Xuehao Chu

Phone: 813-974-9831

E-mail: xchu@cutr.usf.edu

Institution:                             

Center for Urban Transportation Research

University of South Florida

Tampa, Florida

Fax: (813) 974-5168

Website: http://www.cutr.usf.edu

External Project Contact:     

Jon M. Ausman, Transit Program Manager (presumably)

Florida Department of Transportation

605 Suwannee Street (MS 26)

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450

Work Phone: 850-414-4519     Suncom: 994-4519

Work Fax: 850-922-4942     Suncom: 292-4942

E-Mail:  jon.ausman@dot.state.fl.us

I.       Project Objective

The project objective is to continue with the work initiated in the Phase I effort by carrying out additional analysis of the NHTS data.  This will include various analyses that take advantage of the planned supplemental data to be appended to the data set in 2004.  FHWA had consultants develop respondent location data to fuse into the files as well as data regarding the density of the household location.  These data items enable analyses that should provide richer information and an enhanced understanding of how these factors influence transit use. 

Density data was available for the 1995 data and was used in various CUTR analyses to understand how that aspect of land use influences behavior.  The presence of goecoded information on the household location will be new for 2001. 

It is planned that the additional analyses will result in a stand alone white paper report. 

II.     Project Abstract

Transit use is known to be influenced by a variety of factors including land use characteristics of the residents and destinations of travelers.  This analysis will explore the land use variables appended to the National Household Travel Survey data in order to gain a richer understanding of how land use characteristics influence transit use behavior.  This will include exploring the relationships of density to transit use.  The analysis will be done for aggregate national data and be used to enhance the knowledge developed in the Phase I work, Public Transit in America, 2001.  A white paper report will document the findings of this statistical analysis of the appended NHTS data set. 

III.    Task Descriptions

Task 1   Explore the Database Supplements and Other Possible Data that Could be Linked

This task will involve reviewing the data supplements that FHWA adds and determining the types of analyses that can be developed.  The data is expected to give household geographical data and may give employment lace data as well.  The extent to which the data can be related to the metro area centroid, the transit system, population density and other factors will be considered.  The nature of the data will determine the types of analyses that can be carried out. 

Task 2    Determine Contents for the Report Supplement

This task shall determine exactly how the new research write up will be integrated into the Phase I report. 

Task 3    Conduct Analysis

This task will involve conduction the analyses that are to be carried out.  Various SPSS or GIS tools will be used and the analytical results will be developed in tabular and graphical format for review by the researchers to discern implications. 

Task 4    Prepare Report Supplements

This task shall present the analysis results into a new section of the Public Transit In America Report.  A research paper or two will also be produced to enhance dissemination of the findings. 

 IV.    Project Schedule 

A project-duration of 12 months is proposed.  CUTR intends to initiate activity on this task n October 2004.  CUTR shall not request an extension within sixty (60) days of the scheduled completion date of the project.

Project Start Date: October 2004

Note:    T = Task efforts

            D = Deliverables

V.    Total Project Budget 

Note:  This budget does not reflect any federal participation. The project team will include faculty, students, and secretarial and other support staff who will work directly on the project and whose costs are reflected in the direct costs of the project as listed above.

VI.    Student Involvement

Students will be used in data analysis.  This project provides a very strong opportunity for students to develop a rich understanding of travel behavior.  One particular student is already considering this as a Thesis topic. 

VII.  Relationship to Other Research Projects

Some of the publications resulting from prior analysis efforts include the following:

1.  NPTS Demographics & Travel Behavior: A Comparison of Florida and the United States

2.  Travel Patterns of People of Color, Prepared for US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Battelle, Chapter 2, Demographics of People of Color, and Chapter 6, Mode Choice by People of Color for Non-Work Trips.  June 2000.  http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/trvpatns.pdf

3.  (Steve Polzin, Xuehao Chu and Joel Rey) “The Role of Density and Captivity in the Success of Public Transit:  Observations from the 1995 NPTS,” Presented at the 79th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, January 2000.  Published in TRR No. 1735, Transit Planning, Intermodal Facilities, and Management and Marketing, 2000. 

4.  (Xuehao Chu, Steve Polzin and Joel Rey) Public Transit in America: Findings from the Nationwide Public Transportation Survey, Center for Urban transportation Research, September 1998. http://www.cutr.eng.usf.edu/index2.htm 

5.  (Steve Polzin and Xuehao Chu), “How Many People Use Public Transportation?” guest column, The Urban Transportation Monitor, July 9, 1999.

6.  (Steve Polzin, Xuehao Chu and Joel Rey) “Mobility and Mode Choice of People of Color for Non-Work Travel, Findings from the Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey.” TRB NPTS Specialty Conference: The Long and Short of It, June 1999, and TRB Annual Meeting, January 2000.  Scheduled for subsequent printed conference proceedings and TRB publication. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/travelconf/fhwabts.htm.

VIII. Technology Transfer Activities/Peer Review

We have an opportunity to complete this as a follow on to the phase one work as soon as the data and authorization are completed.  We anticipate continued strong interest in the results of this study and numerous opportunities to disseminate the findings.  

We are using a select committee of outside reviewers including FHWA, FTA and folks from transit properties (GCRTA and CTA) for Phase I.  We would anticipate continuing to use the same group.  The FDOT Project Manager shall be one of the reviewers. 

IX.  Potential Benefits of Project

This project will enhance the understanding of transit use which will be of value to transit planners, marketing professionals and policy makers.  This can help position professionals and policy makers to make more informed decisions regarding the design and provision of transit services. 

X.  TRB Keywords

Public transportation, travel behavior, transit, mode share, density, land use