Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Chart: Doug Short
Chart: Doug Short
Chart: Doug Short

After flatlining for nearly a decade, the mileage driven by Americans is rising once again. That means more traffic overwhelming city streets, slowing down buses, and spewing pollutants into the air. But to the Federal Highway Administration, it's a development to report with barely contained glee.

This June, Americans drove 8.7 billion more miles than last June, according to FHWA, a 3.5 percent increase. Total mileage in 2015 is on pace for a new high -- finally "beating the previous record" of 1.5 trillion vehicle miles set 2007, the agency reports, as if the further entrenchment of America's car-dependence is some sort of achievement.

Low gas prices, population growth, and an expanding economy are three factors nudging traffic back onto an upward trajectory, not to mention a transportation policy regime that remains tilted overwhelmingly toward highway construction.

The recent growth in traffic, however, does not negate lasting signs of a long-term shift away from driving. Economist Doug Short gets into more detail about the nuances in the trends, pointing out that on a per-capita basis, Americans are now driving about as much as we did in 1997.

Vehicle miles traveled, adjusted for population. Chart: Doug Short
Vehicle miles traveled, adjusted for population. Chart: Doug Short
Vehicle miles traveled, adjusted for population. Chart: Doug Short

Nevertheless, FHWA's PR team seems eager to convince the world that nothing has changed -- and that this is great news for America. The agency points out that this brings total miles driven to twice what they were in 1981, "continuing a trend of America's driving mileage doubling nearly every generation."

Based on the FHWA's press release, you might think that the explicit goal of American transportation policy is simply to double traffic mileage again by 2050. The new numbers, the agency says, reaffirm "calls for increased investment in transportation infrastructure as demand on the nation’s highway system grows."

Here's a thought: Maybe the way to reduce strain on the nation's highway system isn't just to "increase investment," but to adjust transportation spending priorities, so Americans can make more trips without having to get in a car.

This graph shows cumulative federal, state and local capital spending on highways transit and Rising rates of driving in the U.S. mirror spending priorities. Graph: Frontier Group
Cumulative federal, state, and local capital spending on highways and transit in the U.S. Graph: Frontier Group
This graph shows cumulative federal, state and local capital spending on highways transit and Rising rates of driving in the U.S. mirror spending priorities. Graph: Frontier Group

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways Podcast: Healthy Architecture, Healthy People

It is very unusual for an architecture project to pay any attention at all outside of the property line. And that has to change.

October 2, 2025

Report: A Third of Americans Can’t Rely On Cars — And 16 Million Have No Access At All

So why do we plan our cities like everyone can and does get behind the wheel every day?

October 2, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Fall in the Forest

If reduced or free fares are available but no one knows about them, do they make an impact on transportation costs?

October 2, 2025

A Week Without Driving … Or Biking?

Seattle Bike Blog author Tom Fucoloro challenged himself to experience his city through the eyes of someone who can't operate a personal vehicle — including a bike.

October 2, 2025

Shutdown Showdown: Trump Blames Democrats for Transit Cuts In His Continuing War on Cities, ‘Woke’

It's the second time in as many days that the Trump administration has denied funding over policies it opposes.

October 1, 2025

Marcus Molinaro Is Wrong About Chicago Transit

Local transit advocates have diverse opinions on the best ways to improve transit safety. But there's one thing most of us can agree on. Donald Trump parachuting in soldiers, in an attempt to bully Chicago into submission, is not the answer.

October 1, 2025
See all posts