In the past, owning a car in New York City made little sense for most people. But the pandemic has many residents reconsidering their transportation options.
"Car ownership in New York was once generally reserved for those who worked in transit deserts, those who use 'summer' as a verb, those with second homes (these last two often being the same person), who could afford garages, or those who lived in the more suburban parts of the outer boroughs, with actual driveways. Not owning a car, not knowing how to drive, or doing so poorly was a point of pride," writes Foster Kamer.
The pandemic has dramatically changed car ownership trends in New York, says Kamer. A variety of factors have contributed to an increase in demand for cars, including the desire to travel by a mode perceived to be safer, the ability to leave the city, and more disposable income as people forgo activities such as dining out and traveling.
Car registrations in June and July were up 18 percent compared to the same time last year. "Many of these New Yorkers are finding one of the most valuable quantities money can buy right now: peace amid a pandemic, relief in actual escapism," notes Kamer.
FULL STORY: The Great Gotham Vroom Boom of 2020
California's Hospital Crisis: What Lies Ahead
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Hotels Could Play a Critical Role in Containing Coronavirus in Crowded Cities
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Coronavirus Shuts Down Food Processing Plant as President Pushes Reopening Economy
As President Donald Trump eyes May 1 for "opening up states," he might want to look at states that never shut down businesses to understand his public health advisor's warning that "the virus makes the timeline."
‘Forward Together’ Bus System Redesign Rolling Out in Portland
Portland is redesigning its bus system to respond to the changing patterns of the post-pandemic world—with twin goals of increasing ridership and improving equity.
Plan to Potentially Remove Downtown Milwaukee’s Interstate Faces Public Scrutiny
The public is weighing in on a suite of options for repairing, replacing, or removing Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee.
Can New York City Go Green Without Renewable Rikers?
New York City’s bold proposal to close the jail on Rikers Island and replace it with green infrastructure is in jeopardy. Will this compromise the city’s ambitious climate goals?
700-Acre Master-Planned Community Planned in Utah
A massive development plan is taking shape for lakefront property in Vineyard, Utah—on the site of a former U.S. Steel Geneva Works facility.
More Cities Ponder the End of Drive-Thrus
Drive-thru fast food restaurants might be a staple of American life, but several U.S. cities are actively considering prohibiting the development of new drive-thrus for the benefit of traffic safety, air quality, and congestion.
Air Pollution World’s Worst Public Health Threat, Report Says
Air pollution is more likely to take years life off the lifespan of the average human than any other external factor, according to a recent report out of the University of Chicago.
Placer County
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
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Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
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