Managed lane choices by carpools comprised of family members compared to non-family members
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abstract
Carpools can be comprised of family members (fampools), non-family members (non-fampools) or a combination of both. By analyzing the characteristics of fampools and non-fampools, we can better understand both groups and how policies may impact each group differently. One area of particular interest is the impact of managed lanes on the mode choice of fampools and non-fampools. Many managed lanes offer travelers a choice to use the lanes toll-free as a carpool or use the lanes as a single occupant vehicle for a toll. This may influence some carpools to break up, with one hypothesis being fampools would be more likely to stay together. This research found that the majority of fampools and non-fampools are interested in using managed lanes. The analysis of survey data proved that there are many similarities between the fampools and non-fampools but very few differences. Fampools carpooled on a smaller percentage of their weekly trips than non-fampools did. Fampools more often formed carpools for dropping off kids at school or day care, non-fampools formed carpools more often for sharing the vehicle expenses. The simulation study performed to analyze the impact of different travel scenarios available on managed lanes on the mode choice of carpoolers showed that a very small percentage of fampools and non-fampools chose to travel as a single occupant in managed lanes. Both fampools and non-fampools were insensitive towards the toll cost. The analysis of the descriptive statistics and the results from the simulation models confirmed that fampools and non-fampools have similar commute characteristics, interest in managed lanes, and socio economic characteristics - and had similar reactions to managed lanes. 2010 J. Ross Publishing, Inc.
