A study from Texas A&M asks whether carpooling decreases when lanes are converted from high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to lanes allowing solo drivers to pay a toll. The researchers studied eight roadway segments in six states and found that carpooling often declined when lanes were converted from HOV-only to high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes that charge solo drivers a fee to use the supposedly faster restricted lanes.
carpooling
Decline in carpooling could signal availability of more transportation options
New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows fewer commuters carpooled to work in 2013 compared to 2012. Rather than signifying the beginning of a shift away from sustainable transportation, carpooling may just be ceding ground to biking, walking, transit, and telecommuting.
Oregon DOT promotes Drive Less Challenge
On October 21, Oregon Department of Transportation and its regional transportation partners launched the first statewide Oregon Drive Less Challenge. The immediate goal of the campaign is to reduce statewide vehicle miles traveled in single occupancy vehicles by half a million miles. The broader goal for the campaign is to raise awareness for ongoing alternative transportation programs aimed at reducing traffic congestion, environmental impacts, and other transportation system costs.
Oregon DOT promotes Drive Less Challenge
On October 21, Oregon Department of Transportation and its regional transportation partners launched the first statewide Oregon Drive Less Challenge. The immediate goal of the campaign is to reduce statewide vehicle miles traveled in single occupancy vehicles by half a million miles. The broader goal for the campaign is to raise awareness for ongoing alternative transportation programs aimed at reducing traffic congestion, environmental impacts, and other transportation system costs.
Making room for the slugs
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is now taking slugs—otherwise known as “casual carpoolers”—into account when designing commuter parking lots. Although Virginia law prohibits people from soliciting rides on the side of the road, when it comes to slugging, VDOT has recognized the congestion benefits and does not interfere.
Carpooling apps cut commuting costs
An article published earlier this month on the Cartech blog details ways that smartphone applications can facilitate ridesharing. “Now that hybrid vehicles lost their single-occupancy privileges in California carpool lanes, ride sharing could start to …
Carpooling apps cut commuting costs
An article published earlier this month on the Cartech blog details ways that smartphone applications can facilitate ridesharing. “Now that hybrid vehicles lost their single-occupancy privileges in California carpool lanes, ride sharing could start to …
Where are they going?
The reduction in VMT does not necessarily mean that people are traveling less.