University of California Institute of Transportation Studies

In spite of the critical importance of mobility for quality of life and economic well-being, the travel behavior of households without motor vehicles has received insufficient attention even though “carlessness” may bethe most vivid expression of mobility disadvantage in our car-centric society. Approximately 10.6 million (9 %) of U.S. households do not own a motor vehicle (car, pickup, van, SUV, or motorbike), including over one million in California. These “carless” households form two groups: (1) involuntarily carless households who are forced to live without cars, and (2) voluntarily carless households who chose to do so. Since one of the strategic goals of federal transportation policy is “to increase transportation choices and access to transportation services for all” it is essential to understand the travel behavior of households who are unable to own a motor vehicle. Indeed, many involuntarily carless households are experiencing economic hardship, disabilities, racial and age discrimination, or cultural barriers. Understanding the travel pattern of voluntarily carless households is also necessary to formulate policies aimed at decreasing vehicle use. Reducing personal vehicle use would help relieve congestion, decrease road accidents, improve air quality, cut emissions of greenhouse gases, and improve the health of people who switch to more active modes, such as walking and biking.