What would make you commute more by carpool, vanpool or transit?
A recent Puget Sound Regional Council travel study asked participants a string of hypotheticals, and it found that most people would be unwilling to change at all — though gas prices of $5 or more per gallon would be the most likely to affect change. (Flying buses and multi-person hoverboards were not among the options. Just saying.)
I asked the good data folks at PSRC to feed me some more detailed numbers, and they were happy to oblige.
What about our most stalwart single drivers? The ones who commute with only their radio for company?
For Snohomish County, more than half — 56 percent — said there’s nothing that would make them change.
Wow.
For those who did express some willingness (a measly 175 people from our focused pool of about 400), here’s what they said would get them to ditch their ride at least one day a week (they could select more than one):
- 47 percent: The price of gas increased to $5 or more per gallon.
- 41 percent: High-speed transit saved 10 minutes per trip (over driving alone).
- 24 percent: Tolls on my route cost $5 or more per trip.
- 22 percent: HOV lanes saved me 10 minutes per trip (over driving alone).
- 17 percent: The price of parking increased by 50 percent (over what I pay now).
There were others, 22 percent, who were willing for “other” incentives. Those responses included a desire for a more comfortable bus ride, late-night options and front-door service.
The longest response: “Why are you FORCING people make commuting even more difficult just so you can meet you ‘green’ agenda and beliefs. Lay off!”
One person, though, I think sums this topic up best with his or her honesty: “If I didn’t have a vehicle.”
Have a question? Email us at streetsmarts@heraldnet.com. Please include your name and city of residence. Look for updates on our Street Smarts blog.
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