Explaining the Evolution of Passenger Vehicle Miles Traveled in the United States

After decades of steady growth, passenger vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the United States leveled off in the mid-2000s. This report finds that these changes are based on changes in household demographics and economic characteristics rather than changes in driving behavior. These findings are based on an analysis of the Current Population Survey and the National Household Travel Survey. The researchers predict that future VMT growth between 2015 and 2025 will return to historical rates eroding a substantial portion of the fuel savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions expected under the current US fuel economy standards.

• Record URL:
  http://www.rff.org/files/document/file/DP-16-38.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Resources for the Future

  Washington, DC  United States 
• Authors:
  • Leard, Benjamin
  • Linn, Joshua
  • Munnings, Clayton
• Publication Date: 2016-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Discussion Paper
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 45p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Demographics; Economic factors; Forecasting; Households; Passenger vehicles; Travel behavior; Vehicle miles of travel
• Identifier Terms: Current Population Survey; National Household Travel Survey
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01626778
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: RFF DP 16-38
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 27 2017 9:26AM