Reasons for car use growing in the various population income segments.

In Sao Paulo, Brazil private vehicle ownership has increased and public transport use decreased over the last ten years. This trend was examined in relation to income and other personal attributes. Vehicle ownership increased from 70 cars per thousand inhabitants in 1967 to 184 cars in 1997. This increase occurred irrespective of a doubling of the population over the same period. Monthly incomes have increased in the past ten years but mobility has apparently decreased (this is discussed). Third and fourth quartile (high) income families have progressively changed from public to private transport. Car drivers are mostly men, but the number of employed women diving is increasing. 73% of drivers are in the 23-49 age category. 83% had regular professional occupations. Multiple car ownership was observed in high-income families. It is considered that the bus system is not meeting citizen's requirements, that some citizens are socially embarrassed to use public transport and that the metro system is undersized. Increases in congestion, pollution and traffic accidents are anticipated. For the covering abstract see ITRD E116619.