Impacts of the Use of E-Mail and the Internet on Personal Trip-Making Behavior

Abstract

This article presents the results of a web survey of 118 residents in the Knoxville, Tennessee, metropolitan region to explore the impacts of the use of e-mail and the Internet on personal trip-making behavior. Respondents were required to be active drivers and users of e-mail and/or the Internet. Approximately 40% reported that their use of these information technologies has led to less driving overall, and 18% reported less rush hour driving. Although use of the Internet has led to both trip reduction and new trip generation, overall, weekly trips appear to be reduced by 8% from the national average of almost 28 person trips per week in 2001. The number of places respondents have access to e-mail and the Internet is highly related to trip reduction and new trip generation. Education and income were positively related to new trip generation.