Taken by Megan Terebus, December 2000
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Taken by Megan Terebus, December 2000
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Stable Population, Growing Motor Fleet
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RI Division of Motor Vehicles
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Vehicle registrations began to rise in 1995. This is consistent with the Metric Tons of Carbon Emitted data previously shown. In fact, since 1980 the number of vehicles have increased 2.5 times faster than population. The consequences of this data are that vehicles per capita have increased as well.
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Click on Graph for Larger Image and Calculations
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RI Division of Motor Vehicles
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While there has been a tremendous increase in non-urban housing, there has been an even greater increase in the number of vehicles added to non-urban areas. As a result, it is conceivable that land-use trends might show that more land is being used for transportation. Also, it is possible that the increased number of vehicles in the state have led to an increased amount of time spent commuting as a result of congestion on the road. Congestion also may lead to increased costs due to an increased number of accidents and contribute to climate change. Finally, these statistics might also suggest a decrease in ridership for public transit, as population has remained fairly constant through the 1990s.
Sources:
Chung, H.C., B. Hoben, G. Chalder, R. Eigen. The Costs of Suburban Sprawl and Urban Decay. Prepared for Grow Smart Rhode Island. H.C. Planning Consultants, Inc., Planimetrics, LLP. December 1999.
Rhode Island Department of Administration. Transportation 2020: Ground Transportation Plan. State Guide Plan Element 611. Report Number 96. November 1998. Statewide Planning Program. One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908.
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Classification Data. Walter Slocomb. Principal Planner. Personal Communication. Rhode Island Department of Administration. Statewide Planning. Nov. 2, 2000.
Where do I go from here within transporation? Miles of Road in RI