The Transportation sector accounts for 41% of New Jersey’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mainly from cars. One way to address this problem is by decreasing the state’s vehicle miles traveled (VMT).

The New Jersey Department of Transportation calculated that more than 206 million miles are traveled each day by cars on the state’s roadways (2022). The average New Jersey driver drives 33 miles a day, which can cost more than $30 a week in gas and potentially take hours of your time if you are stuck in traffic.

Often, people are forced to drive more frequently and farther because our destinations of interest, like schools and grocery stores, are not conveniently or safely accessible without a car. Improving public transportation infrastructure and its connectivity can reduce the number of miles people have to drive.

Riding a bicycle or walking represents an affordable and convenient way to get around, particularly for short distances, and traveling by bike or foot can also help people get more active. As New Jersey strives to reduce emissions from the transportation sector to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals, turning short auto trips into walks or bike rides would be a good place to start.

New Jersey Future is calling for a 20% reduction in VMT per capita by 2050 for New Jersey in order to:

• Save each household $2,254 a year on automobile and gasoline expenses
• Prevent 167 traffic crash fatalities and 2,500 traffic crash injuries per year
• Save 1,219 lives per year from improved air quality and physical activity

View our VMT fact sheet to learn more and spread the word for a 20% reduction in VMT for New Jersey.