Transcript No Slide Title

HOV
Attitude and Usage Study
September 24, 2003
1
Today’s Agenda
I.
II.
III.
Objectives and Methodology
Detailed Findings
Commuters Who Use the HOV Lanes
Perceptions of HOV
Reasons for Not Using the HOV Lanes
Ridesharing
Transportation and Commuting Issues
Response to Information about HOV Lanes
Conclusions and Implications
2
Objectives and Methodology
3
Objectives
•
•
•
•
Assess awareness of HOV lanes
Determine level of support and usage of HOV lanes
Assess perceptions and imagery of HOV lanes
Assess perceived benefits and importance of benefits of the
lanes
• Better understand HOV usage by comparing current users to
commuters who could use the HOV lanes but do not
• Assess perceptions of lane enforcement
• Identify barriers to usage and ways that these barriers can be
overcome
4
Methodology
•
A telephone survey was conducted among commuters in Northern Virginia who
travel on the Dulles Toll Road, I-95, I-395 or I-66
•
Some respondents currently use the HOV lanes, and some do not use the HOV
lanes but could
•
Non-users had to travel a sufficient distance for HOV lanes to be beneficial.
Commuters on I-95 and I-395 had to travel for at least 30 minutes to qualify.
Commuters on DTR and I-66 had to travel for at least 20 minutes
•
For non users, HOV lanes had to be conveniently accessible to them
•
In addition, all respondents had to:
–
–
Be aged 18 - 65
Commute at least 3 days a week during morning “rush” hour on DTR, I-95, I-395 or I-66
5
Methodology
•
1,800 interviews were targeted for completion. These interviews were to include
200 HOV users on each of the corridors: DTR, I-95, I-395 and I-66. The sample
was also designed to include non HOV users: 200 each on I-95 and I-395 and
400 each on DTR and I-66.
•
1,817 interviews were completed, distributed as follows:
Total
Use Non
HOV User
677 1,140
•
DTR
Use Non
HOV User
174 478
I-95
Use Non
HOV User
219 291
I-395
Use Non
HOV User
223 237
I-66
Use Non
HOV User
301
536
The typical morning commute for some commuters involves more than one of
these corridors. Thus, some respondents are represented more than once in
these categories.
6
Detailed Findings
7
Commuters Who Use the HOV Lanes
8
Mode of Transportation Used Most Often
DTR
I-95
I-395
I-66
%
%
%
%
Drive alone
73
57
50
63
Pre-arranged carpool with 1
12
7
8
21
Pre-arranged carpool with 2 or
8
13
15
10
Bus
6
4
7
4
Slug
1
13
15
<1
Vanpool
<1
6
5
1
Data from Q8: Which of the following transportation modes do you use most often when commuting on
(DTR/I-95/I-395/I-66)?
9
Average Length of Trip in Minutes
Total
Use HOV
Non HOV
%
%
%
10 minutes or less
1
2
1
11 - 20 minutes
7
7
7
21 - 30 minutes
17
16
18
31 - 40 minutes
17
19
16
41 - 50 minutes
23
22
24
51 – 60 minutes
18
18
17
Over 60 minutes
16
15
16
49 minutes
48 minutes
49 minutes
Average
Data from Q12: On average, how many minutes does it take to travel from your home to (DESTINATION),
10
one-way?
Average Length of Trip in Minutes
-- By Corridor -DTR
I-95
I-395
I-66
Use
Non
Use
Non
Use
Non
Use
Non
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
10 minutes or less
3
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
11 – 20 minutes
8
7
3
4
6
4
7
7
21 – 30 minutes
14
20
11
8
14
14
17
18
31 – 40 minutes
21
21
16
14
18
11
20
13
41 – 50 minutes
23
23
21
25
22
31
23
24
51 – 60 minutes
18
16
24
18
17
17
17
18
Over 60 minutes
12
11
23
26
20
21
13
17
45 min
46 min
54 min
57 min
50 min
53 min
46 min
50 min
Average
Data from Q12: On average, how many minutes does it take to travel from your home to (DESTINATION),
one-way?
Average Length of Trip in Miles
Total
Use HOV
Non HOV
%
%
%
1 - 10 miles
9
9
9
11 - 20 miles
32
25
36
21 - 30 miles
29
30
29
31 - 40 miles
12
13
11
41 - 50 miles
6
8
5
51 - 60 miles
3
5
2
Over 60 miles
2
3
1
Don’t know
7
8
6
Average
26 miles
28 miles
24 miles
Data from Q13: About how many miles is that?
12
Average Length of Trip in Miles
-- By Corridor -DTR
I-95
I-395
I-66
Use
HOV
Non
HOV
Use
HOV
Non
HOV
Use
HOV
Non
HOV
Use
HOV
Non
HOV
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
1 – 10 miles
9
10
5
4
8
10
9
9
11 – 20 miles
20
34
12
27
23
33
30
37
21 – 30 miles
37
32
29
27
28
29
34
29
31 – 40 miles
17
10
13
15
9
12
13
11
41 – 50 miles
5
5
16
9
10
5
4
4
51 – 60 miles
2
2
13
6
9
3
1
2
Over 60 miles
1
1
7
4
6
3
1
2
Don’t know
9
6
5
10
7
5
9
7
Average
27 miles
24 miles
37 miles
31 miles
32 miles
25 miles
25 miles
24 miles
Data from Q13: About how many miles is that?
Average Miles and Minutes for Commute
Minutes
Miles
Use HOV
Non HOV
< 15 miles
27 min
32 min
15 – 19 miles
36 min
41 min
20 – 25 miles
45 min
48 min
26 – 35 miles
51 min
60 min
Over 35 miles
68 min
72 min
14
Average Miles and Minutes for Commute
-- By Corridor -Minutes
DTR
I-95
I-395
I-66
Use
HOV
Non
HOV
Use
HOV
Non
HOV
Use
HOV
Non
HOV
Use
HOV
Non
HOV
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
< 15 miles
18
31
28
30
31
36
29
30
15 – 19 miles
32
38
39
43
36
47
36
41
20 – 25 miles
48
45
42
52
43
50
46
50
26 – 35 miles
52
56
48
60
47
63
54
65
Over 35 miles
59
70
68
76
71
73
70
71
Miles
15
Employment Status
42%
Private industry
64%
35%
Federal gov't.
44% of I-95 HOV users and
48% of I-395 HOV users work
for the federal government
13%
5%
8%
Self-employed
4%
6%
State or local gov't.
HOV
Non HOV
6%
Military
2%
Student
2%
3%
Not employed
2%
1%
4%
2%
Other
0%
20%
40%
60%
Data from Q39: Do you work for … ?
80%
100%
16
Alternative Transportation Support Offered
by Employer
46%
Fare sub./ MetroChek
18%
24%
Free/sub. parking for
car/vanpools
11%
HOV
Non HOV
13%
Car/vanpool assistance
7%
35%
Free/sub. parking for all
47%
27%
None of these
programs
38%
0%
20%
40%
60%
Data from Q40: Which of the following does your employer offer?
80%
100%
17
Age
Mean age of HOV = 42
Mean age of non HOV = 40
5%
8%
18 - 24
24%
25 - 34
25%
HOV
30%
33%
35 - 44
Non HOV
27%
23%
45 - 54
14%
11%
55 - 65
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Data from Q41: Which of the following best describes your current age?
100%
18
Race or Ethnicity
72%
73%
White, non-Hispanic
12%
10%
African-American
6%
7%
Hispanic
HOV
Non HOV
6%
5%
Asian
Native American
1%
1%
3%
4%
Other
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Data from Q42: Which of the following best describes your race or ethnicity?
100%
19
Length of Time Lived in Area
Mean years in area:
HOV = 13
Non HOV = 15
7%
6%
1 year
9%
7%
2 years
19%
16%
3 - 5 years
HOV
Non HOV
20%
18%
6 - 10 years
15%
16%
11 - 15 years
30%
36%
More than 15 years
0%
20%
40%
60%
Data from Q43: How many years have you lived in your area?
80%
100%
20
Annual Household Income
Under $25,000
1%
2%
Mean:
HOV = $97,000
Non HOV = $94,000
13%
15%
$25,000 - $49,999
14%
15%
$50,000 - $74,999
HOV
Non HOV
21%
21%
$75,000 - $99,999
22%
18%
$100,000 - $124,999
29%
30%
$125,000 or more
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q44: Is your current annual household income above or below $50,000? If “over,” ask: Is it $125,000 or more,
$100,000 -$124,999, $75,000-$99,999, $50,000-$74,999? If “below,” ask: Is it … $35,000-$49,999, $25,000-$34,999,
$15,000-$25,999, $5,000-$14,999, under $5,000?
Gender
53%
Male
56%
HOV
Non HOV
47%
Female
44%
0%
20%
40%
60%
Data from Q46: Specify gender. (DO NOT ASK.)
80%
100%
22
Reasons for Using HOV Lanes
Total
DTR
I-95
I-395
I-66
%
%
%
%
%
Takes less time / faster
59
52
59
62
62
Have enough passengers to use
13
20
8
6
18
Costs less
11
9
13
15
9
Less traffic / congestion
11
10
12
11
10
Due to heavy traffic
7
1
11
10
5
Don’t have to drive / someone
5
6
5
5
6
Data from Q17: You indicated that you do use the HOV lanes on your regular commute. Why have you
decided to use a transportation option that allows you to use the HOV lanes?
23
Perceptions of HOV
24
Agreement with Statements about HOV Lanes
Agree som ew hat
Get t o dest inat ion f ast er
29%
Ridesharing low ers t rans. cost s
57%
33%
Support having HOV lanes
25%
Are enough park-n-ride lot s
25%
HOV doesn' t w ork because not enf orced
19%
If gas price goes up, w ill t ry alt . t rans.
18%
10%
0%
62%
33%
HOV lanes are saf er t han regular lanes
20%
69%
43%
17%
Tim e savings not suf f icient t o just if y use of HOV
72%
39%
19%
Penalt ies should be m ore severe
50%
46%
21%
44%
19%
20%
17%
15%
12%
83%
39%
30%
Violat ors should have point s charged
82%
46%
33%
HOV relieves t raf f ic congest ion
84%
54%
37%
HOV im proves air qualit y
84%
61%
28%
Even if can' t use, HOV relieves t raf . congest ion
86%
51%
23%
HOV m oves m ore people in f ew er vehicles
HOV lanes don' t w ork
Agree st rongly
40%
36%
33%
22%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q22: Next, I’m going to read you some statements that relate to HOV lanes. For each, please tell me if you agree or disagree with
that statement. (Follow-up with: Would that be strongly or somewhat?)
Perception of How Strictly the
HOV Lanes Are Enforced
Second box
Total
20%
HOV
20%
Non HOV
21%
0%
19%
Top box (Enforced regularly)
39%
37%
17%
20%
20%
Proportion who answered “5”
or “4” on 5-point scale, where
“1” means that the restrictions
are not enforced at all and “5”
means that the restrictions are
enforced regularly.
40%
41%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q36: How strictly would you say the HOV lane restrictions are enforced? Please use a
scale of 1-5 for your answer, where “1” means that the restrictions are not enforced at all and “5”
means that the restrictions are enforced regularly.
26
Perception of How Strictly the
HOV Lanes Are Enforced
-- By Corridor -36%
41%
DTR
HOV
Non HOV
45%
I-95
54%
43%
I-395
Proportion who answered “5”
or “4” on 5-point scale, where
“1” means that the restrictions
are not enforced at all and “5”
means that the restrictions are
enforced regularly.
50%
32%
35%
I-66
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q36: How strictly would you say the HOV lane restrictions are enforced? Please use a
scale of 1-5 for your answer, where “1” means that the restrictions are not enforced at all and “5”
means that the restrictions are enforced regularly.
27
Perception of Current Penalty or Penalties
for Violation of HOV Restrictions
Total
Use HOV
Non HOV
%
%
%
$151 - $500
23
28
19
$25 - $150
20
17
22
A fine / ticket (unspecified)
12
12
13
Points on driver’s license
3
2
3
Other
7
11
4
Don’t know
34
29
37
Data from Q37: What is the current penalty or penalties for violation of HOV lane restrictions?
28
Perception of Current Penalty or Penalties
for Violation of HOV Restrictions
-- By Corridor -DTR
I-95
I-395
I-66
Use
Non
Use
Non
Use
Non
Use
Non
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
$150 - $500
14
14
41
31
37
27
24
18
$25 - $150
17
22
15
18
14
19
19
22
A fine / ticket (unspecified)
16
14
8
14
12
16
12
13
Points on driver’s license
3
4
<1
1
1
2
4
4
Other
6
3
17
5
17
5
8
5
Don’t know
43
43
18
31
19
30
32
38
Data from Q37: What is the current penalty or penalties for violation of HOV lane restrictions?
29
Agree that HOV Lanes Should Be
Enforced More Fully
72%
Total
59%
Total proportion answer-ing
“4” or “5” on 5-point scale,
where “1” means “do not
agree at all” and “5” means
“agree very much.”
69%
DTR
59%
73%
I-95
HOV
Non HOV
55%
73%
I-395
58%
73%
I-66
62%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q38: To what extent do you agree with the following statement: “HOV lanes should be
enforced more fully”? Please use a scale of 1-5 for your answer, where “1” means “do not agree at all” 30
and “5” means “agree very much.”
Reasons for Not Using the HOV Lanes
31
Aware of HOV Lanes
DTR
98%
I-95
97%
I-395
95%
I-66
98%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Based to those who do not use HOV lanes.
Data from Q15: Prior to this interview, were you aware of the HOV lanes on (DTR/I-95/I-395/I-66)?
32
Familiarity with HOV Lanes
Total proportion answer-ing
“4” or “5” on 5-point scale,
where “1” means “not very
familiar” and “5” means “very
familiar.”
DTR
76%
I-95
75%
I-395
73%
I-66
Based to those who do
not use HOV lanes but
are aware of them.
84%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q16: How familiar are you with the HOV lanes on (DTR/I-95/I-395/I-66)? By familiar I mean, do you know where
the exits and entrances for the HOV lanes are? Do you know the hours of operation? How familiar would you say you are
with the HOV lanes? Please use a scale of 1-5 for your answer, where “1” is “not very familiar” and “5” is “very familiar.”
Reasons for Not Using HOV Lanes
Total
DTR
I-95
I-395
I-66
%
%
%
%
%
No one going my way
28
29
26
19
30
Commute alone
27
31
25
23
29
Not convenient
15
11
19
21
13
Work hours
11
9
10
12
11
Need my car for work
6
7
7
6
6
Data from Q18: You indicated that you do not use the HOV lanes. Why have you decided not to use the
HOV lanes? / You indicated that you use the HOV lanes 1-2 days per week. Why do you not use the HOV
lanes more often?
34
Past Usage of HOV Lanes
Yes
37%
Yes:
DTR = 30%
I-95 = 43%
I-395 = 45%
I-66 = 37%
Data from Q19: Have you in
the past ever used any HOV
lanes regularly?
Based to commuters who do
not use the HOV lanes.
No
63%
35
Likelihood of Joining Carpool or Vanpool or
Take Bus to Use HOV Lanes
Somewhat likely
Total
18%
DTR
16%
8%
9%
Very likely
26%
25%
Based to those who currently SOV.
I-95
19%
9%
I-395
17%
9%
I-66
18%
7%
0%
20%
28%
26%
25%
40%
60%
80%
Data from Q25: How likely would you be in the future to join a carpool or vanpool or
take a bus in order to use the HOV lanes? Would you be very likely, somewhat likely,
not very likely or not at all likely?
100%
36
Transportation Most Likely to Use in Order to
Use HOV Lanes
Carpool
37%
Park-n-ride and
take shuttle
22%
HOV Express Bus
19%
Vanpool
Based to those who said they are somewhat or
very likely to use alternate transportation in order
to use HOV lanes.
14%
Other
6%
Don't know
2%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Data from Q26: Which of the following alternatives would you most likely use for your work
commute/destinations?
100%
37
Transportation Most Likely to Use in Order to
Use HOV Lanes
-- By Corridor -37%
37%
Carpool
45%
34%
23%
Park-n-ride and
take shuttle
23%
22%
20%
DTR
I-95
19%
I-395
18%
12%
HOV Express Bus
I-66
21%
12%
Vanpool
17%
16%
16%
7%
4%
Other
4%
5%
Based to those who said they are somewhat or
very likely to use alternate transportation in order
to use HOV lanes.
1%
Don't know
1%
2%
4%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q26: Which of the following alternatives would you most likely use for your work/commute destination?
Ridesharing
39
Attribute Impact on Likelihood of Ridesharing
Second box
Avoid traffic congestion
15%
Save time by using HOV lanes
16%
Top box (Very likely)
37%
14%
28%
Lower transportation costs
15%
25%
12%
Qualify for financial support
13%
Park for free
8%
Wouldn't have to find parking space
9%
Park close to work
11%
Companionship during commute
48%
32%
Decrease air pollution
Less stress
52%
42%
28%
40%
22%
35%
25%
20%
18%
Total proportion answering “4” or “5” on 5-point
scale, where “1” means
“not at all likely” and “5”
means “very likely.”
40%
33%
29%
29%
Based to those who currently SOV.
16%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Data from Q21a: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. On a scale of 1-5 where “1” is “not at all
likely” and “5” is “very likely,” how likely would you be to rideshare once or twice a week if …?
100%
40
Attribute Impact on Likelihood of Ridesharing
-- DTR -Second box
Avoid traffic congestion
16%
Save time by using HOV lanes
15%
Decrease air pollution
14%
Lower transportation costs
Top box (Very likely)
35%
30%
13%
Qualify for financial support
14%
39%
49%
33%
26%
39%
6%
Wouldn't have to find parking space
7%
18%
Park close to work
8%
16%
Total proportion answer-ing
“4” or “5” on 5-point scale,
where “1” means “not at all
likely”” and “5” means “very
likely.”
34%
18%
Park for free
Companionship during commute
45%
25%
16%
Less stress
51%
23%
29%
25%
24%
Based to those who currently SOV.
13%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q21a: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. On a scale of 1-5 where “1” is “not at all likely” and “5” is “very
likely,” how likely would you be to rideshare once or twice a week if … ?
Attribute Impact on Likelihood of Ridesharing
-- I-95 -Second box
Avoid traffic congestion
11%
Save time by using HOV lanes
14%
Decrease air pollution
14%
Lower transportation costs
Less stress
Wouldn't have to find parking space
44%
52%
48%
34%
49%
33%
10%
38%
12%
48%
30%
10%
8%
55%
38%
16%
Qualify for financial support
Park for free
Top box (Very likely)
42%
34%
23%
Total proportion answering “4” or “5” on 5-point
scale, where “1” means
“not at all likely”” and “5”
means “very likely.”
44%
31%
Based to those who currently SOV.
Park close to work
13%
27%
Companionship during commute
40%
24%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q21a: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. On a scale of 1-5 where “1” is “not at all likely” and “5” is “very
likely,” how likely would you be to rideshare once or twice a week if … ?
Attribute Impact on Likelihood of Ridesharing
-- I-395 -Top box (Very likely)
Second box
Avoid traffic congestion
Save time by using HOV lanes
Park for free
Park close to work
13%
Companionship during commute
39%
33%
11%
7%
46%
25%
14%
25%
23%
Total proportion answering “4” or “5” on 5-point
scale, where “1” means
“not at all likely” and “5”
means “very likely.”
46%
35%
11%
Qualify for financial support
48%
29%
17%
Less stress
52%
35%
13%
Lower transportation costs
Wouldn't have to find parking space
37%
15%
Decrease air pollution
58%
47%
11%
44%
32%
36%
Based to those who currently SOV.
18%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q21a: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. On a scale of 1-5 where “1” is “not at all likely” and “5” is “very
likely,” how likely would you be to rideshare once or twice a week if … ?
Attribute Impact on Likelihood of Ridesharing
-- I-66 -Top box (Very likely)
Second box
Avoid traffic congestion
Save time by using HOV lanes
12%
Qualify for financial support
14%
Park for free
9%
10%
Park close to work
13%
Companionship during commute
44%
39%
27%
20%
25%
20%
16%
Total proportion answering “4” or “5” on 5-point
scale, where “1” means
“not at all likely” and “5”
means “very likely.”
40%
24%
16%
Less stress
48%
30%
14%
Lower transportation costs
53%
29%
19%
Decrease air pollution
Wouldn't have to find parking space
37%
16%
34%
34%
30%
29%
Based to those who currently SOV.
15%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q21a: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. On a scale of 1-5 where “1” is “not at all likely” and “5” is “very
likely,” how likely would you be to rideshare once or twice a week if … ?
Reasons for Ridesharing
Avoid traffic congestion
86%
Save time
82%
Lower transportation costs
68%
Less stressed
68%
Decrease air pollution
60%
49%
Avoid having to find parking
Parking is free
45%
Companionship during commute
37%
Park close to work
36%
Qualify for financial support
Based to those who currently rideshare.
29%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q21b: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. For each one, please tell me whether it is or is not
45
a reason why you currently rideshare rather than drive alone.
Reasons for Ridesharing
-- DTR -Avoid traffic congestion
83%
Save time
81%
Lower transportation costs
61%
Less stressed
63%
Decrease air pollution
59%
43%
Avoid having to find parking
Parking is free
50%
Companionship during commute
41%
35%
Park close to work
Based to those who currently rideshare.
32%
Qualify for financial support
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q21b: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. For each one, please tell me whether it is or is not
a reason why you currently rideshare rather than drive alone.
Reasons for Ridesharing
-- I-95 -Avoid traffic congestion
91%
Save time
90%
Lower transportation costs
75%
Less stressed
77%
Decrease air pollution
63%
55%
Avoid having to find parking
Parking is free
49%
Companionship during commute
26%
Park close to work
41%
Qualify for financial support
41%
0%
20%
40%
Based to those who currently rideshare.
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q21b: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. For each one, please tell me whether it is or is not
a reason why you currently rideshare rather than drive alone.
Reasons for Ridesharing
-- I-395 -Avoid traffic congestion
95%
Save time
94%
Lower transportation costs
78%
80%
Less stressed
65%
Decrease air pollution
63%
Avoid having to find parking
54%
Parking is free
Companionship during commute
26%
Based to those who currently rideshare.
47%
Park close to work
Qualify for financial support
38%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q21b: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. For each one, please tell me whether it is or is not
a reason why you currently rideshare rather than drive alone.
Reasons for Ridesharing
-- I-66 -Avoid traffic congestion
85%
Save time
85%
Lower transportation costs
62%
Less stressed
63%
54%
Decrease air pollution
Avoid having to find parking
42%
Parking is free
42%
Companionship during commute
42%
Based to those who currently rideshare.
34%
Park close to work
Qualify for financial support
21%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q21b: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. For each one, please tell me whether it is or is not
a reason why you currently rideshare rather than drive alone.
Importance Index
Respondents who rideshare were asked their first and second most important
reasons for ridesharing.
An “Importance Index” was created by assigning 2 points for every first place
mention and 1 point for every second place mention.
The points were totaled for each attribute (or “reason”). Then, the points for all
attributes were totaled. The proportion of the total accumulated for each attribute
represents that attribute’s “Importance Index.”
This value represents each
attribute’s relative importance in deciding to rideshare.
50
Most Important Reasons for Ridesharing
-- Importance Index -Save time
30%
Avoid traffic congestion
21%
Lower transportation costs
16%
Less stressed
11%
Decrease air pollution
6%
Companionship during commute
4%
Park close to work
3%
Qualify for financial support
3%
Parking is free
2%
Avoid having to find parking
2%
0%
Based to those who currently rideshare.
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
The values reported in this graph represent the total proportion of first and second place importance
rankings for each attribute.
Most Important Reasons for Ridesharing
-- Importance Index: DTR -Save time
30%
Avoid traffic congestion
22%
Lower transportation costs
13%
Less stressed
11%
Decrease air pollution
9%
Companionship during commute
6%
Park close to work
2%
Qualify for financial support
Based to those who currently rideshare.
4%
Parking is free
2%
Avoid having to find parking
2%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
The values reported in this graph represent the total proportion of first and second place importance 52
rankings for each attribute.
Most Important Reasons for Ridesharing
-- Importance Index: I-95 -Save time
35%
Avoid traffic congestion
20%
Lower transportation costs
16%
Less stressed
13%
Decrease air pollution
4%
2%
Companionship during commute
Park close to work
3%
Qualify for financial support
Parking is free
Based to those who currently rideshare.
5%
1%
Avoid having to find parking
2%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
The values reported in this graph represent the total proportion of first and second place importance
rankings for each attribute.
100%
53
Most Important Reasons for Ridesharing
-- Importance Index: I-395 -Save time
37%
Avoid traffic congestion
18%
Lower transportation costs
18%
Less stressed
11%
Decrease air pollution
4%
2%
Companionship during commute
Park close to work
4%
Qualify for financial support
3%
Parking is free
3%
Avoid having to find parking
2%
0%
Based to those who currently rideshare.
20%
40%
60%
80%
The values reported in this graph represent the total proportion of first and second place importance
rankings for each attribute.
100%
54
Most Important Reasons for Ridesharing
-- Importance Index: I-66 -Save time
33%
Avoid traffic congestion
23%
Lower transportation costs
13%
Less stressed
10%
Decrease air pollution
6%
Companionship during commute
6%
Park close to work
5%
Qualify for financial support
2%
Parking is free
2%
Avoid having to find parking
2%
0%
Based to those who currently rideshare.
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
The values reported in this graph represent the total proportion of first and second place importance 55
rankings for each attribute.
Likelihood of Carpooling if Paid $.50 a Day
Second box
Total
10%
12%
DTR
11%
9%
I-95
22%
10%
Total proportion answer-ing
“4” or “5” on 5-point scale,
where “1” means “not very
likely” and “5” means “very
likely.”
20%
15%
I-395
Top box (Very likely)
14%
14%
29%
24%
Based to those who currently SOV.
I-66
10%
0%
13%
20%
23%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q21c: Suppose that a program were created that would pay commuters $.50 a day to carpool on
their commute. If this program were in place, how likely would you be to carpool? Please use a scale of 1-5
for your answer, were “1” means “not very likely” and “5” means “very likely.”
Likelihood of Vanpooling if Paid $.50 a Day
Second box
Total
8%
DTR
7%
I-95
11%
9%
13%
10%
I-395
Top box (Very likely)
19%
Total proportion answer-ing
“4” or “5” on 5-point scale,
where “1” means “not very
likely” and “5” means “very
likely.”
16%
14%
27%
21%
11%
Based to those who currently SOV.
I-66
8%
0%
10%
18%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q21c: Suppose that a program were created that would pay commuters $.50 a day to carpool
on their commute. If this program were in place, how likely would you be to carpool? Please use a scale 57
of 1-5 for your answer, were “1” means “not very likely” and “5” means “very likely.”
Transportation and Commuting Issues
58
Importance of Factors in Selecting Type of
Transportation
Som ew hat im port ant
Dependability
16%
23%
Tim e to destination
23%
73%
Better use of com m ute tim e
Cost
77%
73%
54%
28%
34%
18%
62%
43%
25%
0%
84%
41%
19%
Ability to m ake stops / run errands
88%
55%
36%
Tim e alone
89%
63%
29%
Ability for w ork related trips
90%
72%
25%
Concern about being stranded
94%
71%
17%
M orning departure tim e
95%
71%
20%
Safety
96%
80%
Convenience
Flexible arrival tim e
Very im port ant
29%
20%
40%
61%
54%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q20: I am going to read a list of some factors that commuters sometimes consider in deciding on the type of transportation they use to travel to and
from work / their various destinations. Please tell me if each factor is very important, somewhat important, not very important, or not at all important in your
choice of transportation to and from work / your destination.
Importance of Factors in Selecting Type of
Transportation
-- HOV Users Compared to Non Users -Total
“very”
and
“somewhat” important.
HOV
Non HOV
Dependabilit y
96%
96%
Convenience
96%
95%
Tim e t o dest inat ion
96%
93%
85%
Flexible arrival t im e
93%
88%
90%
Saf et y
88%
89%
M orning depart ure t im e
87%
Bet t er use of com m ut e t im e
82%
81%
Cost
75%
67%
Concern about being st randed
76%
50%
Abilit y t o m ake st ops / run errands
69%
45%
Abilit y f or w ork relat ed t rips
70%
44%
Tim e alone
59%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Importance of Factors in Selecting Type of
Transportation
-- DTR -Total
“very”
and
“somewhat” important.
HOV
Non HOV
94%
94%
Dependabilit y
96%
95%
Convenience
95%
92%
Tim e t o dest inat ion
90%
93%
Flexible arrival t im e
90%
89%
Saf et y
86%
89%
M orning depart ure t im e
87%
Bet t er use of com m ut e t im e
81%
76%
75%
Cost
69%
Concern about being st randed
80%
54%
Abilit y t o m ake st ops / run errands
66%
51%
Abilit y f or w ork relat ed t rips
72%
41%
Tim e alone
56%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Importance of Factors in Selecting Type of
Transportation
-- I-95 -Total
“very”
and
“somewhat” important.
HOV
Non HOV
98%
98%
Dependabilit y
95%
94%
Convenience
94%
93%
Tim e t o dest inat ion
80%
Flexible arrival t im e
92%
92%
94%
Saf et y
91%
90%
M orning depart ure t im e
89%
Bet t er use of com m ut e t im e
83%
85%
Cost
76%
69%
Concern about being st randed
76%
40%
Abilit y t o m ake st ops / run errands
72%
38%
Abilit y f or w ork relat ed t rips
75%
46%
Tim e alone
69%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Importance of Factors in Selecting Type of
Transportation
-- I-395 -HOV
Total
“very”
and
“somewhat” import-ant.
Non HOV
97%
96%
Dependabilit y
95%
94%
Convenience
95%
Tim e t o dest inat ion
90%
82%
Flexible arrival t im e
90%
87%
90%
Saf et y
87%
86%
M orning depart ure t im e
87%
Bet t er use of com m ut e t im e
81%
83%
Cost
77%
65%
Concern about being st randed
74%
39%
Abilit y t o m ake st ops / run errands
71%
33%
Abilit y f or w ork relat ed t rips
67%
44%
Tim e alone
64%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Importance of Factors in Selecting Type of
Transportation
-- I-66 -HOV
Non HOV
Total
“very”
and
“somewhat” important.
95%
96%
Dependabilit y
97%
96%
Convenience
98%
Tim e t o dest inat ion
93%
88%
92%
Flexible arrival t im e
84%
Saf et y
89%
90%
90%
M orning depart ure t im e
89%
86%
Bet t er use of com m ut e t im e
78%
76%
Cost
68%
Concern about being st randed
74%
58%
Abilit y t o m ake st ops / run errands
68%
53%
Abilit y f or w ork relat ed t rips
70%
44%
Tim e alone
58%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Awareness of Convenient Park-n-Ride Lot
68%
Total
52%
62%
DTR
HOV
51%
Non HOV
86%
I-95
71%
79%
I-395
58%
61%
I-66
47%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q23: Whether or not you use it, do you know if there is a park-n-ride lot or commuter parking lot
65
that is convenient to you?
Average Number of Days per Week
Personal Vehicle Needed
28%
None
41%
19%
9%
1 day
13%
7%
2 days
8%
7%
9%
3 days
7%
11%
Tot al
12%
HOV
Non HOV
4%
2%
5%
4 days
30%
5 days
23%
35%
2%
2%
2%
6 days
7%
7 days
4%
8%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q24: In an average week, approximately how many days do you need a car so that you can attend to childcare
matters or other errands on your way to or from work / your destination or during your lunch break?
Frequency of Teleworking
82%
83%
80%
Never
9%
8%
11%
1 day
3%
4%
3%
2 days
1%
1%
2%
3 days
Tot al
HOV
4 days
0%
0%
0%
Non HOV
2%
2%
2%
5 days
1%
1%
1%
M ore than 5 days
1%
1%
1%
Don' t know
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Data from Q26a: How often, if ever, do you telework or work from home?
100%
67
Frequency of Teleworking
-- DTR -79%
79%
Never
11%
12%
1 day
4%
4%
2 days
3%
2%
3 days
HOV
Non HOV
4 days
0%
0%
5 days
2%
1%
M ore than 5 days
1%
1%
Don' t know
1%
1%
0%
20%
40%
60%
Data from Q26a: How often, if ever, do you telework or work from home?
80%
100%
68
Frequency of Teleworking
-- I-95 -85%
Never
75%
7%
9%
1 day
4%
4%
2 days
3 days
1%
2%
4 days
0%
1%
HOV
Non HOV
2%
4%
5 days
1%
2%
M ore than 5 days
1%
Don' t know
5%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Data from Q26a: How often, if ever, do you telework or work from home?
100%
69
Frequency of Teleworking
-- I-395 -84%
80%
Never
9%
8%
1 day
4%
1%
2 days
0%
3 days
3%
HOV
Non HOV
0%
4 days
0%
2%
2%
5 days
1%
4%
M ore than 5 days
1%
1%
Don' t know
0%
20%
40%
60%
Data from Q26a: How often, if ever, do you telework or work from home?
80%
100%
70
Frequency of Teleworking
-- I-66 -83%
84%
Never
8%
9%
1 day
3%
3%
2 days
1%
1%
3 days
4 days
1%
0%
5 days
1%
1%
M ore than 5 days
0%
1%
HOV
Non HOV
2%
1%
Don' t know
0%
20%
40%
60%
Data from Q26a: How often, if ever, do you telework or work from home?
80%
100%
71
Likelihood to Telework in Future
Somewhat likely
Total
23%
HOV
42%
19%
20%
12%
Very likely
32%
Based to those who said that they currently do not telework.
Non HOV
24%
0%
23%
20%
40%
47%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q26b: How likely would you be in the future to telework or work from you home? Would you be very likely,
somewhat likely, not very likely, or not at all likely?
Likelihood to Telework in Future
-- By Corridor -Total “very” and
“somewhat” likely.
34%
DTR
50%
31%
I-95
46%
HOV
Non HOV
32%
I-395
45%
Based to those who said they currently do not
telework.
31%
I-66
48%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q26b: How likely would you be in the future to telework or work from you home? Would you be very likely,
somewhat likely, not very likely, or not at all likely?
Familiarity with Alternate Fuel Vehicles
Very fam iliar
29%
Very + Somewhat Familiar:
HOV = 73%
Non HOV = 71%
Never heard
of
9%
Som ew hat
fam iliar
43%
Based to total sample.
Not very
fam iliar
19%
.
Data from Q8a: How familiar are you with alternate fuel vehicles? You might also know these vehicles as hybrid vehicles or
low emission vehicles. Would you say you are very familiar, somewhat familiar, not very familiar or never heard of?
Familiarity with Alternate Fuel Vehicles
-- By Corridor -Total “very”
familiar.
and
“somewhat”
72%
74%
DTR
80%
I-95
66%
HOV
Non HOV
81%
I-395
71%
67%
69%
I-66
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q8a: How familiar are you with alternate fuel vehicles? You might also know these vehicles as hybrid
vehicles or low emission vehicles. Would you say you are very familiar, somewhat familiar, not very familiar or
never heard of?
Aware that Drivers of Alternate Fuel Vehicles
Can Use HOV Lanes If Only Person in Car
Yes
45%
Yes:
HOV = 60%
Non HOV = 36%
No
55%
Data from Q8a: How familiar are you with alternate fuel vehicles? You might also know these vehicles as hybrid vehicles or
low emission vehicles. Would you say you are very familiar, somewhat familiar, not very familiar or never heard of?
Response to Information about
HOV Lanes
77
Awareness of Information about HOV Lanes
Total
48%
HOV
52%
Non HOV
46%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q27: Have you seen or heard any mention of the HOV lanes on television, radio, in the newspaper, on the
internet, mail that you received at home or any other sources of information?
Awareness of Information about HOV Lanes
-- By Corridor -45%
DTR
44%
58%
I-95
48%
HOV
Non HOV
60%
I-395
47%
47%
44%
I-66
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q27: Have you seen or heard any mention of the HOV lanes on television, radio, in the newspaper, on the
internet, mail that you received at home or any other sources of information?
Familiarity with HOV Calculator
Highest usage among
I-95 HOV users = 5%
1%
Visited the website and
used calculator
3%
1%
2%
3%
1%
Visited website but never
used calculator
Total
HOV
Non HOV
4%
5%
4%
Heard of HOV calculator,
but never visited website
91%
88%
94%
Never heard of HOV
calculator
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Data from Q33: Which of the following best describes your familiarity with the HOV calculator, found at HOV
calculator.com on the internet?
100%
Reasons for Not Visiting Website
or Using Calculator
Total
Use HOV
Non HOV
%
%
%
No need
24
21
27
Too busy
17
17
18
Do not have computer access
7
4
10
No reason
6
4
8
Data from Q34: Why did you not visit the website / use the calculator?
81
Source of Advertising
49%
48%
49%
Radio
33%
34%
33%
Newspaper
17%
14%
19%
Television
Total
HOV
Non HOV
16%
16%
16%
Mail at home
14%
18%
Internet
Based to those who recalled seeing or hearing
advertising about HOV Lanes.
10%
6%
7%
6%
Don't know
0%
20%
40%
60%
Data from Q28a: Where did you see or hear that advertising?
80%
100%
82
Usefulness of Information
Fairly useful
HOV website
12%
Radio news reports
51%
20%
63%
27%
47%
Television news report
18%
20%
38%
Advertising
19%
19%
38%
Newspaper articles
15%
Events at park-n-ride lots
18%
Mail at home
15%
0%
Very useful
20%
14%
14%
20%
35%
Based to those aware of each
information source.
32%
29%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Data from Q29: Thinking about the information you learned about through (SOURCE), how useful was that
information? Would you describe it as very useful, fairly useful, somewhat useful, or very useful?
Reasons Information Useful
Advertising
Newspaper
Articles
Tel.
News
Report
Radio
News
Report
Mail at
Home
Events
at P-n-R
Lots
HOV
Website
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Keeps you updated
48
67
42
62
76
71
82
Already knew about it
14
7
5
3
-
14
-
Give traffic reports
7
2
48
52
5
-
16
Does not give enough
detail
2
6
5
5
14
14
5
Info does not apply to
me / Don’t use HOV
2
1
3
5
-
14
1
Data from Q30: Why do you say that?
84
Reasons Information Somewhat or Not Useful
Advertising
Newspaper
Articles
Tel.
News
Report
Radio
News
Report
Mail at
Home
Events at
P-n-R
Lots
HOV
Website
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Already knew about it
28
21
15
18
18
22
39
Does not give enough
detail
20
16
19
12
8
-
11
Info does not apply to
me / Don’t use HOV
16
16
18
21
37
22
6
Data from Q30: Why do you say that?
85
Specific Information Seen or Heard
45%
Television new s report
43%
47%
Radio new s report
39%
44%
48%
34%
New spaper art icle
38%
30%
13%
Advert ising relat ed t o HOV
13%
13%
M ail at hom e
8%
Tot al
8%
HOV
HOV w ebsit e
8%
9%
5%
3%
Event s at park-n-ride lot s
Signs on highw ay
Non HOV
12%
2%
3%
1%
2%
1%
Based to those who recalled seeing or hearing
information about HOV Lanes.
4%
Ot her
5%
4%
3%
Don't know
2%
3%
0%
20%
40%
Data from Q28: What did you see or hear?
60%
80%
100%
86
Most Helpful Source of Information
27%
27%
27%
Radio news report
17%
17%
18%
Television news report
15%
13%
16%
Newspaper article
7%
10%
5%
HOV website
Total
HOV
6%
5%
6%
Signs on highway
Advertising related to HOV
2%
2%
2%
Mail at home
2%
2%
2%
Events at park-n-ride lots
Non HOV
Based to those who recalled seeing or hearing
information about HOV Lanes.
0%
0%
1%
14%
13%
15%
Don't know
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Data from Q31: Still thinking about all of the information you may have seen or heard about use of the HOV
lanes, which one source of information has been most helpful to you?
100%
Why Information Most Helpful
Newspaper
Articles
Tel.
News
Report
Radio
News
Report
HOV
Website
Signs on
Road
Word of
Mouth
%
%
%
%
%
%
Keeps you updated
41
39
39
69
50
45
Listen to the radio for information
2
1
48
-
-
-
Give traffic reports
3
17
22
3
8
7
More convenient to watch television
2
39
1
2
4
3
Read newspaper everyday
38
1
-
-
-
-
Data from Q32: Why do you say that?
88
Conclusions and Implications
89
Conclusions and Implications
Conclusion: Commuters on I-95 and I-395 are more likely than commuters on DTR and I-66 to
select transportation alternatives that allow them to utilize the HOV lanes. In particular, they are
more likely to commute in pre-arranged carpools with two or more others, to commute in
informal carpools (slugs) and to commute in vanpools. In addition, these HOV users on I-395
and I-95 are more likely to work for the federal government and are more likely to work for
employers that support HOV through incentive programs. Additionally, they are often commuting
farther distances than non HOV users and are realizing greater time savings by using the HOV
lanes.
Implication: When numerous conditions that support or encourage usage of the HOV lanes
come together or “coalesce,” the greater the likelihood that commuters will select a
transportation alternative that allows them to use the HOV lanes. It may be that one of these
factors acting alone – e.g., distance traveled, time savings – may be sufficient to increase the
likelihood for using the HOV lanes. The combined effect of several factors, however, could bring
the likelihood even higher. Explore ways of combining messages and incentives for using the
HOV lanes to increase the likelihood of selecting a transportation option that allows the use of
the HOV lanes.
90
Conclusions and Implications
Conclusion: Commuters choose to HOV because it saves them time. When
asked directly, in an open-ended question, why they use the HOV lanes, nearly 6
out of every 10 HOV users said that they HOV because it saves them time. No
other answer was mentioned with this degree of frequency. Commuters also
indicated that avoiding traffic congestion (11%) and heavy traffic (7%) and not
having to drive (5%) were important reasons for using the HOV lanes. Together,
these reasons were more important than cost savings (11%).
Implication: Commuters have heard and responded to the message that the HOV
lanes will allow them to save time on their commute. These commuters may be the
“easiest to convert” and receptive to the “saving time” message. While this
message may continue to convert additional commuters to HOV lane usage, it may
be that future converts to HOV usage may respond better to other messages.
These messages may include concepts related to less traffic congestion and
reducing stress. Explore how new messages or messages in addition to “save time”
can be used to persuade commuters to use the HOV lanes.
91
Conclusions and Implications
Conclusion: Commuters who do not use the HOV lanes have slightly different
perceptions of the lanes – particularly in terms of benefits – than do those who use
the HOV lanes. Those who do not use the HOV lanes are less likely to believe that
HOV lanes get commuters to their destinations faster, that they lower transportation
costs, that they move more people in fewer vehicles, that they improve air quality,
that they relieve traffic congestion, and that the HOV lanes are safer.
Implication: Commuters who do not use the HOV lanes have resisted belief in the
benefits of the HOV lanes – or have resisted the messages about the benefits of the
HOV lanes. Explore ways of making the benefits of using the HOV lanes more
persuasive. Assess the extent to which emotional rather than rational messages –
or some combination of both emotional and rational – can be used to convince
additional commuters in Northern Virginia to use the HOV lanes. For example, a
message about time savings – “save 15 minutes on your commute” – tends to be
rational. Develop ways to communicate this message in more emotional ways.
92
Conclusions and Implications
Conclusion: In general, commuters do not believe that the HOV lanes
are enforced regularly. Only 41% of those who do not use the HOV lanes
and 37% of those who do HOV believe that the lanes are enforced
regularly.
Implication: Lack of perceived enforcement of the HOV lanes may lead
commuters to believe that the lanes not supported by VDOT or legal
authorities and, hence, not important. This perception could prevent
adoption of transportation that would allow usage of the HOV lanes. Lack
of enforcement may also convince non users that not using the HOV lanes
is justified because it allows them to rationalize their decision not to HOV.
As long as those who do not use the HOV lanes believe that the
restrictions are not enforced, they will be difficult to convert to
transportation options that allow them to use the HOV lanes.
93
Conclusions and Implications
Conclusion: There is no clear understanding among commuters about the penalty for violation
of HOV restrictions. One-third of commuters (34%) said simply that they did not know what the
penalty is. Non HOV users are slightly more likely to indicate that they do not know what the
penalty is. Some commuters believe there is a fine or ticket for violation, but do not know the
amount. Others think the fine ranges from $25 to $500.
There is support for more strict enforcement of the HOV lanes, particularly among those who
already use the HOV lanes. Nearly three-fourths (72%) of current HOV users believe the lanes
should be enforced more fully. Six out of ten (59%) commuters who do not currently use the
HOV lanes also support more strict enforcement of the lanes.
Implication: In order for penalties for violation of the lanes to be effective – to attract more
qualified users and discourage illegal usage – commuters must know that there are penalties for
violation, what the penalties are, and that they are enforced. Consider a campaign or specific
messages that communicate the penalties for HOV lane violation. Since there is already support
for more strict enforcement of the lanes, a message clarifying or reiterating the penalties would
be welcomed by many.
94
Conclusions and Implications
Conclusion: Commuters who do not use the HOV lanes are aware of the
lanes. Approximately 98% of all commuters who do not use the HOV
lanes currently are aware of the lanes. However, not all non HOV users
are familiar with the lanes. Only about 75% of the non users said that they
are familiar with the HOV lanes in terms of knowing the hours of operation
and the location of the exits and entrances.
Implication: Lack of awareness is not preventing usage of the HOV
lanes. Lack of understanding – and hence lack of comfort and ease of
usage – may be preventing usage of the HOV lanes. An important role of
communications is education. Explore ways to educate commuters about
the HOV lanes in ways that make the lanes seem “easy” to use and
increase the commuters’ comfort with using the HOV lanes.
95
Conclusions and Implications
Conclusion: The most frequent reason given for not using the
HOV lanes is that commuters do not know of anyone “going my
way.” Over one-fourth (28%) of commuters who do not use the
HOV lanes said that they do not HOV because they know of no one
going the same way.
Implication: Communications should not “neglect” the importance
of a message about the availability of resources to help commuters
find other commuters who might HOV with them. Emphasize the
ease and speed with which these services can be used.
96
Conclusions and Implications
Conclusion: Among commuters who currently SOV, there is interest in commuting
in a carpool or vanpool for a monetary incentive. Nearly one-fourth (22%) of
commuters would be likely to carpool if paid $.50 a day. Commuters on I-95 are
most interested in carpooling under these conditions. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of
this group would be likely to carpool if paid $.50 a day. Slightly fewer, 19%, would
be likely to vanpool if paid $.50 per day. Commuters on I-95 (27%) are also more
likely to respond to this $.50 incentive to vanpool than commuters on DTR, I-395 or
I-66.
Implication: Potentially, nearly one-fourth of SOV commuters could be converted
to carpooling or vanpooling with monetary incentives. Recognize that not all who
say they will carpool or vanpool actually will. Explore ways to best “convert” these
potential HOV commuters to actual HOV commuters through optimal messages and
operational logistics (e.g., how money is paid). Start with SOV commuters on I-95
where the potential is greatest.
97
Conclusions and Implications
Conclusion: HOV users (68%) are more likely than non HOV users
(52%) to be aware that there is a Park-n-Ride lot convenient for them to
use. This pattern holds constant across all corridors in Northern Virginia –
DTR, I-95, I-395, and I-66.
Implication: The awareness of the availability of Park-n-Ride lots is
positively related to usage of the HOV lanes. It is important to have Parkn-Ride lots conveniently available, and it is important for commuters to be
aware of and familiar with Park-n-Ride lots. Continue to inform commuters
about Park-n-Ride lots, including raising awareness and understanding of
the lots.
98
Conclusions and Implications
Conclusion: Currently, about 20% of commuters telework – whether they
also HOV or not. Among those who do not currently HOV or telework,
there is interest in teleworking in the future. Those who currently do not
use the HOV lanes are significantly more likely to say that they will
telework in the future than are those who currently use the HOV lanes,
47% likelihood among non HOV users and 32% likelihood among HOV
users.
Implication: Multiple solutions are necessary to ease traffic congestion in
Northern Virginia. Some non HOV users may never HOV. Nevertheless,
they might opt to telework. Some current non HOV users may chose to
both telework and HOV. Find ways to target messages about the
opportunity and process of teleworking to current non HOV users.
Develop finely tuned messages to convert these commuters who are
already interested in teleworking.
99
Conclusions and Implications
Conclusion: Commuters on DTR, I-95, I-395, and I-66 are aware of and
rely on multiple sources of information for help in “navigating” through the
traffic of Northern Virginia. They are most aware of television news
reports, radio news reports and newspaper articles. They also rate these
sources of information about HOV lanes to be most helpful – primarily
because these sources keep them updated and provide traffic reports.
Although fewer commuters are aware of the HOV website, it receives
highly favorable ratings in terms of the usefulness of the information
provided by the site.
Implication: Continue to use multiple media to reach commuters in
Northern Virginia, layering media vehicles and messages to achieve
maximum effectiveness. Explore ways to raise the level of awareness of
the website – a particularly effective way to communicate with the internetsavvy commuters of Northern Virginia.
100