Charlotte, North Carolina, has emerged as one of the leading metro areas in terms of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per capita and daily travel minutes per person , according to Replica’s 2023 VMT rankings. The study analyzed the top 50 metropolitan areas in the U.S., focusing on VMT per person, daily travel minutes, and walking mode share.
Charlotte’s high VMT per capita indicates a heavy reliance on personal vehicles for commuting and daily activities. This reliance may reflect the city’s infrastructure and urban planning, which prioritizes road travel over alternative transportation modes such as walking, biking, or public transit. The city’s layout and population density also contribute to longer travel distances, further boosting VMT figures.
Average Daily Weekday Vehicle Miles Traveled Per Adult In Fall 2023
The data for the chart is sourced from Replica, a leading mobility analytics firm. Replica compiles comprehensive traffic and related information based on a variety of sources, including anonymized mobile device data, roadside sensors, transit agencies, and more. This dataset includes both taxi and rideshare activity. In contrast to cities with robust public transit systems or higher walking mode shares, Charlotte’s travel patterns highlight the challenges and opportunities for urban mobility improvements. As the city continues to grow, there is potential for developing more sustainable and diversified transportation options to reduce VMT and enhance residents’ quality of life.
Top 5 Metro Average Daily Travel Minutes per Capita:
- Nashville, TN – 140.6 minutes
- Birmingham – Hoover, AL – 129.5 minutes
- Atlanta, GA – 126.2 minutes
- Charlotte, NC – 123.3 minutes
- Pittsburgh, PA – 121.0 minutes
Charlotte’s high ranking in both categories underscores the city’s challenges with traffic congestion and the need for improved transportation infrastructure. The data emphasizes the potential for developing more sustainable transportation options to reduce VMT and enhance the quality of life for residents.
The full report provides insights into how other metropolitan areas compare and offers a detailed breakdown of the factors influencing travel behavior across different regions. For more information, visit Replica’s 2023 VMT Rankings.
