Source: VT Comprehensive Energy Plan
Transportation makes up the largest share of Vermont's energy consumption, with more than 90% of that energy derived from petroleum fuels.
Fossil fuels supply the greatest proportion of energy used in Vermont, with gasoline and distillates (diesel, home heating oil) supplying about half.
Almost half of the greenhouse gases emitted in Vermont are from fossil fuels burned for transportation. This is a higher percentage than the nation as a whole, where about a third of GHGs come from transportation.
Vermonters drive more miles per person per year than other Americans, including those in other rural states.
The total number of miles driven on Vermont roads dipped after the 2008 recession, but is now on the rise, most likely due to low gas prices.
Vermont's 2016 Comprehensive Energy Plan lays out a goal of reducing annual VMT to 2011 levels. This will require a steep reversal of the upward trend of the past few years.
Source: VT Agency of Transportation Office of Highway Safety Data
As the most populous county, Chittenden has the highest number of the vehicle miles traveled, but one of the lowest per capita rates.
Despite our dispersed land settlement pattern, Vermonters seem to be making a greater effort to walk, bike, and carpool than other Americans, although the number of trips made by these alternatives are low all around.
The vast majority of trips are made in cars, trucks, suvs, vans and motorcycles. A more energy efficient mode like public transit makes up a tiny fraction of trips made in the state. Vermonters take more trips on foot and bikes than other Americans, but these zero emission trips make up a small portion of the overall travel.
According to data from the most recent NHTS travel behavior survey (2009), most non-commuting trips were shorter than 2 miles, yet most of those trips were made in a motor vehicle. This raises the question--with better cycling and walking infrastructure, could more of those trips be on foot or by bike?
According to a 2016 survey, most Vermonters walk, at least occasionally.
A much larger percentage of Vermonters never gets on a bike, with a small number cycling regularly.
Although many children travel by school bus, a slightly smaller percentage are driven by their parents. A small number walk or bike.
Despite a drop in 2014, the percentage of Vermont's population that is licensed to drive has risen steadily since 2009. Vermont's population is older, with fewer people under 16, but our low density also contributes to a higher than average license rate.
The number of spaces in state and municipal park & ride lots has increased by 67% between 2012 and 2017, in line with the State's goal of 3,426 spaces by 2030.
State and municipal park & ride lots have increased in number, as have opportunities to shift to other modes at The number of transit connections and bike racks at park & ride lots has increased since,
The total number of trips provided by transit agencies throughout the state. Chittenden County residents are the biggest users of transit, although service has expanded in more rural areas of the state in recent years.
Source: KFH Group, Public Transit Route Performance Review, 2016
Traditional urban and small town bus service makes up the bulk of transit riding, but other, more specialized transit services help Vermonters and tourists get around without cars.
Source: KFH Group, Public Transit Route Performance Review, 2016
Lack of physical activity is a contributor to chronic disease. 77% of Vermonters do not get the recommended amount, defined as 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week for adults and at least 60 minutes per day for children.
Physical inactivity can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and stroke—the leading causes of death for Vermonters.
