Gas Prices not Stopping Commuters

A press release from Kronos Incorporated said its survey sponsored by The Workforce Institute at Kronos found 68% of workers said the price of gas has not changed the way they commute to work. Seventy-seven percent of survey respondents indicated they primarily drive to and from work, while only 7% take public transportation and only 4% carpool.

However, the survey found American workers are making other lifestyle changes to cope with gas prices and current economic conditions. Sixty-nine percent of respondents said they have cut back on unnecessary spending; 59% indicated they are driving less; 57% reported going out to eat less; and 30% have postponed a vacation because of the state of the economy.

Of those respondents who said they have taken less vacation time this year, 65% cited a lack of money for vacation as the reason. Of those who have taken vacations closer to home (within 200 miles), 38% said it is due to the higher price of gas.

In addition, of those surveyed who hold more than one job, 61% indicated they do so because of financial obligations (mortgage, medical bills, debt repayment, etc.), while 43% said the higher price of gas is a factor, according to the release.

Employers are not offering much relief from commuting costs, as 80% of survey respondents said their employer has not provided any benefits to help cope with fuel costs. The few benefits that are being offered include: telecommuting (8%), subsidized public transportation (4%), compressed work schedule (4%); and organizing/supporting carpools (3%).

The “Working in America: Drivers Cope with Soaring Gas Prices” survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of The Workforce Institute at Kronos Incorporated between July 16th and July 24th, 2008 among 1,106 U.S. adults aged 18 and over who are employed full or part time.