Report: D.C.-area commuters use cars less than other areas

WASHINGTON — D.C. is notorious for terrible traffic, but lots of people around the region get to work without a car, according to a new report.

A new report by the U.S. Census Bureau finds almost 76 percent of workers in the D.C. region commute by car, either by driving alone or carpooling.

That may sound high, but it means when you look at all cities, the D.C. area has the eighth lowest rate of car commuting in the country.

Also, if you only look at major American metropolitan areas, the D.C. region ranks fourth when it comes to commuters not using cars — ranking behind only New York, San Francisco and Boston.

The percentage of workers in the D.C. region who commute by subway or elevated rail is 8 percent.

Overall, the report says about 86 percent of American workers commute by car.

The report is based on data collected in the Census Bureau’s 2013 American Community Survey.

Commuting Study

Michelle Basch

Michelle Basch is a reporter turned morning anchor at WTOP News.

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