Effect of Energy Shortage and Land Use on Auto Occupancy

This study attempts to investigate the characteristics of the automobile occupancy rates in the Milwaukee metropolitan area by analyzing data for a 4-yr period to determine the effects of gasoline shortage, land use characteristics, and peak hour periods on occupancy rates. The fluctuation in the occupancy rates were statistically examined by segregating the land-use characteristics of the area into two classifications of low and high intensity areas. Furthermore, the statistical analyses were extended to examine the effects of price increases and unavailability of gasoline on the occupancy rates during the conduct of this study. The results indicated that the unavailability of gasoline is the most influential factor in increasing occupancy rates while the higher prices of gasoline induced a temporary increase in occupancy rates. The study revealed that the areas with a high intensity of land use are generally associated with high occupancy rates. It was also determined that the occupancy rates were independent of time and no significant trends were established.