Drivers buffeted by recession: IBM "commuter pain" survey

The second annual IBM Commuter Pain survey released today indicates that the recession is taking its toll on urban motorists, who have become significantly more sensitive to gas prices and are looking for ways to spend more time with family and friends.

IBM compiled the results of the survey in an index that ranks the emotional and economic toll of commuting in each city on a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the most onerous. The index comprises 10 issues - 1) commuting time, 2) time stuck in traffic, 3) value of time; agreement that: 4) traffic has gotten worse, 5) start-stop traffic is a problem, 6) driving causes stress, 7) driving causes anger, 8) traffic affects work, 9) traffic so bad driving stopped, and 10) decided not to make trip due to traffic.

The survey results portray the American commuter as re-evaluating the time spent getting to and from work. Frustration levels are rising -- 45 per cent identify start-stop traffic as the most frustrating part of the commute (up from 37 per cent last year), and 32 per cent identify aggressive/rude drivers (up from 24 per cent last year).

If commuting time could be reduced, 52 per cent would spend it with family / friends – nine points higher than 2008; 37 per cent (6 points higher than 2008) would exercise more.

And drivers are more sensitive to the price of gas. This year, 20 per cent said that $3.50 / gallon gas would lead them to seriously consider alternatives to driving alone, in 2008, it was 9 per cent at that price level.

''Conducted at a time of great change in the United States, the Commuter Pain survey clearly demonstrates the vast impact that commuting and traffic congestion have on our economy,'' said Anne Altman, general manager of IBM's global public sector. ''The time has come for cities and states to embrace real, long-term solutions that unclog our nation's roadways.''