Vehicle Miles Traveled by Licensed Drivers in Washington State has increased since 1980 and is expected to continue to increase in the future.
As Washington's population increases, so does the number of licensed drivers. People are tending to drive longer distances to work, though currently most drivers still drive less than 45 minutes one-way. These are two of the factors that result in an increase in the total number of miles traveled.
Total Vehicle Miles Traveled 1980 - 2030 (projected)
(Miles in billions)
Source: WSDOT Financial Planning and Economic Analysis Office
Source Data (pdf 13 kb)
The number of vehicle miles traveled per person (per capita) has declined a bit in the last several years, but is up 24% since 1980. This trend is expected to continue and increase by 17% from 2007 levels by 2030.
Vehicle Miles Traveled Per Capita
1980 - 2030 (projected)
Source: WSDOT Financial Planning and Economic Analysis Office
Source Data (pdf 13 kb)
In general, vehicle miles of travel by licensed drivers has seen an increase of 7% since 1980 to the present. Future increases are projected at slightly more (17%) looking ahead from 2007 to 2030.
Vehicle Miles Traveled per Licensed Driver
1980 - 2030 (Projected)
Source: WSDOT Financial Planning and Economic Analysis Office
Source Data (pdf 13 kb)
The number of miles traveled per licensed vehicle has also been trending down since about 1996 but the number for 2007 is still up from 1980. This number is expected to continue growing, though at a slow and steady rate.
Variation in this category is often due to individuals owning multiple vehicles.
Vehicle Miles Traveled per Licensed Vehicle
1980 - 2030 (projected)
Source: WSDOT Financial Planning and Economic Analysis Office
Source Data (pdf 13 kb)
Click here for Annual Mileage and Travel Information from the WSDOT Transportation Data Office
See also: Commute Trends and Travel Characteristics