Transcript Utilizing Parking Permit Records to Estimate Commuter Habits and Impacts at UW-Oshkosh

Utilizing Parking Permit Records to
Estimate Commuter Habits and
Impacts
Nadeesha Thewarapperuma
Dr. Michael Lizotte
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
• UW Oshkosh is surrounded by residential areas, Fox
River
• Parking on campus is limited
• Study to select best alternative options for commuter
staff and students.
METHODOLOGY
Data Collection
• Parking permit application cards
– Home Address
– Vehicle Information
• Samples were taken from
– Commuter Student
– Staff
Sample Permit Application Card
Calculating the Distance Travelled
• Address is entered into Google Maps
• Route with the shortest time selected
Sample Permit Application Card
Calculating Fuel Efficiency
• Calculated using www.fueleconomy.gov
• Assumptions
– Least expensive model selected
– Automatic transmission
– Combined figure for city and highway mileage selected
Fuel Efficiency for a Toyota Prius
RESULTS
Results for Fuel Efficiency
Staff
Commuter Student
Mean (mpg)
19.6
19.7
Mean without Priuses
18.4
Median (mpg)
19
19.5
Sample Size
173
70
• Three Priuses were included in staff sample
– Skewed the mean
• Students drive more fuel-efficient vehicles compared
to staff
Fuel Efficiency for Staff and Student
Commuters
Results for Distance Travelled
Staff
Student Commuters
Mean (miles)
15
21
Median
4.4
19.75
Peak Areas
(3 – 5)
(3 – 5)
(15 – 28)
(21 – 28)
173
70
Sample size
• Most commuters are within a 5 mile range of campus
• The rest are clustered in the nearby cities
Distance Travelled for Staff and
Student Commuters
Cluster Map of Student and Staff
Commuters
CONCLUSIONS
Recommendations
• Car Pools
– ZimRide introduced in Fall 2010
• Van Pools
– Employees who work 8am to 4:30pm
– Oshkosh suburb area, Appleton, Neenah/Menasha area
• Expand bus routes, frequency
• Bikes and bike lanes
– Reconstruction of Elmwood Ave
CURRENT STUDIES
Current Studies
• Estimate the Cost of Operating a Van Pool
– Utilize AAA estimates
– “Your Driving Costs 2010”
• Conduct Surveys to Gain Commuter Input
– Surveys will capture commuters who use
alternatives, non-permit holders
“Your Driving Costs – 2010” AAA