Vehicle Use Growing Faster than Population

Transportation

Vehicle Use Growing Faster than Population

By Ted Mitchell
Published November 29, 2006

The Hamilton Spectator once again covers a critical issue without presenting it in an easily understood fashion.

Read the article "Traffic will grow with Mountain development", Monday November 27, 2006.

There are lots of numbers presented, but what is the big picture? Is the conclusion obvious? How about this analysis of the same numbers, which took me less than ten minutes:


	403 - Linc	QEW - 20	QEW - 403	Rymal - Centennial	Cars Registered	Pop Growth
start yr	1998	1988	1988	2001	1994	2001
end yr	2003	2003	2003	2005	2004	2011
net yrs	5	15	15	4	10	10
start flow	48100	77000	64200	14080	265696	490000
end flow	60100	127300	107500	16600	294874	540000
multiplier	1.25	1.65	1.67	1.18	1.11	1.10
annual % growth	4.56	3.41	3.50	4.20	1.05	0.98
check	60100	127300	107500	16600	294874	540000

The key here is the equivalent annual percentage growth.

We are growing in numbers and buying cars at about the same rate of about 1 percent annually. But on the roads, the use of vehicles is increasing about 3 to 4 times the rate of population growth.

One can also look at this from an economic standpoint (we all know that Council can do little else). As I understand it, real GDP growth is around 2-3 percent annually for Ontario. Likely, Hamilton is far below that. (Does anyone have an exact number?)

So whatever way you look at it, relative to dollars or people, we are now using cars very inefficiently.

Ted Mitchell is a Hamilton resident, emergency physician and sometimes agitator who recently completed a BEng at McMaster University. He is fascinated by aspects of our culture that are harmful, but avoid serious public discussion.

2 Comments

View Comments: Nested | Flat

Read Comments

[ - ]

By jason (registered) | Posted November 29, 2006 at 13:32:19

I'm sure a new big box centre at the QEW/Hwy 20 will help that area keep pace with the other areas as well. Right now, that's the lonely 'intersection' below 3.5% annual growth rate.

Permalink | Context

[ - ]

By nobrainer (registered) | Posted November 29, 2006 at 13:54:36

That's what passes for a "balanced transportation system" in the Hammer. :P

Fixing Hamilton's problems is a no-brainer

Permalink | Context

View Comments: Nested | Flat

Events Calendar

There are no upcoming events right now.
Why not post one?

Raise the Hammer

Transportation