Americans would rather skip a movie than take the bus

In a new survey by Discover Financial Services, ninety percent of Americans indicated they are very aware of rising fuel prices and they are prepared to make lifestyle adjustments to compensate. As might be expected, eighty percent of the respondents consider their car important in their lives and half would buy a more efficient vehicle if gas prices rise much over $4 a gallon.

Sixty-four to seventy percent of Americans indicated that they would cut back on entertainment, vacations and major purchases and fifty two percent would even reduce grocery spending. While Americans might drive less with rising fuel prices, they would continue driving nonetheless. Sixty-one percent said they would not ride a bike or walk while only twenty-four percent would take public transit.

A big part of this may be due to the way that America grew in the latter half of the twentieth century. With all the suburban sprawl in the United States walking anywhere besides the neighborhood often isn't even a realistic option for people. With the exception of some the largest urban centers like New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles public transportation also isn't a useful option either. Unless we get more people to move from suburban subdivisions back into city centers and improve the transit options, individual transportation will likely remain the primary mode of travel in the US for the foreseeable future.

[Source: Discover Financial Services]