Fewer planes, more trains, and hybrid automobiles for US: study

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

OTTAWA (AFP) — Ninety percent of Americans are countering high fuel costs by changing their habits, including driving less, vacationing closer to home or browsing hybrid vehicles, a Canadian bank study said Monday.

The RBC Capital Markets survey found that 76 percent of Americans are driving less in response to soaring energy prices, 19 percent are taking the bus or subway more often, and 11 percent are carpooling.

Four out of 10 workers said they have considered moving closer to their place of work to save on commuter costs, while a whopping 82 percent said they would consider buying a hybrid when they purchase their next vehicle.

Americans who earn more than 100,000 dollars per year say they are feeling the pinch too, with 48 percent dining out less often...