1. 1 HOV Attitude and Usage Study September 24, 2003

2. 2 Today’s Agenda I.Objectives and Methodology II.Detailed Findings Commuters Who Use the HOV Lanes Perceptions of HOV Reasons for Not Using the HOV Lanes Ridesharing Transportation and Commuting Issues Response to Information about HOV Lanes III.Conclusions and Implications

3. 3 Objectives and Methodology

4. 4 Objectives Assess awareness of HOV lanes Determine level of support and usage of HOV lanes Assess perceptions and imagery of HOV lanes Assess perceived benefits and importance of benefits of the lanes Better understand HOV usage by comparing current users to commuters who could use the HOV lanes but do not Assess perceptions of lane enforcement Identify barriers to usage and ways that these barriers can be overcome

5. 5 Methodology A telephone survey was conducted among commuters in Northern Virginia who travel on the Dulles Toll Road, I-95, I-395 or I-66 Some respondents currently use the HOV lanes, and some do not use the HOV lanes but could Non-users had to travel a sufficient distance for HOV lanes to be beneficial. Commuters on I-95 and I-395 had to travel for at least 30 minutes to qualify. Commuters on DTR and I-66 had to travel for at least 20 minutes For non users, HOV lanes had to be conveniently accessible to them In addition, all respondents had to: –Be aged 18 - 65 –Commute at least 3 days a week during morning “rush” hour on DTR, I-95, I-395 or I-66

6. 6 Methodology 1,800 interviews were targeted for completion. These interviews were to include 200 HOV users on each of the corridors: DTR, I-95, I-395 and I-66. The sample was also designed to include non HOV users: 200 each on I-95 and I- 395 and 400 each on DTR and I-66. 1,817 interviews were completed, distributed as follows: Total DTR I-95 I-395 I-66 Use Non Use Non Use Non Use Non Use Non HOV UserHOV UserHOV UserHOV UserHOV User 677 1,140 174 478 219 291 223 237 301 536 The typical morning commute for some commuters involves more than one of these corridors. Thus, some respondents are represented more than once in these categories.

7. 7 Detailed Findings

8. 8 Commuters Who Use the HOV Lanes

9. 9 Mode of Transportation Used Most Often DTRI-95I-395I-66 %% Drive alone73575063 Pre-arranged carpool with 1 other 127821 Pre-arranged carpool with 2 or more others 8131510 Bus6474 Slug11315<1 Vanpool<1651 Data from Q8: Which of the following transportation modes do you use most often when commuting on (DTR/I-95/I-395/I-66)?

10. 10 Average Length of Trip in Minutes TotalUse HOVNon HOV %% 10 minutes or less121 11 - 20 minutes777 21 - 30 minutes171618 31 - 40 minutes171916 41 - 50 minutes232224 51 – 60 minutes18 17 Over 60 minutes161516 Average49 minutes48 minutes49 minutes Data from Q12: On average, how many minutes does it take to travel from your home to (DESTINATION), one-way?

11. Average Length of Trip in Minutes -- By Corridor -- DTRI-95I-395I-66 Use HOV Non HOV Use HOV Non HOV Use HOV Non HOV Use HOV Non HOV %%%% 10 minutes or less31121112 11 – 20 minutes87346477 21 – 30 minutes142011814 1718 31 – 40 minutes21 161418112013 41 – 50 minutes23 212522312324 51 – 60 minutes1816241817 18 Over 60 minutes1211232620211317 Average45 min46 min54 min57 min50 min53 min46 min50 min Data from Q12: On average, how many minutes does it take to travel from your home to (DESTINATION), one-way?

12. 12 Average Length of Trip in Miles TotalUse HOVNon HOV %% 1 - 10 miles999 11 - 20 miles322536 21 - 30 miles293029 31 - 40 miles121311 41 - 50 miles685 51 - 60 miles352 Over 60 miles231 Don’t know786 Average26 miles28 miles24 miles Data from Q13: About how many miles is that?

13. Average Length of Trip in Miles -- By Corridor -- Data from Q13: About how many miles is that?

14. 14 Average Miles and Minutes for Commute 72 min68 minOver 35 miles 60 min51 min26 – 35 miles 48 min45 min20 – 25 miles 41 min36 min15 – 19 miles 32 min27 min< 15 miles Non HOVUse HOVMiles Minutes

15. 15 Average Miles and Minutes for Commute -- By Corridor -- Minutes DTRI-95I-395I-66 Use HOV Non HOV Use HOV Non HOV Use HOV Non HOV Use HOV Non HOV %%%% Miles < 15 miles1831283031362930 15 – 19 miles3238394336473641 20 – 25 miles4845425243504650 26 – 35 miles5256486047635465 Over 35 miles5970687671737071

16. 16 Employment Status 44% of I-95 HOV users and 48% of I-395 HOV users work for the federal government Data from Q39: Do you work for … ?

17. 17 Alternative Transportation Support Offered by Employer Data from Q40: Which of the following does your employer offer?

18. 18 Age Mean age of HOV = 42 Mean age of non HOV = 40 Data from Q41: Which of the following best describes your current age?

19. 19 Race or Ethnicity Data from Q42: Which of the following best describes your race or ethnicity?

20. 20 Length of Time Lived in Area Mean years in area: HOV = 13 Non HOV = 15 Data from Q43: How many years have you lived in your area?

21. Annual Household Income Mean: HOV = $97,000 Non HOV = $94,000 Data from Q44: Is your current annual household income above or below $50,000? If “over,” ask: Is it $125,000 or more, $100,000 -$124,999, $75,000-$99,999, $50,000-$74,999? If “below,” ask: Is it … $35,000-$49,999, $25,000-$34,999, $15,000-$25,999, $5,000-$14,999, under $5,000?

22. 22 Gender Data from Q46: Specify gender. (DO NOT ASK.)

23. 23 Reasons for Using HOV Lanes TotalDTRI-95I-395I-66 %%% Takes less time / faster59525962 Have enough passengers to use HOV lanes 13208618 Costs less11913159 Less traffic / congestion1110121110 Due to heavy traffic7111105 Don’t have to drive / someone else drives 56556 Data from Q17: You indicated that you do use the HOV lanes on your regular commute. Why have you decided to use a transportation option that allows you to use the HOV lanes?

24. 24 Perceptions of HOV

25. Agreement with Statements about HOV Lanes 86% 84% 82% 83% 72% 69% 62% 50% 46% 44% 40% 36% 33% 22% Data from Q22: Next, I’m going to read you some statements that relate to HOV lanes. For each, please tell me if you agree or disagree with that statement. (Follow-up with: Would that be strongly or somewhat?)

26. 26 Perception of How Strictly the HOV Lanes Are Enforced Proportion who answered “5” or “4” on 5-point scale, where “1” means that the restrictions are not enforced at all and “5” means that the restrictions are enforced regularly. 39% 37% 41% Data from Q36: How strictly would you say the HOV lane restrictions are enforced? Please use a scale of 1-5 for your answer, where “1” means that the restrictions are not enforced at all and “5” means that the restrictions are enforced regularly.

27. 27 Perception of How Strictly the HOV Lanes Are Enforced -- By Corridor -- Proportion who answered “5” or “4” on 5-point scale, where “1” means that the restrictions are not enforced at all and “5” means that the restrictions are enforced regularly. Data from Q36: How strictly would you say the HOV lane restrictions are enforced? Please use a scale of 1-5 for your answer, where “1” means that the restrictions are not enforced at all and “5” means that the restrictions are enforced regularly.

28. 28 Perception of Current Penalty or Penalties for Violation of HOV Restrictions TotalUse HOVNon HOV %% $151 - $500232819 $25 - $150201722 A fine / ticket (unspecified)12 13 Points on driver’s license323 Other7114 Don’t know342937 Data from Q37: What is the current penalty or penalties for violation of HOV lane restrictions?

29. 29 Perception of Current Penalty or Penalties for Violation of HOV Restrictions -- By Corridor -- DTRI-95I-395I-66 Use HOV Non HOV Use HOV Non HOV Use HOV Non HOV Use HOV Non HOV %%%% $150 - $50014 413137272418 $25 - $150172215181419 22 A fine / ticket (unspecified)16148 12161213 Points on driver’s license34<111244 Other63175 585 Don’t know43 183119303238 Data from Q37: What is the current penalty or penalties for violation of HOV lane restrictions?

30. 30 Agree that HOV Lanes Should Be Enforced More Fully Total proportion answer-ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “do not agree at all” and “5” means “agree very much.” Data from Q38: To what extent do you agree with the following statement: “HOV lanes should be enforced more fully”? Please use a scale of 1-5 for your answer, where “1” means “do not agree at all” and “5” means “agree very much.”

31. 31 Reasons for Not Using the HOV Lanes

32. 32 Aware of HOV Lanes Based to those who do not use HOV lanes. Data from Q15: Prior to this interview, were you aware of the HOV lanes on (DTR/I-95/I-395/I-66)?

33. Familiarity with HOV Lanes Total proportion answer-ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not very familiar” and “5” means “very familiar.” Data from Q16: How familiar are you with the HOV lanes on (DTR/I-95/I-395/I-66)? By familiar I mean, do you know where the exits and entrances for the HOV lanes are? Do you know the hours of operation? How familiar would you say you are with the HOV lanes? Please use a scale of 1-5 for your answer, where “1” is “not very familiar” and “5” is “very familiar.” Based to those who do not use HOV lanes but are aware of them.

34. 34 Reasons for Not Using HOV Lanes TotalDTRI-95I-395I-66 %%% No one going my way2829261930 Commute alone2731252329 Not convenient1511192113 Work hours119101211 Need my car for work67766 Data from Q18: You indicated that you do not use the HOV lanes. Why have you decided not to use the HOV lanes? / You indicated that you use the HOV lanes 1-2 days per week. Why do you not use the HOV lanes more often?

35. 35 Past Usage of HOV Lanes Based to commuters who do not use the HOV lanes. Yes: DTR = 30% I-95 = 43% I-395 = 45% I-66 = 37% Data from Q19: Have you in the past ever used any HOV lanes regularly?

36. 36 Likelihood of Joining Carpool or Vanpool or Take Bus to Use HOV Lanes Based to those who currently SOV. 26% 25% 28% 26% 25% Data from Q25: How likely would you be in the future to join a carpool or vanpool or take a bus in order to use the HOV lanes? Would you be very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely or not at all likely?

37. 37 Transportation Most Likely to Use in Order to Use HOV Lanes Based to those who said they are somewhat or very likely to use alternate transportation in order to use HOV lanes. Data from Q26: Which of the following alternatives would you most likely use for your work commute/destinations?

38. Transportation Most Likely to Use in Order to Use HOV Lanes -- By Corridor -- Based to those who said they are somewhat or very likely to use alternate transportation in order to use HOV lanes. Data from Q26: Which of the following alternatives would you most likely use for your work/commute destination?

39. 39 Ridesharing

40. 40 Attribute Impact on Likelihood of Ridesharing 52% 48% 42% 40% 35% 33% 29% 16% Total proportion answer- ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not at all likely” and “5” means “very likely.” Based to those who currently SOV. Data from Q21a: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. On a scale of 1-5 where “1” is “not at all likely” and “5” is “very likely,” how likely would you be to rideshare once or twice a week if …?

41. Attribute Impact on Likelihood of Ridesharing -- DTR -- 51% 45% 39% 49% 39% 34% 29% 25% 24% 13% Total proportion answer-ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not at all likely”” and “5” means “very likely.” Based to those who currently SOV. Data from Q21a: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. On a scale of 1-5 where “1” is “not at all likely” and “5” is “very likely,” how likely would you be to rideshare once or twice a week if … ?

42. Attribute Impact on Likelihood of Ridesharing -- I-95 -- 55% 52% 48% 49% 48% 42% 44% 31% 40% 24% Total proportion answer- ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not at all likely”” and “5” means “very likely.” Based to those who currently SOV. Data from Q21a: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. On a scale of 1-5 where “1” is “not at all likely” and “5” is “very likely,” how likely would you be to rideshare once or twice a week if … ?

43. Attribute Impact on Likelihood of Ridesharing -- I-395 -- 58% 52% 48% 46% 39% 44% 32% 36% 18% Total proportion answer- ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not at all likely” and “5” means “very likely.” Based to those who currently SOV. Data from Q21a: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. On a scale of 1-5 where “1” is “not at all likely” and “5” is “very likely,” how likely would you be to rideshare once or twice a week if … ?

44. Attribute Impact on Likelihood of Ridesharing -- I-66 -- 53% 48% 44% 40% 39% 34% 30% 29% 15% Total proportion answer- ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not at all likely” and “5” means “very likely.” Based to those who currently SOV. Data from Q21a: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. On a scale of 1-5 where “1” is “not at all likely” and “5” is “very likely,” how likely would you be to rideshare once or twice a week if … ?

45. 45 Reasons for Ridesharing Data from Q21b: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. For each one, please tell me whether it is or is not a reason why you currently rideshare rather than drive alone. Based to those who currently rideshare.

46. Reasons for Ridesharing -- DTR -- Based to those who currently rideshare. Data from Q21b: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. For each one, please tell me whether it is or is not a reason why you currently rideshare rather than drive alone.

47. Reasons for Ridesharing -- I-95 -- Based to those who currently rideshare. Data from Q21b: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. For each one, please tell me whether it is or is not a reason why you currently rideshare rather than drive alone.

48. Reasons for Ridesharing -- I-395 -- Based to those who currently rideshare. Data from Q21b: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. For each one, please tell me whether it is or is not a reason why you currently rideshare rather than drive alone.

49. Reasons for Ridesharing -- I-66 -- Based to those who currently rideshare. Data from Q21b: People rideshare for a variety of reasons. For each one, please tell me whether it is or is not a reason why you currently rideshare rather than drive alone.

50. 50 Importance Index Respondents who rideshare were asked their first and second most important reasons for ridesharing. An “Importance Index” was created by assigning 2 points for every first place mention and 1 point for every second place mention. The points were totaled for each attribute (or “reason”). Then, the points for all attributes were totaled. The proportion of the total accumulated for each attribute represents that attribute’s “Importance Index.” This value represents each attribute’s relative importance in deciding to rideshare.

51. Most Important Reasons for Ridesharing -- Importance Index -- Based to those who currently rideshare. The values reported in this graph represent the total proportion of first and second place importance rankings for each attribute.

52. 52 Most Important Reasons for Ridesharing -- Importance Index: DTR -- Based to those who currently rideshare. The values reported in this graph represent the total proportion of first and second place importance rankings for each attribute.

53. 53 Most Important Reasons for Ridesharing -- Importance Index: I-95 -- Based to those who currently rideshare. The values reported in this graph represent the total proportion of first and second place importance rankings for each attribute.

54. 54 Most Important Reasons for Ridesharing -- Importance Index: I-395 -- Based to those who currently rideshare. The values reported in this graph represent the total proportion of first and second place importance rankings for each attribute.

55. 55 Most Important Reasons for Ridesharing -- Importance Index: I-66 -- Based to those who currently rideshare. The values reported in this graph represent the total proportion of first and second place importance rankings for each attribute.

56. Likelihood of Carpooling if Paid $.50 a Day 22% 20% 29% 24% 23% Total proportion answer-ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not very likely” and “5” means “very likely.” Based to those who currently SOV. Data from Q21c: Suppose that a program were created that would pay commuters $.50 a day to carpool on their commute. If this program were in place, how likely would you be to carpool? Please use a scale of 1-5 for your answer, were “1” means “not very likely” and “5” means “very likely.”

57. 57 Likelihood of Vanpooling if Paid $.50 a Day 19% 16% 27% 21% 18% Total proportion answer-ing “4” or “5” on 5-point scale, where “1” means “not very likely” and “5” means “very likely.” Based to those who currently SOV. Data from Q21c: Suppose that a program were created that would pay commuters $.50 a day to carpool on their commute. If this program were in place, how likely would you be to carpool? Please use a scale of 1-5 for your answer, were “1” means “not very likely” and “5” means “very likely.”

58. 58 Transportation and Commuting Issues

59. Importance of Factors in Selecting Type of Transportation 96% 95% 94% 89% 88% 84% 77% 62% 61% 54% 90% 73% Data from Q20: I am going to read a list of some factors that commuters sometimes consider in deciding on the type of transportation they use to travel to and from work / their various destinations. Please tell me if each factor is very important, somewhat important, not very important, or not at all important in your choice of transportation to and from work / your destination.

60. Importance of Factors in Selecting Type of Transportation -- HOV Users Compared to Non Users -- Total “very” and “somewhat” import- ant.

61. Importance of Factors in Selecting Type of Transportation -- DTR -- Total “very” and “somewhat” import- ant.

62. Importance of Factors in Selecting Type of Transportation -- I-95 -- Total “very” and “somewhat” import- ant.

63. Importance of Factors in Selecting Type of Transportation -- I-395 -- Total “very” and “somewhat” import-ant.

64. Importance of Factors in Selecting Type of Transportation -- I-66 -- Total “very” and “somewhat” import- ant.

65. 65 Awareness of Convenient Park-n-Ride Lot Data from Q23: Whether or not you use it, do you know if there is a park-n-ride lot or commuter parking lot that is convenient to you?

66. Average Number of Days per Week Personal Vehicle Needed Data from Q24: In an average week, approximately how many days do you need a car so that you can attend to childcare matters or other errands on your way to or from work / your destination or during your lunch break?

67. 67 Frequency of Teleworking Data from Q26a: How often, if ever, do you telework or work from home?

68. 68 Frequency of Teleworking -- DTR -- Data from Q26a: How often, if ever, do you telework or work from home? 0%

69. 69 Frequency of Teleworking -- I-95 -- Data from Q26a: How often, if ever, do you telework or work from home? 0%

70. 70 Frequency of Teleworking -- I-395 -- Data from Q26a: How often, if ever, do you telework or work from home? 0%

71. 71 Frequency of Teleworking -- I-66 -- Data from Q26a: How often, if ever, do you telework or work from home? 0%

72. Likelihood to Telework in Future Based to those who said that they currently do not telework. 42% 32% 47% Data from Q26b: How likely would you be in the future to telework or work from you home? Would you be very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely, or not at all likely?

73. Likelihood to Telework in Future -- By Corridor -- Based to those who said they currently do not telework. Data from Q26b: How likely would you be in the future to telework or work from you home? Would you be very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely, or not at all likely? Total “very” and “somewhat” likely.

74. Familiarity with Alternate Fuel Vehicles Very + Somewhat Familiar: HOV = 73% Non HOV = 71%. Data from Q8a: How familiar are you with alternate fuel vehicles? You might also know these vehicles as hybrid vehicles or low emission vehicles. Would you say you are very familiar, somewhat familiar, not very familiar or never heard of? Based to total sample.

75. Familiarity with Alternate Fuel Vehicles -- By Corridor -- Total “very” and “somewhat” familiar. Data from Q8a: How familiar are you with alternate fuel vehicles? You might also know these vehicles as hybrid vehicles or low emission vehicles. Would you say you are very familiar, somewhat familiar, not very familiar or never heard of?

76. Aware that Drivers of Alternate Fuel Vehicles Can Use HOV Lanes If Only Person in Car Yes: HOV = 60% Non HOV = 36% Data from Q8a: How familiar are you with alternate fuel vehicles? You might also know these vehicles as hybrid vehicles or low emission vehicles. Would you say you are very familiar, somewhat familiar, not very familiar or never heard of?

77. 77 Response to Information about HOV Lanes

78. Awareness of Information about HOV Lanes Data from Q27: Have you seen or heard any mention of the HOV lanes on television, radio, in the newspaper, on the internet, mail that you received at home or any other sources of information?

79. Awareness of Information about HOV Lanes -- By Corridor -- Data from Q27: Have you seen or heard any mention of the HOV lanes on television, radio, in the newspaper, on the internet, mail that you received at home or any other sources of information?

80. Familiarity with HOV Calculator Highest usage among I-95 HOV users = 5% Data from Q33: Which of the following best describes your familiarity with the HOV calculator, found at HOV calculator.com on the internet?

81. 81 Reasons for Not Visiting Website or Using Calculator 846No reason 1047Do not have computer access 1817 Too busy 272124No need %% Non HOVUse HOVTotal Data from Q34: Why did you not visit the website / use the calculator?

82. 82 Source of Advertising Based to those who recalled seeing or hearing advertising about HOV Lanes. Data from Q28a: Where did you see or hear that advertising?

83. Usefulness of Information Based to those aware of each information source. 63% 47% 38% 35% 32% 29% Data from Q29: Thinking about the information you learned about through (SOURCE), how useful was that information? Would you describe it as very useful, fairly useful, somewhat useful, or very useful?

84. 84 Reasons Information Useful %%%% 114-5312Info does not apply to me / Don’t use HOV 514 5562Does not give enough detail 16-5524827Give traffic reports -14-357 Already knew about it 82717662426748Keeps you updated HOV Website Events at P-n-R Lots Mail at Home Radio News Report Tel. News Report News- paper Articles Adver- tising Data from Q30: Why do you say that?

85. 85 Reasons Information Somewhat or Not Useful 11-812191620Does not give enough detail 62237211816 Info does not apply to me / Don’t use HOV %%%% 392218 152128Already knew about it HOV Website Events at P-n-R Lots Mail at Home Radio News Report Tel. News Report News- paper Articles Adver- tising Data from Q30: Why do you say that?

86. 86 Specific Information Seen or Heard Based to those who recalled seeing or hearing information about HOV Lanes. Data from Q28: What did you see or hear?

87. Most Helpful Source of Information Based to those who recalled seeing or hearing information about HOV Lanes. Data from Q31: Still thinking about all of the information you may have seen or heard about use of the HOV lanes, which one source of information has been most helpful to you?

88. 88 Why Information Most Helpful %%% ----138Read newspaper everyday 3421392More convenient to watch television 78322173Give traffic reports ---4812Listen to the radio for information 45506939 41Keeps you updated Word of Mouth Signs on Road HOV Website Radio News Report Tel. News Report News- paper Articles Data from Q32: Why do you say that?

89. 89 Conclusions and Implications

90. 90 Conclusions and Implications Conclusion: Commuters on I-95 and I-395 are more likely than commuters on DTR and I-66 to select transportation alternatives that allow them to utilize the HOV lanes. In particular, they are more likely to commute in pre-arranged carpools with two or more others, to commute in informal carpools (slugs) and to commute in vanpools. In addition, these HOV users on I-395 and I-95 are more likely to work for the federal government and are more likely to work for employers that support HOV through incentive programs. Additionally, they are often commuting farther distances than non HOV users and are realizing greater time savings by using the HOV lanes. Implication: When numerous conditions that support or encourage usage of the HOV lanes come together or “coalesce,” the greater the likelihood that commuters will select a transportation alternative that allows them to use the HOV lanes. It may be that one of these factors acting alone – e.g., distance traveled, time savings – may be sufficient to increase the likelihood for using the HOV lanes. The combined effect of several factors, however, could bring the likelihood even higher. Explore ways of combining messages and incentives for using the HOV lanes to increase the likelihood of selecting a transportation option that allows the use of the HOV lanes.

91. 91 Conclusions and Implications Conclusion: Commuters choose to HOV because it saves them time. When asked directly, in an open-ended question, why they use the HOV lanes, nearly 6 out of every 10 HOV users said that they HOV because it saves them time. No other answer was mentioned with this degree of frequency. Commuters also indicated that avoiding traffic congestion (11%) and heavy traffic (7%) and not having to drive (5%) were important reasons for using the HOV lanes. Together, these reasons were more important than cost savings (11%). Implication: Commuters have heard and responded to the message that the HOV lanes will allow them to save time on their commute. These commuters may be the “easiest to convert” and receptive to the “saving time” message. While this message may continue to convert additional commuters to HOV lane usage, it may be that future converts to HOV usage may respond better to other messages. These messages may include concepts related to less traffic congestion and reducing stress. Explore how new messages or messages in addition to “save time” can be used to persuade commuters to use the HOV lanes.

92. 92 Conclusions and Implications Conclusion: Commuters who do not use the HOV lanes have slightly different perceptions of the lanes – particularly in terms of benefits – than do those who use the HOV lanes. Those who do not use the HOV lanes are less likely to believe that HOV lanes get commuters to their destinations faster, that they lower transportation costs, that they move more people in fewer vehicles, that they improve air quality, that they relieve traffic congestion, and that the HOV lanes are safer. Implication: Commuters who do not use the HOV lanes have resisted belief in the benefits of the HOV lanes – or have resisted the messages about the benefits of the HOV lanes. Explore ways of making the benefits of using the HOV lanes more persuasive. Assess the extent to which emotional rather than rational messages – or some combination of both emotional and rational – can be used to convince additional commuters in Northern Virginia to use the HOV lanes. For example, a message about time savings – “save 15 minutes on your commute” – tends to be rational. Develop ways to communicate this message in more emotional ways.

93. 93 Conclusions and Implications Conclusion: In general, commuters do not believe that the HOV lanes are enforced regularly. Only 41% of those who do not use the HOV lanes and 37% of those who do HOV believe that the lanes are enforced regularly. Implication: Lack of perceived enforcement of the HOV lanes may lead commuters to believe that the lanes not supported by VDOT or legal authorities and, hence, not important. This perception could prevent adoption of transportation that would allow usage of the HOV lanes. Lack of enforcement may also convince non users that not using the HOV lanes is justified because it allows them to rationalize their decision not to HOV. As long as those who do not use the HOV lanes believe that the restrictions are not enforced, they will be difficult to convert to transportation options that allow them to use the HOV lanes.

94. 94 Conclusions and Implications Conclusion: There is no clear understanding among commuters about the penalty for violation of HOV restrictions. One-third of commuters (34%) said simply that they did not know what the penalty is. Non HOV users are slightly more likely to indicate that they do not know what the penalty is. Some commuters believe there is a fine or ticket for violation, but do not know the amount. Others think the fine ranges from $25 to $500. There is support for more strict enforcement of the HOV lanes, particularly among those who already use the HOV lanes. Nearly three-fourths (72%) of current HOV users believe the lanes should be enforced more fully. Six out of ten (59%) commuters who do not currently use the HOV lanes also support more strict enforcement of the lanes. Implication: In order for penalties for violation of the lanes to be effective – to attract more qualified users and discourage illegal usage – commuters must know that there are penalties for violation, what the penalties are, and that they are enforced. Consider a campaign or specific messages that communicate the penalties for HOV lane violation. Since there is already support for more strict enforcement of the lanes, a message clarifying or reiterating the penalties would be welcomed by many.

95. 95 Conclusions and Implications Conclusion: Commuters who do not use the HOV lanes are aware of the lanes. Approximately 98% of all commuters who do not use the HOV lanes currently are aware of the lanes. However, not all non HOV users are familiar with the lanes. Only about 75% of the non users said that they are familiar with the HOV lanes in terms of knowing the hours of operation and the location of the exits and entrances. Implication: Lack of awareness is not preventing usage of the HOV lanes. Lack of understanding – and hence lack of comfort and ease of usage – may be preventing usage of the HOV lanes. An important role of communications is education. Explore ways to educate commuters about the HOV lanes in ways that make the lanes seem “easy” to use and increase the commuters’ comfort with using the HOV lanes.

96. 96 Conclusions and Implications Conclusion: The most frequent reason given for not using the HOV lanes is that commuters do not know of anyone “going my way.” Over one-fourth (28%) of commuters who do not use the HOV lanes said that they do not HOV because they know of no one going the same way. Implication: Communications should not “neglect” the importance of a message about the availability of resources to help commuters find other commuters who might HOV with them. Emphasize the ease and speed with which these services can be used.

97. 97 Conclusions and Implications Conclusion: Among commuters who currently SOV, there is interest in commuting in a carpool or vanpool for a monetary incentive. Nearly one-fourth (22%) of commuters would be likely to carpool if paid $.50 a day. Commuters on I-95 are most interested in carpooling under these conditions. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of this group would be likely to carpool if paid $.50 a day. Slightly fewer, 19%, would be likely to vanpool if paid $.50 per day. Commuters on I-95 (27%) are also more likely to respond to this $.50 incentive to vanpool than commuters on DTR, I-395 or I-66. Implication: Potentially, nearly one-fourth of SOV commuters could be converted to carpooling or vanpooling with monetary incentives. Recognize that not all who say they will carpool or vanpool actually will. Explore ways to best “convert” these potential HOV commuters to actual HOV commuters through optimal messages and operational logistics (e.g., how money is paid). Start with SOV commuters on I-95 where the potential is greatest.

98. 98 Conclusions and Implications Conclusion: HOV users (68%) are more likely than non HOV users (52%) to be aware that there is a Park-n-Ride lot convenient for them to use. This pattern holds constant across all corridors in Northern Virginia – DTR, I-95, I-395, and I-66. Implication: The awareness of the availability of Park-n-Ride lots is positively related to usage of the HOV lanes. It is important to have Park- n-Ride lots conveniently available, and it is important for commuters to be aware of and familiar with Park-n-Ride lots. Continue to inform commuters about Park-n-Ride lots, including raising awareness and understanding of the lots.

99. 99 Conclusions and Implications Conclusion: Currently, about 20% of commuters telework – whether they also HOV or not. Among those who do not currently HOV or telework, there is interest in teleworking in the future. Those who currently do not use the HOV lanes are significantly more likely to say that they will telework in the future than are those who currently use the HOV lanes, 47% likelihood among non HOV users and 32% likelihood among HOV users. Implication: Multiple solutions are necessary to ease traffic congestion in Northern Virginia. Some non HOV users may never HOV. Nevertheless, they might opt to telework. Some current non HOV users may chose to both telework and HOV. Find ways to target messages about the opportunity and process of teleworking to current non HOV users. Develop finely tuned messages to convert these commuters who are already interested in teleworking.

100. 100 Conclusions and Implications Conclusion: Commuters on DTR, I-95, I-395, and I-66 are aware of and rely on multiple sources of information for help in “navigating” through the traffic of Northern Virginia. They are most aware of television news reports, radio news reports and newspaper articles. They also rate these sources of information about HOV lanes to be most helpful – primarily because these sources keep them updated and provide traffic reports. Although fewer commuters are aware of the HOV website, it receives highly favorable ratings in terms of the usefulness of the information provided by the site. Implication: Continue to use multiple media to reach commuters in Northern Virginia, layering media vehicles and messages to achieve maximum effectiveness. Explore ways to raise the level of awareness of the website – a particularly effective way to communicate with the internet- savvy commuters of Northern Virginia.