Interesting discussion.
Although I suspect the main reason for the seemingly illogical responses is just misunderstanding of the question, I note the ACS questionnaire doesn't actually ask if anyone "drove alone" to work, but instead how many people "rode to work" in the vehicle. If they respond “1” then it is reported as driving alone. So if someone is dropped off at work by someone who is otherwise going shopping or back to their house or to school, the person would be answering the question correctly if the respondent interprets it to be asking how many people rode for the purpose of going to work. Whether for health conditions or lack of owning a car or having their license suspended, I know of a few people who have this kind of “chauffeur” arrangement with a relative, neighbor or friend.
Below is how the questions are phrased in the ACS questionnaire:
The following question is asked of each person in the household who works and reports using a car, truck or van to get to work:
How many people, including this person, usually rode to work in the car, truck, or van LAST WEEK?
The following question is asked about the housing unit:
How many automobiles, vans, and trucks of one-ton capacity or less are kept at home for use by members of this household?
John Hodges-Copple
Director of Regional Planning
Triangle J Council of Governments
4307 Emperor Blvd., Suite 110, Durham, NC 27703
919-558-9320
johnhc@tjcog.org / www.tjcog.org
-----Original Message-----
From: ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of alanpisarski@alanpisarski.com
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Subject: Re: [CTPP] Commuters Who Drive Alone but Do Have Access to a Vehicle
Cliff. The most likely case is just using a loaned car.
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-----Original Message-----
From: "Cook, Cliff" <ccook@cambridgema.gov>
Sender: ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:14:46
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Cc: Krause, Henry<hkrause@cambridgema.gov>
Subject: Re: [CTPP] Commuters Who Drive Alone but Do Have Access to a Vehicle
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