Indicators of Automobile Dependency

 

Indicator Description Low Dependency Medium Dependency High Dependency
Vehicle Ownership Per capita motor vehicle ownership (usually measured per 1,000 population). Less than 250 per 1,000 pop. 250 to 450 More than 450
Vehicle Travel Per capita annual motor vehicle mileage. Less than 4,000 miles (6,500 km) 4,000 to 8,000 miles (6,500 to 13,000 km) More than 8,000 miles (13,000 km)
Vehicle Trips Automobile trips as a portion of total commuting trips. Less than 50% 50 to 75% More than 75%
Quality of Transportation Alternatives Convenience, speed, comfort, affordability and prestige of walking, cycling and public transit relative to driving. Alternative modes are of competitive quality. Alternative modes are somewhat inferior. Alternative modes are very inferior.
Relative Mobility of Non-Drivers Mobility of personal travel by non-drivers compared with drivers. Non-drivers are not severely disadvantaged. Non-drivers are moderately disadvantaged. Non-drivers are severely disadvantaged.
Market Distortions Favoring Automobile Use Relative advantage provided to automobile transportation over other modes in planning, funding, tax policy, etc. Minimal bias favoring automobile travel. Moderate bias favoring automobile travel. Significant bias favoring automobile travel.

Source: adapted from Victoria Transport Policy Institute, Automobile Dependency, Transport Demand Management Encyclopedia.