Total vehicle travel for June 2009 was estimated to be about 2 percent, or 4.9 billion miles, greater than June 2008
, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. This is the greatest single month increase since October 2006.

Despite the boost, it was not enough to offset the year-to-date shortfall of 0.42 percent, according to the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association.

The DOT estimated that travel for the month amounted to about 256.7 billion vehicle miles, with a cumulative travel estimate for the year of $1.446 trillion miles. Cumulative vehicle miles traveled for 2009 is expected to be off by 0.4 percent, or 6.1 billion miles, year-over-year.

According to MEMA, the rolling 12-month total is 2.21 percent below last year's levels, and 3.46 percent behind two years ago. Even though mileage fell in May 2009 from the year-ago month, the data from the three most recent reported months indicated that mileage increased by 0.69 percent.

"This trend combined with June posting such a strong start to the peak summer travel months may allow for 2009 travel to reverse the falling mileage trend sooner than expected," said Frank Hampshire, MEMA senior director of market research.

More info: www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/tvtw/09juntvt