The U.S. Department of Transportation preliminary estimates for June 2009 total vehicle travel indicate an increase of 1.95 percent compared to June 2008 volume, the largest single month travel increase since October 2006.
The rolling 12-month total is down 2.21 percent versus this time last year, and 3.46 percent compared to two years ago. Data revisions to May estimates indicate that mileage fell versus May 2008. However, mileage over the three most recently reported months has increased by 0.69 percent.
“This trend combined with June posting such a strong start to the peak summer travel months may allow for 2009 travel to reverse the falling mileage trend sooner than expected,” said Frank Hampshire, MEMA senior director of market research.
MEMA reports the rolling 12-month total of miles traveled in its monthly e-newsletter, “Market Analysis.” Subscription information is available by clicking here. View the August issue of “Market Analysis” by clicking here.
AASA and HDMA members also can access the latest mileage information at the associations’ respective members-only websites accessible to AASA members by clicking here or HDMA members by clicking here. User name and password are required to log onto the sites.