DULLES TOLL ROAD HOV LANE OPENING SURVEY

SPONSOR:

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation

Contact: Charlene “Gus” Robey, TDM and Marketing Section

RESEARCH VENDOR:

THE MARKETING SOURCE, INC., Chester, VA. Conducted 1998

Contact: Joni Carter

Telephone: 804-438-6091

Email: marksorc@crosslink.net

OVERALL PURPOSE:

In September 1992, VDOT constructed and opened HOV-3 lanes on the Dulles Toll Road. The lanes, however, were soon rescinded by the Governor due to opposition, traffic congestion, and lack of public support. The present study was conducted to gauge reaction to and potential usage of HOV lanes on the Dulles Toll Road. Outcome: HOV-2 lanes opened successfully later in 1998.

OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH:

Ž To determine:

– Current commute patterns, including mode split

– Support for HOV lanes

– Intent to use the HOV lanes once they are open

– Origin and destination points

– Impact of pricing incentives on intent to use the lanes

– Whether the lanes should be HOV-2 or HOV-3 and in operation 24 hours a day or only during peak periods of travel

METHODOLOGY:

Mode of Data Collection	Phone Survey
Completed Surveys	800
Survey Population	Dulles Toll Road commuters
Survey Instrument	Phone Survey
Criteria for Participation	Residents of Northern VA, 18-65 years old, travel at least 3 days per week on the Dulles Toll Road (DTR) between 6:00-9:00 a.m. or 4:00-7:00 p.m., travel through at least 2 DTR interchanges, commute for work or school.

SELECTED KEY FINDINGS:

Ž The majority (82%) of DTR travelers commute at least some portion of the trip alone in their car. Over half (62%) of DTR commuters drive alone the entire trip.

Ž DTR commuters support HOV lanes in general and believe that using the lanes offer cost and time savings. However, for many, the perceived time savings does not justify joining a car/van pool.

Ž Overall, most (62%) SOV commuters support an HOV lane on the DTR. However, one-quarter (26%) of those interviewed strongly oppose the lane.

Ž Commuters clearly prefer that the lane be HOV-2 and operate only during rush hours.

Ž There is moderate support for reducing fares for those who use the HOV lane. While price incentives increase interest in using the HOV lane, the rise is not dramatic.

Ž While about half (45%) of the commuters are favorable toward a SOV Buy-in, there is a significant group who strongly oppose the idea (36%). Both SOV and HOV drivers share similar views on the subject.

Ž About one-quarter (23%) of SOV drivers say they will consider using the DTR HOV lane. Realistically, this likely translates into an estimated 10% conversion from a SOV to a car/van pool mode.

AVAILABLE DOCUMENTS:

Phone Survey Questionnaire

Final Report

KEY WORDS:

Carpool, Dulles Toll Road, HOV lanes, Northern Virginia, ridesharing, Tolls, value pricing, vanpool,