Chittenden County 2012 Transportation Survey

NADO Rural Transportation

Peer Learning Conference, Greenville, SC April 25, 2013

Conducted by Resource Systems Group, Inc

Study Background • Third iteration of a survey on public opinion

• 2012 (conducted by RSG) • 2006 (conducted by National Research Center, Inc. • 2000 (conducted by RSG)

• Survey assesses the public’s: • Opinions on the current system’s performance • Priorities for future transportation investment

• Combined responses allow for analysis of changes in attitudes over time

Survey Methodology • Sample: 4,000 residential

addresses in Chittenden County • Randomly selected • Population-proportional

• Outreach: • Pre-notification postcard • Invitation letter

Survey Instrument • Two options for completing the survey

Paper-based (mail-back)

Web-based

Survey Sections • Mode use • Agreement with statements in 6 categories

• Highway/auto travel, transportation planning activities, public transportation, bicycling and walking, transportation behavior, quality of life

• Importance rating of statements in 7 categories • Highway initiatives, expanding public transportation service, improved

bike/walk facilities, incentives to use transportation alternatives, preservation of existing system, improved safety, minor highway efficiency projects

• Topic importance • Rate (and rank) each of the above categories (highway initiatives, etc.)

• Demographics

Mode Usage

Year-Over-Year Comparisons • The following charts present the trends in attitudes

and opinions over time • Percentages are significantly different from one

another when the margin of error bars () do not overlap

• A semi-transparent box highlights key takeaways (where 2012 results are significantly different prior year(s)

Highway/Auto Travel

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

Traffic congestion affects the majority of trips I make

Traffic congestion gets noticeably worse every year

I don't know where to find information on traffic conditions andhighway construction

I often drive on back roads and residential streets to avoid congestedhighways

I am often delayed by road construction, accidents, or special eventtraffic

Traveling by car is safe in Chittenden County

Driving in Chittenden County becomes more dangerous each year

The major roads and bridges throughout Chittenden County are ingood condition

The streets in my neighborhood are in good condition

It is difficult to find a convenient parking spot in the older, downtowncommercial areas of the County

There are enough Park-and-Ride lots in Chittenden County

There are enough rideshare and carpool opportunities in ChittendenCounty

Overall, driving is a pleasant experience in Chittenden County

2000: Percent agree 2006: Percent agree 2012: Percent agree

Bicycling and Walking

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

The sidewalks and bike paths in my neighborhood, town, or city arein good condition

There are enough sidewalks in my city or town

There are enough separated bike paths and/or bike lanes alongroads in my city or town

I live close enough to walk to work, schools, shopping, services, etc

I feel safe when crossing a road on foot

Traveling by bicycle is safe for teenagers and adults

Traveling by bicycle is safe for children

Overall, walking is a pleasant experience in Chittenden County

Overall, traveling by bicycle is a pleasant experience in ChittendenCounty

2000: Percent agree 2006: Percent agree 2012: Percent agree

Transportation Behavior

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

If it cost more to drive my car, I would make fewer trips

Nothing will replace my car as my main mode oftransportation

I support increasing gas taxes to help pay for highways,transit, bicycle and sidewalk projects

I support increasing gas taxes to help pay only for highwayprojects

I would take the bus if the routes and schedule wereconvenient for me

I would walk to work, school, shopping or other activities ifthey were close enough

I would walk more often if sidewalks were provided

I have reduced the number of trips I make by using theinternet

2000: Percent agree 2006: Percent agree 2012: Percent agree

Quality of Life

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

The noise and emissions from cars, buses and trucks are anenvironmental problem

The noise and emissions from cars, buses and trucks seem to begetting worse each year

There is a significant amount of cut through traffic in myneighborhood

Completed highway projects have been constructed in a way thatenhanced the areas in which they pass

The streets in my neighborhood are safe and pleasant for all users

Overall, Chittenden County's transportation system enhances thequality of my life

For a typical day, my car is the only safe, convenient and affordablemode available to me

Enough is being done to address the transportation needs of allpopulations

2000: Percent agree 2006: Percent agree 2012: Percent agree

Highway Initiatives

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

Adding more travel lanes to congested roads

Building more freeways (interstate type highways)

Building more local roads to provide additional connectionsbetween towns

Providing new interstate interchanges

2006: Percent highly important 2012: Percent highly important

Topic Importance

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

Highway initiatives

Expanded public transportation service

Improved bike/walk facilities

Incentives to use transportation alternatives

Preserving the condition of existing roads, bridges, sidewalks, bikepaths and public transportation services and facilities

Improved safety

Minor highway efficiency projects

2006: Percent highly important 2012: Percent highly important

Topic Ranking

6%

5%

16%

15%

18%

36%

7%

9%

12%

13%

18%

18%

20%

9%

11%

12%

16%

13%

21%

11%

21%

23%

29%

46%

46%

57%

67%

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

Highway initiatives

Minor highway efficiency projects

Incentives to use transportation alternatives

Expanded public transportation service

Improved safety

Improved bike/walk facilities

Preserving the condition of existing roads, bridges, sidewalks, bikepaths and public transportation services and facilities

Highest priority Second highest priority Third highest priority

Survey Purpose • To periodically “gain the pulse” of our residents

attitudes towards transportation related issues and track any trends

• To corroborate/support recommendations from planning studies

• To effectively involve the general public in transportation planning and decision making

• To identify areas for further research

Telecommuting in Chittenden County

Share of workers who work from home* 5.2%

Share of workers whose employer offers telecommuting** 23.3%

Sources: * 2006-2010 ACS, **2012 Chittenden County Transportation Survey