Transportation and commuting in Idaho: Limited public transportation options. Popular carpooling culture. Scenic byways and highways. Snow can affect travel routes. Less traffic congestion. Bike-friendly city routes. Growing electric vehicle charging stations. Regional airport options. Seasonal road construction. Drive time as commuting norm.
Limited public transportation options
Idaho faces limited public transportation options, with most areas relying heavily on personal vehicles due to the sparse coverage of fixed-route bus services and the dominance of private car ownership, which is one of the highest in the nation. For more information about Idaho's public transportation efforts, visit the Idaho Transportation Department website.
Popular carpooling culture
Carpooling in Idaho is a popular and beneficial commuting option, offering reduced commute stress, significant cost savings, and social benefits. It is facilitated through services like Share the Ride Idaho, which matches individuals with similar commute patterns, and incentives such as preferential parking and emergency ride home programs are also available.
Scenic byways and highways
Idaho boasts a remarkable collection of 31 scenic byways, with six of them designated as national scenic byways. These routes gracefully traverse through historic landmarks, diverse landscapes, and areas rich with outdoor recreational opportunities, serving as a catalyst for tourism and economic growth within local communities. The byways are celebrated for their intrinsic qualities, encompassing scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, archaeological, or natural significance. They offer seamless connections to numerous outdoor recreation areas, including national parks and U.S. Forest Service lands. For more information on these captivating routes, visit the Idaho Scenic Byways website.
Snow can affect travel routes
Snow in Idaho can significantly affect travel routes, requiring drivers to plan ahead, adjust their driving speed, and prepare their vehicles with essential supplies like winter tires, chains, and emergency kits to ensure safety on icy and snow-covered roads. It is essential to visit the Idaho State Police website for detailed information and tips on preparing for winter driving conditions throughout the state. Ensuring your readiness for unpredictable weather will help maintain safety and efficiency while navigating the beautiful yet challenging Idaho terrain.
Less traffic congestion
To address escalating traffic congestion in Idaho, particularly within the Treasure Valley, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is actively exploring additional transportation options. Among these are the potential implementation of a rail system to improve overall mobility and safety. As the region experiences rapid population growth, the strain on the current transportation infrastructure has become increasingly evident. Consequently, ITD is also seeking future grant opportunities to support these initiatives. For more information, you can visit the Idaho Business Review to understand the challenges associated with funding these crucial developments.
Bike-friendly city routes
Idaho's cities, particularly Boise, Coeur d'Alene, and Sandpoint, are highly bike-friendly with extensive networks of dedicated bike lanes and trails, strong cycling communities, and scenic routes that make cycling safe and enjoyable for all skill levels. Boise stands out with over 180 miles of dedicated bike lanes and trails, while other cities also offer significant cycling infrastructure and host various cycling events throughout the year. For more detailed information about the intricacies of these cities' cycling amenities, you can visit the Idaho's Bicycle-Friendly Communities website. Enjoy exploring the beautiful landscapes and vibrant cycling culture that Idaho offers.
Growing electric vehicle charging stations
In Idaho, particularly in Boise City, there are 256 public electric vehicle charging stations, including 37 free stations and 28 DC Fast Chargers, reflecting a significant growth in EV charging infrastructure to support increasing electric vehicle adoption. To find a comprehensive directory of these locations, visit the PlugShare website, which provides detailed information on each charging station.
Regional airport options
Idaho has several regional airport options, including Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field Airport (BOI), Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN), Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport (LWS), Joslin Field - Magic Valley Regional Airport (TWF), and Pocatello Regional Airport (PIH), each serving different parts of the state with various airlines and passenger volumes. For more comprehensive information on these airports, visit Airport Guide, which offers detailed insights and resources for travelers.
Seasonal road construction
Seasonal road construction in Idaho, particularly at the I-86/I-15 System Interchange in Pocatello, involves significant upgrades to replace aging bridges and improve traffic safety. The work intensifies in the spring and summer months, with reduced activity during winter due to weather conditions.
Drive time as commuting norm
In Idaho County, the average one-way commute is 17.0 minutes, which is 19.7% lower than the state average. A significant 84.4% of workers drive to work, while a mere 6.6% commute for more than an hour. For more insights into the commute trends in this area, visit the Stacker website.