Commuters Find Car-Free Lifestyle Easy in Washington D.C.

More than a quarter of D.C. households are car-free, federal data shows. The diverse options such as an efficient public transportation, bike share and Zipcar program make it easier for residents to ditch their cars.

1 minute read

September 13, 2011, 12:00 PM PDT

By Kristopher Fortin


Ashley Halsey III and Jon Cohen describe in their article for The Washington Post how Zipcars are popular with young white college graduates.

"The typical D.C. Zipcar user is a white college graduate younger than 39 who lives in Northwest, the survey found. The vehicles are less popular among black college graduates, with 8 percent saying they use them. With people older than 40 - also just 8 percent. People who haven't graduated from college typically are not inclined to drive Zipcars.

"'Generation Y doesn't feel the need to own a car,' said Chris Hamilton of the District, who works as Arlington County's Commuter Services bureau chief. 'They want to live in places they can get around without one. The car isn't the same status it once was.'"

Sunday, September 11, 2011 in The Washington Post

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