BlueCruise Usage Hits Peak During Labor Day Weekend As US Embraces Hands-Free Driving

Published: Thursday, August 29, 2024, 22:51 [IST]

Labor Day weekend is a peak travel period in the U.S. This year, domestic travel over Labor Day increased by 9% compared to last year, according to AAA booking data. "Labor Day weekend is the last hurrah of the summer for many travelers," said Paula Twidale, Senior VP of AAA Travel. "While some Americans go on cruises or travel internationally over Labor Day, many families prefer regional road trips to beaches, national parks, or tourist attractions."

In 2023, BlueCruise saw its highest usage during Labor Day compared to other holidays. BlueCruise hands-free highway driving trips were 8.15% more frequent during Labor Day than Thanksgiving. The Ford BlueCruise team celebrates workers' achievements and marks the unofficial end of summer before fall schedules and heavy commutes begin.

Among traditional travel holidays in 2023, Ford and Lincoln BlueCruise users took the most hands-free highway driving trips during Labor Day. Thanksgiving and the holiday season followed closely behind as people traveled to see family and friends at the year's end.

The top states for BlueCruise hands-free highway driving trips by Ford and Lincoln owners in 2023 were California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Washington, and Arizona. These states have large populations contributing to higher usage rates.

In the U.S., about 77% of BlueCruise trips taken by Ford and Lincoln owners were under 20 minutes. For longer trips on controlled access highways exceeding one hour, BlueCruise was used more than half the time.

Daily Commutes vs. Long Trips

BlueCruise enhances both long road trips and daily commutes. Users switch between these travel types seamlessly. Whether commuting daily or taking weekend road trips during summer or holidays, BlueCruise proves to be an excellent travel assistant.

The average commute time in the U.S., according to Statista Consumer Insights Global as of August 2024, is between 16-29 minutes. More than half of commuters drive for less than 30 minutes.

BlueCruise Across Vehicle Lines

BlueCruise is available across various vehicle lines including gas, hybrid, and electric models like the F-150, F-150 Lightning, Explorer, Expedition, Mustang Mach-E, and all Lincoln vehicles. Owners of different vehicles such as the F-150 and Mustang Mach-E show similar usage rates.

"BlueCruise changed what was a completely boring, monotonous ride to something that is now enjoyable," said Peter L., an F-150 Lightning owner. "The worst part of my day is work; the best part is driving to and from work."

User Experiences with BlueCruise

"I knew we would love Blue Cruise," shared Jace C., another F-150 Lightning owner. "I just didn't know how much we would love it and how much we would use it in our everyday lives."

In the U.S. and Canada, 97% of highways are designated as Blue Zones where BlueCruise can be used effectively. For those planning a road trip but needing destination ideas, exploring favourite BlueCruise routes can provide inspiration.

This data is anonymized and collected only from customers who have opted in to share it with Ford.