Automobile dependency is defined as "high levels of per capita automobile travel, automobile oriented land use patterns, and reduced transport alternatives". This increases both internal (user) and external (social) costs, and is inequitable. User costs include increased automobile ownership and operating costs, increased residential parking costs and accident risk. External costs include increased parking subsidies, accident risk, congestion, roadway facility and service costs, pollution, energy consumption, land use impacts, and inequitable disbenefits to non-drivers. A number of factors contribute to automobile dependency, including self-reinforcing feedback between transportation and land use decisions, and under-representation by non-drivers in transportation decision making. Although automobile dependency may provide users with competitive advantage and other short term benefits, net benefits are smaller than indicated to negative due to external costs and reduced economic efficiency. Specific recommended policies can increase transportation diversity and reduce these costs. (Author/publisher)
Abstract