Observations on the Causes of Nonwork Travel Growth

Abstract

Nonwork activities comprise the dominant general purpose for travel in the United States. Three-fourths of all person trips are made for nonwork purposes. Travel for nonwork purposes has grown as a share of all private vehicle travel over the last three decades, and now accounts for approximately four of five vehicle trips. Nonwork is the major reason for travel even in peak travel periods. It may also be linked to the rapidly increasing numbers of commercial vehicles in service. Earlier research has suggested various reasons for the growth of nonwork travel, including the decentralization of housing and jobs. Significantly missing from previous analyses is the recognition that activities generating nonwork trips have also changed remarkably in the past few decades. There are considerably more opportunities and choices to shop, purchase services, and engage in recreation and other leisure activities. An explanation of the growth of nonwork travel requires a knowledge of the increased variety now available in the marketplace, and the spatial organization of venues. A schematic model for nonwork travel is advanced. It hypothesizes that growing income, expanding consumer preferences, and technological innovation are shaping retail structure that in turn increases nonwork travel. Understanding nonwork travel is important beyond normal academic curiosity. Widespread governmental efforts assume that nonwork activities, if supported by major public transit investments, can be reorganized into more compact, mixed-use forms, resulting in reduced auto dependency. Thus a better comprehension of nonwork travel patterns should aid regional transportation and land use planning.