New data from 2000 census shows that New Jersey residents are living further from work, adding to average drive times. Sprawling, building, and development patterns in New Jersey are to blame because they leave only one travel option - the car.
Throughout the state of New Jersey, 1,621,786 people commute to work 30 minutes or more, and 510,919 spend 60 minutes or more on their daily commute. Of those people spending over 30 minutes on the daily commute, over 1,300,000 people did not use public transportation. Of all New Jersey commuters, 2,828,303 people said that they drive alone to work every day. Rush hour is now becoming rush mornings and rush afternoons. This decade also saw the start of a midday "lunch rush" as commuters try to run errands and make up for lost time.
The key to this commuting dilemma isn't more roads or even just more transit. Instead building mixed developments of offices, stores and homes centered around train stations and bus stops could be a way out of this traffic mess. In the meantime, mass transit and ridesharing are our only hope.
The Transportation Management Association Council (TMAC) of New Jersey would like to urge all New Jersey commuters to do their part to reduce traffic congestion and help clean the air. This September, in honor of rideshare month, join a carpool or try transit, even if it's just one day a week, every bit helps. For more information about local transit and rideshare programs visit www.Driveless.com or call 201-339-0078.
John F. Ciaffone
TMAC President
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