Thresholds

Atrios asks an interesting question, but I think he's coming at it from the wrong direction:

This question basically applies to people with nontrivial daily auto commutes. At what sustained level of gas prices would you seriously consider major lifestyle changes? That is, at what gas price would you seriously consider moving closer to your place of employment, or shifting to public transportation if it's available, or to a location where you would generally be less auto dependent (such as, for example, moving to a place where public transit is more convenient)?

The problem I have with this question is that I suspect for most people the options aren't realistic. For example, here in Athens there are a large number of people who work at the University in relatively low paying jobs (custodial, clerical, etc.) who have to commute. If they wanted to live closer to the University they would have to contend with sky-high property prices in certain areas, and high concentrations of students in others. There is a bus system in Athens, but they don't run 24 hours, and when they are in service they only run once an hour.

Athens is relatively small and the kinds of people I'm thinking about here don't fit the criteria of a "nontrivial" commuter, but I suspect the problems here are similar elsewhere. I'm sure there are a number of people who would consider moving or shifting to public transportation even now, but its just not feasible. Relocating to a different city is an even bigger hurdle, and one that is out of the question for many.

A better question to consider, I think, is at what point will high gas prices create enough pressure on local governments (for example, because people can't afford to drive to work) that they begin to reconsider zoning policies and public transportation? Speaking for myself, I would take the bus to work in a heartbeat if it didn't mean adding 2 hours to my day and taking a chance on being stranded downtown if I miss the one bus that leaves after 5.

Posted by Jason at April 10, 2005 08:21 PM