Watch Live: CityNews Tonight Vancouver

Improving economy driving more people behind the wheel

By

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Most mayors in Metro Vancouver want you to drive less but cheaper gas and a strengthening economy are actually luring more people behind the wheel, according to a new study.

In fact, the numbers have been rising steadily since the end of the economic downturn a few years ago.

Victoria-based Pacific Analytics found people drove less between 2009 and 2012 but greenhouse gases have been rising since and will likely continue to do so for the next several years as more vehicles crowd onto our roads.

Managing Principal Jim Johnson tells the Vancouver Sun it’s despite about a 10 per cent jump in bus hours in the region since 2007, which in theory should have reduced the number of vehicle kilometres travelled.

He says some people are just finding it more convenient to drive because of low gas prices, higher incomes, limited access to transit and higher fares.

The study also found we are buying larger vehicles in slightly higher numbers as well.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today