Study: Baltimore Residents Using More Public Transportation

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Commuter changes. There's a surprising shift in the way Baltimore gets to and from work. A new report finds we're spending less time behind the wheel and more time on public transportation.

Kai Jackson has more on the reversal.

According to this study, the driving habits of Marylanders could mean good news for the environment and your wallet.

Marylanders are on the roads in big numbers as we enter the holiday season.

"Because I don't drive much, it's not so bad. If I had a further drive, I could see where that would be a problem," said Stan Udes.

But a new study by Maryland Public Interest Research Group suggests people across the country and here in Maryland are driving less and taking public transportation more.

"I think it's because we've seen the 60 year driving boom after World War II coming to a halt and actually reversing," said Joanna Guy.

The study finds that driving miles in the Baltimore region is down 1.8 percent while transit commuter miles are up 12.1 percent.

"I'd rather take the subway downtown over that area where the subway runs than drive. It's a lot more convenient," said William Godsey.

MARC trains, the light rail, the subway and buses make up the massive Maryland Transit Administration system.

Some Marylanders say they'd love to ride public transportation but don't feel it's convenient.

"I take the bus and the light rail," said Onyeoziri Ike-Amaechi.

The study found the number of bicycle riders in the Baltimore area also increased.

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