Local commuters spending more time behind the wheel
Average travel time to work in Fresno County still less than the state
Description of indicator:
The average travel time to work in Fresno County is contrasted to the San
Joaquin Valley and California for 1990, 2000 and 2005, which includes
projections based upon past trends. In addition, the primary means of
transportation to work in 1990 and 2000 is contrasted to the San Joaquin Valley
and California.
Why is it important?
Our region presently relies almost exclusively on the automobile for personal
transportation. Future projections by Caltrans into the year 2020 predict that
traffic volumes will continue to increase at a faster rate than population
growth — a trend that is likely to lead to increased travel time and traffic
congestion. A high percentage of drive-alone commuters contribute greatly to
traffic congestion, which increases vehicular emissions and air pollution.
The ability of workers to travel within Fresno County is integral to quality of
life and economic prosperity. Shorter commute times allow for more time at
home, increased opportunity for community involvement and possibly less
work-related stress. Commuter trips represent only a fraction of routine daily
travel, but are the only type of trip presently being measured for time.
Changing demographic trends indicate that the automobile alone may not be able
to meet the mobility needs of our region in the future. Carpooling and
alternatives to the automobile, such as public transportation, bicycles and
more pedestrian-friendly communities, consume fewer resources and produce less
pollution. Measuring the existing travel time and use of different means of
transportation will help the community determine how to address future mobility
needs.
How are we doing?
Population and employment growth has led to an increase in commute times and the
total number of vehicle miles traveled throughout the State. While the travel
time to work has increased in Fresno County from 1990 — 2005, it is
significantly less than travel times in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento
and other large California cities. Additionally, Fresno County’s travel times
are increasing at a slower rate than those of the Valley and State. However,
with our region’s increasing growth rates, we run the risk of reversing this
trend.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between 1990 and 2000, Fresno County
maintained 77% of commuters who drive alone. However, Fresno County improved
its carpooling percentage from home to work by 2% from 1990 to 2000. Data is
not available to measure yearly changes, but statistics are likely influenced
by the location of new residential developments relative to employment centers
and regional community patterns.
Plans for the future
Ongoing evaluation of initiatives and programs to support development projects
for alternative transportation modes will continue to be emphasized. This will
include Measure C, a transportation improvement initiative slated for Fresno
County’s November 2006 election, which will impact transportation plans for the
future.
For more information, please visit:
Fresno Bike Coalition www.fresnobike.org
Fresno Area Sky Train www.skytrain.org
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