I still believe the recession is the cause of this 1.7% drop in auto usage. People are just too broke to drive and millions are out of work. The article states that governments will have to change their revenue expectations regarding toll and parking fees but I've not seen that all all. Highway tolls and parking fees are INCREASING even during the recession adding more to the motorist woes.
What is the X factor in all of this is public transit. If cities and states across the nation started increasing their funding for bus and rail transport, more people will become carfree since the motor car is rapidily becoming unaffordable. Unfortunately, I don't see this happening and in fact, it's just the opposite.