1 HOV Attitude and Usage Study September 24, 2003.

1

HOV Attitude and Usage Study

September 24, 2003

2

Today’s Agenda

I. Objectives and MethodologyII. 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

III. Conclusions and Implications

3

Objectives and Methodology

4

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

5

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

6

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 DTR I-95 I-395 I-66 Use Non Use Non Use Non Use Non Use NonHOV User HOV User HOV User HOV User HOV User 677 1,140 174 478 219 291 223 237 301 536

• 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.

7

Detailed Findings

8

Commuters Who Use the HOV Lanes

9

Mode of Transportation Used Most Often

DTR I-95 I-395 I-66

% % % %

Drive alone 73 57 50 63

Pre-arranged carpool with 1 other

12 7 8 21

Pre-arranged carpool with 2 or more others

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)?

10

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

Average 49 minutes 48 minutes 49 minutes

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 Minutes

-- 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

% % % % % % % %

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

Average 45 min 46 min 54 min 57 min 50 min 53 min 46 min 50 min

Data from Q12: On average, how many minutes does it take to travel from your home to (DESTINATION),

one-way?

12

Average Length of Trip in Miles


% % %

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?

Average Length of Trip in Miles-- By Corridor --

24 miles25 miles25 miles32 miles31 miles37 miles24 miles27 miles Average

795710569Don’t know

21364711Over 60 miles

21396132251 – 60 miles

445109165541 – 50 miles

11131291513101731 – 40 miles

293429282729323721 – 30 miles

373033232712342011 – 20 miles

99108451091 – 10 miles

%%%%%%%%

Non HOV

Use HOV

Non HOV

Use HOV

Non HOV

Use HOV

Non HOV

Use HOV

I-66I-395I-95DTR

Data from Q13: About how many miles is that?

14

Average Miles and Minutes for Commute

72 min68 minOver 35 miles

60 min51 min26 – 35 miles



32 min27 min< 15 miles

Non HOVUse HOVMiles

Minutes

15

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

% % % % % % % %

Miles

< 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

16

Employment Status

2%

1%

3%

2%

6%

8%

13%

64%

4%

5%

35%

42%

2%

6%

2%

4%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Other

Not employed

Student

Military

State or local gov't.

Self-employed

Federal gov't.

Private industry

HOV

Non HOV

44% of I-95 HOV users and 48% of I-395 HOV users work for the federal government

Data from Q39: Do you work for … ?

17

Alternative Transportation Support Offered by Employer

38%

47%

7%

11%

18%

46%

27%

35%

24%

13%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

None of theseprograms

Free/sub. parking for all

Car/vanpool assistance

Free/sub. parking forcar/vanpools

Fare sub./ MetroChek

HOV

Non HOV

Data from Q40: Which of the following does your employer offer?

18

Age

11%

23%

33%

25%

8%5%

14%

27%

24%

30%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

55 - 65

45 - 54

35 - 44

25 - 34

18 - 24

HOV

Non HOV

Mean age of HOV = 42Mean age of non HOV = 40

Data from Q41: Which of the following best describes your current age?

19

Race or Ethnicity

4%

1%

5%

7%

10%

73%

12%

72%

3%

1%

6%

6%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Other

Native American

Asian

Hispanic

African-American

White, non-Hispanic

HOV

Non HOV

Data from Q42: Which of the following best describes your race or ethnicity?

20

Length of Time Lived in Area

36%

16%

18%

16%

7%

6%

9%

7%

30%

15%

19%

20%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

More than 15 years

11 - 15 years

6 - 10 years

3 - 5 years

2 years

1 year

HOV

Non HOV

Mean years in area:HOV = 13Non HOV = 15

Data from Q43: How many years have you lived in your area?

Annual Household Income

30%

18%

21%

15%

15%

2%

13%

1%

29%

22%

14%

21%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

$125,000 or more

$100,000 - $124,999

$75,000 - $99,999

$50,000 - $74,999

$25,000 - $49,999

Under $25,000

HOV

Non HOV

Mean:HOV = $97,000Non HOV = $94,000

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?

22

Gender

44%

56%

53%

47%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Female

Male

HOV

Non HOV

Data from Q46: Specify gender. (DO NOT ASK.)

23

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 HOV lanes

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 else drives

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?

24

Perceptions of HOV

Agreement with Statements about HOV Lanes

10%

18%

19%

20%

25%

25%

17%

19%

30%

33%

37%

28%

23%

33%

29%

12%

15%

17%

20%

19%

21%

33%

43%

39%

39%

46%

54%

61%

51%

57%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

HOV lanes don't work

If gas price goes up, will try alt. trans.

HOV doesn't work because not enforced

Time savings not sufficient to justify use of HOV

Are enough park-n-ride lots

HOV lanes are safer than regular lanes

Penalties should be more severe

Violators should have points charged

HOV relieves traffic congestion

HOV improves air quality

Even if can't use, HOV relieves traf. congestion

HOV moves more people in fewer vehicles

Support having HOV lanes

Ridesharing lowers trans. costs

Get to destination faster

Agree somewhat Agree strongly

86%

84%84%

82%83%

72%

69%

62%

50%

46%

44%

40%

36%

33%22%

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?)

26

Perception of How Strictly the HOV Lanes Are Enforced

21%

20%

20%

20%

17%

19%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Non HOV

HOV

Total

Second box Top box (Enforced regularly)

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.

39%

37%

41%

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 How Strictly the HOV Lanes Are Enforced

-- By Corridor --

35%

50%

54%

41%

32%

43%

45%

36%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I-66

I-395

I-95

DTRHOV

Non HOV

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.

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.

28

Perception of Current Penalty or Penalties for Violation of HOV

Restrictions


% % %

$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?

29

Perception of Current Penalty or Penalties for Violation of HOV

Restrictions -- 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

% % % % % % % %

$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?

30

Agree that HOV Lanes Should Be Enforced More Fully

62%

58%

55%

59%

59%72%

73%

69%

73%

73%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I-66

I-395

I-95

DTR

Total

HOV

Non HOV

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.”

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” and “5” means “agree very much.”

31

Reasons for Not Using the HOV Lanes

32

Aware of HOV Lanes

95%

97%

98%

98%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I-66

I-395

I-95

DTR

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)?

Familiarity with HOV Lanes

84%

73%

75%

76%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I-66

I-395

I-95

DTR

Total proportion answer-ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not very familiar” and “5” means “very familiar.”

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.”

Based to those who do not use HOV lanes

but are aware of them.

34

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?

35

Past Usage of HOV Lanes

No63%

Yes37%

Based to commuters who do

not use the HOV lanes.

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?

36

Likelihood of Joining Carpool or Vanpool or Take Bus to Use HOV Lanes

18%

17%

19%

16%

18%

7%

9%

8%

9%

9%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I-66

I-395

I-95

DTR

Total

Somewhat likely Very likely

Based to those who currently SOV.

26%

25%

28%

26%

25%

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?

37

Transportation Most Likely to Use in Order to Use HOV Lanes

2%

6%

14%

19%

22%

37%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Don't know

Other

Vanpool

HOV Express Bus

Park-n-ride andtake shuttle

Carpool

Based to those who said they are somewhat or very likely to use alternate transportation in order to use HOV lanes.

Data from Q26: Which of the following alternatives would you most likely use for your work commute/destinations?

Transportation Most Likely to Use in Order to Use HOV Lanes

-- By Corridor --

4%

5%

16%

21%

20%

34%

22%

45%

1%

4%

17%

18%

23%

37%

1%

7%

12%

19%

23%

37%

16%

12%

4%

2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Don't know

Other

Vanpool

HOV Express Bus

Park-n-ride andtake shuttle

Carpool

DTR

I-95

I-395

I-66

Based to those who said they are somewhat or very likely to use alternate transportation in order to use HOV lanes.

Data from Q26: Which of the following alternatives would you most likely use for your work/commute destination?

39

Ridesharing

40

Attribute Impact on Likelihood of Ridesharing

11%

9%

8%

13%

12%

15%

14%

16%

15%

18%

20%

25%

22%

28%

25%

28%

32%

37%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Companionship during commute

Park close to work

Wouldn't have to find parking space

Park for free

Qualify for financial support

Less stress

Lower transportation costs

Decrease air pollution

Save time by using HOV lanes

Avoid traffic congestion

Second box Top box (Very likely)

52%

48%

42%

40%

40%

35%

33%

29%

29%

16%

Total proportion answer- ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not at all likely” and “5” means “very likely.”


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 …?


-- DTR --

8%

7%

6%

14%

13%

16%

14%

15%

16%

16%

18%

23%

18%

26%

33%

25%

30%

35%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Park close to work


Park for free


Less stress






51%

45%

39%

49%

39%

34%

29%

25%

24%

13%

Total proportion answer-ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not at all likely”” and “5” means “very likely.”


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 … ?


-- I-95 --

13%

8%

10%

12%

10%

16%

14%

14%

11%

27%

23%

34%

30%

38%

33%

34%

38%

44%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Park close to work


Park for free


Less stress






55%

52%

48%

49%

48%

42%

44%

31%

40%

24%

Total proportion answer-ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not at all likely”” and “5” means “very likely.”




-- I-395 --

13%

7%

11%

14%

11%

17%

13%

15%

11%

23%

25%

33%

25%

35%

29%

35%

37%

47%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Park close to work


Park for free


Less stress






58%

52%

48%

46%

46%

39%

44%

32%

36%

18%

Total proportion answer-ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not at all likely” and “5” means “very likely.”




-- I-66 --

13%

10%

9%

14%

12%

16%

14%

19%

16%

16%

20%

25%

20%

27%

24%

30%

29%

37%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Park close to work


Park for free


Less stress






53%

48%

44%

40%

39%

34%

34%

30%

29%

15%

Total proportion answer-ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not at all likely” and “5” means “very likely.”



45

Reasons for Ridesharing

29%

36%

37%

45%

49%

60%

68%

68%

82%

86%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Park close to work


Parking is free

Avoid having to find parking


Less stressed


Save time


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.

Based to those who currently rideshare.

Reasons for Ridesharing-- DTR --

32%

35%

41%

50%

43%

59%

63%

61%

81%

83%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Park close to work


Parking is free



Less stressed


Save time




Reasons for Ridesharing-- I-95 --

41%

41%

26%

49%

55%

63%

77%

75%

90%

91%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Park close to work


Parking is free



Less stressed


Save time





94%

95%

38%

47%

26%

54%

63%

65%

80%

78%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Park close to work


Parking is free



Less stressed


Save time





21%

34%

42%

42%

42%

54%

63%

62%

85%

85%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Park close to work


Parking is free



Less stressed


Save time




50

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.

Most Important Reasons for Ridesharing

-- Importance Index --

2%

2%

3%

3%

4%

6%

11%

16%

21%

30%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Parking is free


Park close to work



Less stressed



Save time


The values reported in this graph represent the total proportion of first and second place importance rankings for each attribute.

52


-- Importance Index: DTR --

2%

2%

4%

2%

6%

9%

11%

13%

22%

30%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Parking is free


Park close to work



Less stressed



Save time



53


-- Importance Index: I-95 --

2%

1%

5%

3%

2%

4%

13%

16%

20%

35%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Parking is free


Park close to work



Less stressed



Save time



54



11%

18%

18%

2%

3%

3%

4%

2%

4%

37%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Parking is free


Park close to work



Less stressed



Save time



55



2%

2%

2%

5%

6%

6%

10%

13%

23%

33%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


Parking is free


Park close to work



Less stressed



Save time



Likelihood of Carpooling if Paid $.50 a Day

10%

10%

15%

11%

10%

13%

14%

14%

9%

12%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I-66

I-395

I-95

DTR

Total


22%

20%

29%

24%

23%

Total proportion answer-ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not very likely” and “5” means “very likely.”


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.”

57

Likelihood of Vanpooling if Paid $.50 a Day

8%

10%

13%

7%

8%

10%

11%

14%

9%

11%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I-66

I-395

I-95

DTR

Total


19%

16%

27%

21%

18%

Total proportion answer-ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not very likely” and “5” means “very likely.”


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.”

58

Transportation and Commuting Issues

Importance of Factors in Selecting Type of Transportation

25%

18%

28%

19%

36%

29%

25%

17%

20%

23%

23%

16%

29%

43%

34%

54%

41%

55%

63%

72%

71%

71%

73%

80%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Time alone

Ability for work related trips

Ability to make stops / run errands

Concern about being stranded

Cost

Better use of commute time

Morning departure time

Safety

Flexible arrival time

Time to destination

Convenience

Dependability

Somewhat important Very important

96%

95%

94%

89%

88%

84%

77%

62%

61%

54%

90%

73%

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.


-- HOV Users Compared to Non Users --

59%

70%

69%

76%

75%

82%

89%

90%

93%

93%

95%

96%

44%

45%

50%

67%

81%

87%

88%

88%

85%

96%

96%

96%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Time alone




Cost



Safety


Time to destination

Convenience

Dependability

HOVNon HOV

Total “very” and “somewhat” import-ant.


-- DTR --

56%

72%

66%

80%

75%

81%

89%

89%

93%

92%

95%

94%

41%

51%

54%

69%

76%

87%

86%

90%

90%

95%

96%

94%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Time alone




Cost



Safety


Time to destination

Convenience

Dependability

HOV

Non HOVTotal “very” and “somewhat” import-ant.


-- I-95 --

69%

75%

72%

76%

76%

83%

90%

94%

92%

93%

94%

98%

46%

38%

40%

69%

85%

89%

91%

92%

80%

94%

95%

98%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Time alone




Cost



Safety


Time to destination

Convenience

Dependability

HOV



-- I-395 --

64%

67%

71%

74%

77%

81%

86%

90%

90%

90%

94%

96%

44%

33%

39%

65%

83%

87%

87%

87%

82%

95%

95%

97%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Time alone




Cost



Safety


Time to destination

Convenience

Dependability

HOV



-- I-66 --

58%

70%

68%

74%

76%

86%

90%

89%

92%

93%

96%

96%

44%

53%

58%

68%

78%

89%

90%

84%

88%

98%

97%

95%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Time alone




Cost



Safety


Time to destination

Convenience

Dependability

HOVNon HOV

Total “very” and “somewhat” import-ant.

65

Awareness of Convenient Park-n-Ride Lot

47%

58%

71%

51%

52%68%

86%

62%

79%

61%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I-66

I-395

I-95

DTR

Total

HOV

Non HOV

Data from Q23: Whether or not you use it, do you know if there is a park-n-ride lot or commuter parking lot that is convenient to you?

Average Number of Days per Week Personal Vehicle Needed

8%

2%

35%

5%

12%

9%

7%

19%

4%

2%

23%

2%

7%

7%

13%

41%

11%

8%

9%

28%

30%

4%

2%

7%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

7 days

6 days

5 days

4 days

3 days

2 days

1 day

None

Total

HOV

Non HOV

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?

67

Frequency of Teleworking

1%

1%

2%

1%

1%

2%

1%

8%

1%

2%

3%

11%

80%

0%

4%

83%

0%

3%

9%

82%

2%

0%

1%

1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Don't know

More than 5 days

5 days

4 days

3 days

2 days

1 day

Never

Total

HOV

Non HOV

Data from Q26a: How often, if ever, do you telework or work from home?

68

Frequency of Teleworking-- DTR --

1%

1%

1%

2%

4%

12%

79%

1%

1%

2%

3%

4%

11%

79%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Don't know

More than 5 days

5 days

4 days

3 days

2 days

1 day

Never

HOV

Non HOV


0%0%

69

Frequency of Teleworking-- I-95 --

5%

2%

4%

2%

4%

9%

75%

1%

1%

2%

1%

4%

7%

85%

1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Don't know

More than 5 days

5 days

4 days

3 days

2 days

1 day

Never

HOV

Non HOV


0%

70


1%

4%

2%

3%

1%

8%

80%

1%

1%

2%

4%

9%

84%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Don't know

More than 5 days

5 days

4 days

3 days

2 days

1 day

Never

HOV

Non HOV


0%

0%

0%

71


1%

1%

1%

1%

3%

9%

84%

2%

1%

3%

8%

83%

0%

1%

1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Don't know

More than 5 days

5 days

4 days

3 days

2 days

1 day

Never

HOV

Non HOV


0%

Likelihood to Telework in Future

24%

20%

23%

23%

12%

19%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Non HOV

HOV

Total

Somewhat likely Very likely

Based to those who said that they currently do not telework.

42%

32%

47%

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 --

48%

45%

46%

50%

31%

34%

32%

31%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I-66

I-395

I-95

DTR

HOV

Non HOV

Based to those who said they currently do not telework.

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?

Total “very” and “somewhat” likely.

Familiarity with Alternate Fuel Vehicles

Never heard of9%

Not very familiar

19%

Very familiar29%

Somewhatfamiliar

43%

Very + Somewhat Familiar:HOV = 73%Non HOV = 71%

.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?

Based to total sample.

Familiarity with Alternate Fuel Vehicles-- By Corridor --

69%

71%

66%

74%

67%

81%

72%

80%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I-66

I-395

I-95

DTR

HOV

Non HOV

Total “very” and “somewhat” familiar.

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 CarYes45%

No55%

Yes:HOV = 60%Non HOV = 36%

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?

77

Response to Information about HOV Lanes

Awareness of Information about HOV Lanes

46%

52%

48%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Non HOV

HOV

Total

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 --

44%

47%

48%

44%

47%

60%

45%

58%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I-66

I-395

I-95

DTR

HOV

Non HOV

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

94%

4%

1%

1%

88%

3%

3%

5%

91%

4%

1%

2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Never heard of HOVcalculator

Heard of HOV calculator,but never visited website

Visited website but neverused calculator

Visited the website andused calculator

TotalHOV

Non HOV

Highest usage among I-95 HOV users = 5%

Data from Q33: Which of the following best describes your familiarity with the HOV calculator, found at HOV calculator.com on the internet?

81

Reasons for Not Visiting Website or Using Calculator

846No reason

1047Do not have computer access

181717Too busy

272124No need

%%%

Non HOVUse HOVTotal

Data from Q34: Why did you not visit the website / use the calculator?

82

Source of Advertising

6%

10%

16%

19%

33%

49%

7%

18%

16%

14%

34%

48%

33%

49%

16%

17%

14%

6%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Don't know

Internet

Mail at home

Television

Newspaper

Radio

Total

HOV

Non HOV

Based to those who recalled seeing or hearing advertising about HOV Lanes.

Data from Q28a: Where did you see or hear that advertising?

Usefulness of Information

15%

18%

15%

19%

18%

20%

12%

14%

14%

20%

19%

20%

27%

51%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Mail at home

Events at park-n-ride lots

Newspaper articles

Advertising

Television news report

Radio news reports

HOV website

Fairly useful Very useful

Based to those aware of each information source.

63%

47%

38%

38%

35%

32%

29%

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?

84

Reasons Information Useful

%%%%%%%

114-5312Info does not apply to me / Don’t use HOV

514145562Does not give enoughdetail

16-5524827Give traffic reports

-14-35714Already knew about it

82717662426748Keeps you updated

HOV Website

Events at P-n-R Lots

Mail at Home

Radio News

Report

Tel. News

Report

News-paper

Articles

Adver-

tising

Data from Q30: Why do you say that?

85

Reasons Information Somewhat or Not Useful

11-812191620Does not give enough detail

6223721181616Info does not apply to me / Don’t use HOV

%%%%%%%

39221818152128Already knew about it

HOV

Website

Events at P-n-R Lots

Mail at Home

Radio News

Report

Tel. News

Report

News-paper

Articles

Adver-tising


86

Specific Information Seen or Heard

3%

4%

1%

3%

5%

8%

13%

30%

48%

47%

2%

5%

2%

2%

12%

9%

13%

38%

39%

43%

8%

8%

13%

34%

44%

45%

3%

4%

3%

1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Don't know

Other

Signs on highway


HOV website

Mail at home

Advertising related to HOV

Newspaper article

Radio news report


Total

HOV

Non HOV

Based to those who recalled seeing or hearing information about HOV Lanes.

Data from Q28: What did you see or hear?

Most Helpful Source of Information

15%

1%

2%

2%

6%

5%

16%

18%

27%

13%

2%

2%

5%

10%

13%

17%

27%

6%

7%

15%

17%

27%

0%

2%

2%

0%

14%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Don't know


Mail at home

Advertising related to HOV

Signs on highway

HOV website

Newspaper article


Radio news report

Total

HOV

Non HOV

Based to those who recalled seeing or hearing information about HOV Lanes.

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?

88

Why Information Most Helpful

%%%%%%

----138Read newspaper everyday

3421392More convenient to watch television

78322173Give traffic reports

---4812Listen to the radio for information

455069393941Keeps you updated

Word of

Mouth

Signs

on Road

HOV Website

Radio News

Report

Tel. News

Report

News-paper

Articles


89

Conclusions and Implications

90


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.

91


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.

92


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.

93


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.

94


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.

95


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.

96


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.

97


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.

98


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 Park-n-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.

99


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.

100


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 internet-savvy commuters of Northern Virginia.

1 HOV Attitude and Usage Study September 24, 2003.

Documents

hov users

hov usage

hov lanesiii

hov attitude

agemean age of hov

average length of trip

current users

commuteaverage miles