In 2025, the number of miles driven hit a record high, surpassing the 2019 peak, despite a lethargic RTO and mass transit blues. This surge in mileage coincides with a population jump, as the US population grew by 12 million people from 2020 to 2025, according to the Census Bureau. Working from home has proven resilient, with office attendance remaining below pre-pandemic levels despite corporate efforts. The Department of Transportation reports a 0.9% increase in miles driven by highway-legal vehicles in 2025, reaching a new record of 3,324 billion miles. This growth is attributed to a 1.9% increase in miles driven compared to 2019 and a 3.6% population growth over the same period. Miles driven per person rose to 9,710 miles per year in 2025, reflecting a trend of increased commuting and commercial traffic. The peak miles driven per person was in 2004 at 10,016 miles per person, with 2019 at 9,837 miles per person. Office attendance has improved but remains below pre-pandemic levels, at less than 60% of its former rate. Mass transit ridership continues to struggle, with BART ridership in 2025 at about half of its 2019 levels. The article questions the impact of these trends on traffic congestion and the environment, inviting readers to share their thoughts in the comments.
