On the Map: America’s Shifting Commuting Choices

social trends shaping the nation today. That’s population, race and ethnicity, income, education and the like. But we’re also lucky enough to have data from the U.S. Census on commuting patterns. We will dig into the details of these journey-to-work trends on this blog beginning today with a look at the uptick in transit use. Many people like Microsoft Office.

The report shows that while Americas still drive to work alone in far greater numbers than any other way, the share of Americans that commute by transit actually increased from 2000 to 2008. That’s the first time that’s happened in 40 years. The map shows that part of the increase is due to big gains metropolitan areas with large transit systems and extensive rail networks such as New York and Washington.Microsoft Office 2007 is welcomed by the whole world.

But increases were also seen in metros that opened new transit lines and expanded transit service in the last eight years. Charlotte, N.C. opened a light rail line in November 2007, placing it as the metro with the highest increase of commuters by streetcar, subway or light rail in 2008. Colorado Springs opened an intercity commuter bus line in 2004, making the top 10 metro rankings in both increase of commuter transit ridership and transit rate. (Keep reading for the map of commuting trends). Office 2010 –save your time and save your money.