How much gas do you use?
Recent information from the U.S. Census and the Energy Information Administration provides some interesting comparisons among the states. Per capita, the United States uses 464 gallons of gas every year. That?s not per vehicle, that?s per person, so the mom with three kids would be putting more than 1,800 gallons into the family truckster every year.
As you might imagine, the more rural states tend to top the list. Wyoming, where I think one has to go a long way to get to anything, is highest in the nation with a per-capita use of 615 gallons. New York, which includes the transit-centric city of the same name, uses the least at 293 gallons per capita. I found it interesting that Maine is fourth on the list, although that may be a function of a lack of good transit.
So where do those car-loving Californians fall on the list? They are 45th in the nation, with each resident accounting for 414 gallons per year. Interesting as well is that Maryland, despite so much rural space, ends up at No. 39 on the list, with each of us using 447.5 gallons of gas each year. It probably helps that we have so many transportation options here in Baltimore and in the Washington suburbs.
Howard seniors find neighborly rides
Judy writes in response to my mention of programs for seniors: “I also thought you wouldbe interested in a local senior service that provides transportation for any Howard County residents age 60 and above. Neighbor Ride is a 2 1/2-year-old private nonprofit that takes folks to health care appointments, cultural and social activities, volunteering, religious services and personal appointments through the services of approximately 140 volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles for the transportation. We are currently averaging about 250 round-trip rides per month using volunteer drivers, volunteer ride coordinators (who do intake and scheduling) and only two [part-time] paid professionals.
“Seniors reserve at least three business days ahead, are linked with volunteer drivers, and pay a modest fee per ride not per passenger. The philosophy behind the program is to keep seniors active, independent and connected to the community. Volunteers range in age from 22 to 81. … All have had orientation, background checks and clean driving records. … They include at-home parents who bring their kids (seniors love the babies!) to the Verizon repairman who knows every street in the county without a map, a state representative, retired clergy, early retirees, professionals and anyone who enjoys one on one contact with older folks.”
The only thing we don?t have here is a way of contacting Neighbor Ride. Let us know, Judy, and we?ll pass it along. This sounds like a good program.
Questions, comments, random musings? Write to [email protected].
