Where Will Cost of Gas Drive Us?

Walkers, bikers healthier than drivers: study

(NEWSER) - Whether you drive, ride the train, or catch the bus, commuting to work could be hurting your health, a study suggests. In a survey of 21,000 workers ages 18 to 65, Swedish researchers found that car and public transit commuters cited worse health, more stress and exhaustion, and more missed workdays than did "active" commuters—that is, those who bike or walk to work, ABC News reports. The study did not directly identify the more passive methods of transportation as a cause of health issues. More»

(NEWSER) - More and more US companies are setting up shop in suburban areas far from urban centers in a trend known as “job sprawl,” USA Today reports. Though urban jobs increased overall from 1998-2006, a Brookings Institution report shows the share of employment opportunities within 3 miles of downtown has dropped in the majority of cities surveyed. The trend appears unconnected to economic conditions. More»

Analysts see rare year-over-year drop in US vehicle fleet

(NEWSER) - As more US families give up second vehicles in favor of public transportation, “it’s very likely the fleet will shrink next year,” an industry analyst tells Bloomberg. The number of cars on the road has gone down only nine times in the past century, and another decrease would mean even more bad news for automakers. More»

Plummeting gas prices haven't driven us back to cars ... but now fewer have jobs to commute to

(NEWSER) - Dramatic increases in public transportation ridership have outlived sky-high gas prices, but the souring economy could reverse the trend, USA Today reports. Nationwide, third-quarter ridership was up 7% compared to last year, spurred by $4-a-gallon gas in July. Some municipalities saw almost 20% more commuters on their trains and buses. But people without jobs don't need any form of transportation for commuting. More»

High energy, motor vehicle costs pushing inflation; Fed may be forced to boost rates

(AP) - Wholesale prices jumped 1.2% in July—more than twice the rate economists expected and the fastest pace in 27 years, according to government data released today, the AP reports. Core prices, which exclude food and energy, rose 0.7%, the biggest since November 2006; new home construction in July fell to the lowest pace in more than 17 years. More»