VMT up in March, still down for 2010
May 26th, 2010 by Jim JustThe National Highway Administration’s Traffic Volume Trends shows total U.S. VTM is up by +2.3% for March 2010 compared with March 2009. However, cumulative Travel for 2010 is still down by -0.7%.
Calculated Risk has posted this chart showing the percent change from the same month of the previous year:
Travel in the 13 western states increased by 2.2% – a little less than the national average.
Miles driven in March are still below 2006 levels. Cumulative travel so far this year is below 2005 levels.
It’s still too early to tell whether the overall trend has resumed its historic climb or remains down. There’s too much unpredictability about economic conditions, and oil supplies and prices. As Yogi Berra said: prediction is hard, especially about the future.