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Study: Offering free parking limits usage of alternative transportation modes

The lure of free office parking is so great that it actually entices some commuters into their cars and away from public transportation, cycling and walking a new analysis of commuter benefits programs in Washington, D.C. found.

August 12, 2014
Study: Offering free parking limits usage of alternative transportation modes

Photo courtesy Kevin.B

1 min to read


Photo courtesy Kevin.B

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new analysis of commuter benefits programs in Washington, D.C., by two Virginia Tech transportation scholars found that the lure of free office parking is so great that it actually entices some commuters into their cars and out of the alternative mode they might otherwise prefer, reported City Lab.

The study found that while benefits for alternatives to driving are associated with individuals choosing to walk, cycle and ride public transportation, free car parking is associated with driving, and the joint provision of free car parking along with these other benefits may blunt the efficacy of efforts to get commuters to walk, cycle and ride public transportation to work. For the full story, click here.


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