had at some point used an alternate form of transportation to work or school in the past year. Of those who used an alternate form of transportation, 24% did so because they wanted to save money. Twelve percent did not have access to a car/truck for regular use.

Question: What influenced your decision to make this change in how you travel?
Graph showing survey results when respondents were asked about their reasons for alternative transportation for commuting.

Supporting Information

Question: What influenced your decision to make this change in how you travel?
Wanted to save money 24%
Didn't have access to a car/truck for regular use 12%
Change in schedule/routine 11%
Didn't want to drive, traffic was worse 10%
Wanted to save time 7%
More convenient - General 7%
New type of transportation became available 6%
To get exercise/improve my health 5%
Moved my home or changed jobs 4%
No alternative/choice 3%
Distance - General 3%
Concerned about environment 3%
Parking not easily available 3%
School/Work influenced decision 3%
Weather related 3%
Gas prices 3%
Other 6%

Source: Harris Interactive, Transportation Survey Results, telephone survey conducted Sept. 30 – Oct. 6, 2005, N=1000.

 

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