More Americans Start the Morning Commute Earlier

September 20, 2007 -- The new data released from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that commutes are getting longer and more Americans are leaving home earlier to avoid heavy traffic congestion during peak periods.

In 2006, one worker in eight was out the door by 6 a.m.; in 2000, it was one in nine. That might not seem like a big change, but it has put more than 2.7 million additional drivers — 15 million people total — on the roadways before dawn. People are adjusting their behavior to beat rush hour.

Commuting In America III, published by the National Academies’ Transportation Research Board, provides a comprehensive analysis of recent commuting trends such as drive times for men and woman; modes of transportation; car ownership; telecommuting; reverse commutes; commuter costs; and how the changing work force is affecting commutes. It can serve as a guide to these new data sets that are both treated in the study. The author also speculates on the nature and direction of future commuting trends.

• Commuting In America III (2006)

• U.S. Census Bureau