Analysis of Traveler Characteristics by Mode Choice in HOT Corridors

This research examined travelers who have a vast array of travel options, including some rather unique ones: HOV3+ in an HOV lane, HOV2+ in an HOV lane off-peak, HOV2 plus a $2.00 toll in an HOV lane during the peak, and casual carpooling (slugging). Travelers using all these modes were surveyed in 2003, and significant differences between the groups of travelers were observed, providing some understanding of travel behavior when faced with these travel options. In the study, particular effort was spent on examining the characteristics of travelers who choose to travel as HOV2 carpools during peak periods and pay a $2.00 toll. This group of travelers was found to contain significantly more well-educated females with high household incomes on school related trips. The proximity of private schools near the terminus of the HOV lane probably contributed significantly to this result. Due to the array of mode choices available to these travelers, surveying all these groups was challenging and, therefore, the methodology employed in survey development and administration is also detailed in this paper.