Some observations on car availability and car use, and implications for TDM policy

Abstract

Car availability and use for household purposes is analysed, based on data from the National Household Travel Survey (2003). Car availability varies significantly across provinces, cities, and communities within the same metropolitan area. By far the single most important factor explaining such variation is household income, while other demographic variables such as education, dwelling type, and race are also significant. Many of these factors, while essentially outside of the ability of government policy to influence, are currently changing in ways that would tend to reinforce accelerating car ownership in the near future. Evidence is found, however, that the proximate provision of public transport (especially taxi) services and shorter work trip distances are associated with lower car availability and use, suggesting some land use and transport strategies that might reduce car use. However, 70% of persons in car-owning households never use public transport, leaving about 2.3 million people with a demonstrated willingness to respond to such interventions. A more in-depth understanding of potential car users’ attitudes, habits and desires, is needed to enable the crafting of more effective TDM responses.