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• Modal Choice - SOCF reported that U. S . Census data for 1980 showed that approximately 60 % of the County ' s working population drove to work alone, 23 % carpooled and the other 17 % used public transit, walked, motorcycled, or bicycled . But by 1990 , 72 % of the working population drove alone and only 14 % carpooled . • Vehicle Miles Traveled - SOCF also reported that the total number of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on Orange County roads increased by 80 % from 1 , 727 , 000 in 1987 to 3 , 114 , 000 in 1997 . When SOCF accounted for population growth during the period, the actual percent increase in average daily VMT was estimated to be 43 % . In 1997 , per capita VMT averaged 28 miles per person per day compared to 20 miles per person per day in 1987 . The importance of mobile sources in the County was demonstrated in the Air Quality summary that was prepared by the SOCF (available on the Internet at www. co . orange . nc . us/shaping/profileI /airqual . htm) . Data from the NC Division of Air Quality , source data from 1990 , 1994 , and 1995 , and EPA mobile source models were used to estimate and break down sources of emissions of nitrogen oxides in Orange County . The SOCF results are reproduced in Figures 2 - 1 and 2 .2 . They demonstrate that on-road mobile sources are the most significant source of emissions of nitrogen oxides in the County . This is significant because NO is an ozone precursor . Relative to stationary sources , mobile sources are likely to continue to be much more important when addressing air quality concerns in the County . The data suggest that the County can have the greatest impact on air quality by addressing transportation issues in the County and Triangle Region . 2 . 5 Regional Air Quality It is well recognized that air pollution does not recognize government boundaries . Pollutants such as S02, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides may travel great distances from the sources . Ground level ozone formation may result from nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated from upwind mobile or stationary sources . It is , therefore, essential that air quality be addressed at a regional level . Even if ozone levels in Orange County were to remain below the primary national ambient air quality standards , pollutants generated in the County may contribute to ozone formation in adjacent counties . It is imperative that Orange County citizens and government address air quality issues that affect the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill MSA and rest of the state . 8