On a per capita basis, Washington, Oregon and Idaho residents are using less gas than at any time since 1966, according to this Sightline study. We are using more in total, mostly just because there are so many more of us now. Of course, transit plays a part, as do more efficient cars:
Public transit ridership is up, Williams-Derry said. There’s a continual growth in compact urban developments or villages that discourage driving. And more people are opting for fuel-efficient cars. The Prius was the second best-selling new car in King, Snohomish, Kitsap and Pierce counties last year, according to Experian Automotive’s AutoCount Reports.
Are you driving less than before?
I changed jobs last year, but before I did I ran a full cost/benefit analysis (as is my way). My old job and new job came out exactly even. The only difference was the commute – I used to drive over the bridge to Bellevue. Removing wasted time in my commute came out to be worth around $10,000 to me, which made my decision very easy.
Now I ride my bike to work when it’s sunny, and use the extra time I used to spend in the car to live a bit more of life (or work overtime, and not feel bitter about it).
I moved from South of Seattle to Ballard, so I drive a lot fewer miles now. When I can, I take the bus. I would probably take the bus every day if it were practical to get from Broadway to Ballard after 8PM.
On the other hand, since I park on the street, driving every couple of days keeps me from getting ticketed. Heh.