Over the past 12 years, the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) has taken the pulse of County residents on their attitudes on transportation three times: in 2000, 2006 and 2012. The most recent effort reveals not only current attitudes, but comparisons with the two previous efforts.
Some highlights include:
· When asked about priorities for transportation investments, 67% want to preserve the system we have bridges, roads, transit and sidewalks -- versus 21% who feel highway initiatives (new interstate exits, more freeways, new local road connections and more travel lanes) should be our priority.
· In 2012, 27% of respondents walk, bike, carpool or bus for most trips, while 72% drive alone.
· Some comparisons with previous surveys:
o More people live closer to destinations they can walk to: 53% in 2012, up from 30% since 2000.
o 25% of people feel that gas taxes should only be invested in highways a decrease from 34% in 2006.
o Fewer people feel that congestion is getting worse 72% in 2012 vs. 90% in 2000
o More people feel that Internet use is leading to fewer auto trips 64% agree in 2012, whereas 37% agreed in 2000.
Interestingly, 23% of survey respondents work for employers that allow them to work from home. When cross referenced with 2010 American Community Survey (Census) data, only 5% of respondents said they actually did telecommute or work from home.
Were seeing a big opportunity here to reach out to employers to encourage them to participate in Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs such as Go Chittenden County!, explains Michele Boomhower, Assistant Director at the CCRPC. If those employees who could actually worked from home approximately 12,000 fewer cars would be using the countys road network each work day that could make a huge difference in congestion and air quality.
To read the full report, please visit: www.ccrpcvt.org.