Fact #509: March 10, 2008
With Rising Gas Prices, Consumers Indicate only a Limited Willingness to Change Travel Behavior
The 2008 Consumer Fuels Report by the National Association of Convenience Stores shows that consumers are somewhat restrained in altering their travel behavior in response to rising gasoline prices. The most common claim by consumers (19 percent of those polled) is that they bought or considered buying a more fuel-efficient car in the last year as gas prices rose. Only 12 percent indicated that they would be more likely to use mass transit.
Question: When gas prices rise, how do you change your behavior?
Note: Consumers could select more than one response.
Supporting Information
| When gas prices rise, how do you change your behavior? | Percent of Respondents |
|---|---|
| More likely to rid a bike | 9 |
| More likely to use mass tansit | 12 |
| Drive a lot less | 17 |
| More likely to walk | 18 |
| Considered buying a more fuel-efficient car in the past year | 19 |
| Bought a more fuel-efficient car in the past year | 19 |
|
Source: National Association of Convenience Stores, 2008 Consumer Fuels Report, based on 1,215 telephone interviews with adults conducted from December 26, 2007 to January 4, 2008. | |
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