Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report

Transcription

1 Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report August 2009 Central Houston, Inc. 909 Fannin, Suite 1650 Houston, TX

2 This report can be accessed at For questions concerning this report, contact: Laura Van Ness Director, Business Development Central Houston, Inc. 909 Fannin, Suite 1650 Houston, TX Central Houston expresses deep gratitude to the Transportation Strategy Task Force members who provided input to the process, including the following: o Anne Taylor, committee chair, Vice Chairman and Regional Managing Partner, Deloitte o Steven L. Burkett, CCIM, Executive Vice President, Jones Lang LaSalle Americas o Paul M. Davey, President, Davey Companies, LP o Chris A. Hudson, AIA, President, Morris Architects o John K. Huff, Manager, Site Services, Chevron Corporation o Dick Francis, Manager, Executive Support, Shell Oil Company o Joshua L. (Josh) Lebar, Shareholder, Winstead o Kurt D. Nondorf, Managing Partner, Jackson Walker L.L.P. o John V. Ros, Jr., Vice President, Operations Manager, Gilbane Building Company o Steve Trent, Managing Director, Hyatt Regency Houston o Dave Walden, Managing Director, International & State Affairs, Continental Airlines o Sanford A. (Sandy) Weiner, Partner, Vinson & Elkins And to Sharon Ju, Senior Transportation Analyst, Houston-Galveston Area Council, who so painstakingly processed much of the survey s raw data. Terms used in this report SOV single occupant vehicle or an SOV driver Non-SOV a commuter who doesn t drive alone to and from work Carpool unless otherwise noted, the designation carpool includes vanpool Motorcycle unless otherwise noted, the designation motorcycle includes scooter FIRE finance, insurance, real estate P&R Park & Ride, provided by either METRO or The Woodlands Express 2009 Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 1 of 54

3 Table of Contents Executive Summary... 3 Introduction, Background and Methodology... 4 Characteristics of the Sample... 5 Commute Mode Split... 8 Industry Occupation Age Commute Distance Commute Duration Departure Time Work ZIP Code Alternatives to Regular Mode Commute Stops Commute Costs Mode Reasons Potential Commute Behavior Response to $4 Gasoline or Sustained Poor Economy A Closer Look at SOVs Who Would Consider Transit Employer Transportation Subsidies and Mode Choice SOV Parking Toll Roads as an Option Additional Analyses Age and Commute Distance Miles Traveled and Commute Time Blocks Walked Vehicle Miles Traveled Appendix 1 (provided in a separate PDF document) Survey Instruments Internet; paper in English; paper in Spanish Discussion of Survey Sample Discussion of the Economy at the Time of the Survey Studies Reviewed in Conjunction with this Analysis Appendix 2 (provided in multiple, separate PDF documents) Maps a f: Downtown Workers Home ZIP Codes Map g: Houston Region Population 2009 and Estimate 2025 Map h: Downtown Above & Below Map 2009 Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 2 of 54

4 Executive Summary Central Houston, Inc. (CHI) conducted a survey of downtown employees in March 2009 as part of an effort to improve access to downtown for employees. The results have assisted CHI in gaining insights into commute behavior, and thus identifying potential actions. 13,008 downtown workers began the survey, with 11,804 completing the survey. Local bus, rail or both, 8% Carpool, 11% Mode Split Other, 4% Single Occupant Vehicle, 48% Park & Ride, 29% Primary findings A surprisingly high 52% of downtown workers use some mode other than driving alone as their primary means of commuting. 37% use public transit; 48% usually drive alone (single occupant vehicle, or SOV); 11% carpool; and 4% use other modes. Respondents travel an average of 21 miles to reach their downtown work location. Respondents spend 39 minutes getting to work and 43 minutes getting home. The majority of workers leave home for work by 7:00 a.m., while half of workers leave work for home between noon and 5:00 p.m. 65% of respondents indicated their employer offered some subsidy for transit, with 22% of survey respondents indicating their employer covers 10 of bus transit. Most SOVs surveyed park very close to their place of employment, with 73% within one block and 95% within three blocks. Over 55% pay less than $50 per month to park net of subsidies. 36% of respondents indicate their employer provides free parking for them at their work site. SOV respondents are more likely than non-sovs to indicate their employer provides free parking (42%) Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 3 of 54

5 Introduction, Background and Methodology Central Houston s (CHI) mission is to lead and assist the downtown community in achieving the highest quality, sustainable revitalization of downtown and the center city. An important component of this mission is to maintain and improve excellent access to downtown for employees. With $4 per gallon gasoline in 2008, CHI s focus intensified, and it launched an effort to identify potential actions and initiatives that might be taken to improve access to downtown. CHI obtained home ZIP Codes of 35,867 employees from downtown employers in October and November The data were geo-mapped by ZIP Code density. To gauge the level of accuracy of the data collected, CHI collected downtown worker home ZIP Codes from the U.S. Census, and found employee distribution to be comparable. These datasets have been mapped and are included in the appendices. With its data, CHI was able to further use data gathered from employers to identify employee home ZIP Codes by industry. In March 2009, CHI conducted a transportation survey of downtown workers, which is the subject of this report. The survey was conducted on the Internet and distributed in English and Spanish on paper. The Internet version was tested by CHI staff and then with more than twenty external test subjects. To ensure inclusion of those who do not have access to the Internet and those who needed to take the survey in Spanish, a paper version was created and supplied to hotels and property managers. The Internet version was set up so that respondents could take the survey only once. The three survey instruments are provided in the appendices. The distribution methodology included ing CHI s 100+ members, the Houston Downtown Management District (HDMD) board members, downtown human resource managers, downtown property managers, and individuals in the CHI database with downtown work ZIP Codes. The Downtown District s weekly Downtown Happenings and the weekly Street Closings also asked downtown workers to fill out the survey. 13,008 people began the survey; 12,287 responded with their commute mode and work ZIP and home ZIP; and 11,804 of which were completed. 11,607 (97%) of the respondents filled out the survey online; 189 (1.5%) filled it out on paper in English; 212 (1.6%) filled it out on paper in Spanish. Central Houston, Inc. estimates that there are 140,000 downtown workers Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 4 of 54

6 Characteristics of the Sample For the purpose of this survey, downtown is defined as the area within the elevated portions of I-45, I-10 and US 59. Downtown includes most of 77002, all of 77010, part of (the Post Office and UH-Downtown s main campus), and part of 77003, along U.S. 59. ZIP Codes are depicted below. Most respondents (88%) work in ZIP Code 77002, 9% in 77010, and 3% in or no answer Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 5 of 54

7 Respondents identified 247 home ZIP Codes. Half of respondents work in the energy business, 11% legal, 7% finance, insurance and real estate (also known as FIRE, which for downtown is primarily banking), and 33% in other industry segments. Energy includes upstream, such as exploration and production; mid-stream, such as pipelines; downstream, such as chemicals; and power generation. Government is underrepresented in the sample. Further discussion of respondents by industry is included in the Discussion of Survey Sample section near the end of this report. The authors of this report estimate that approximately 100 people in the medical industry answered other, thus we have included these in the following pie chart. Industry Public Acctg, 3% Other, 19% Medical, 2% Gov't/ nonprofit, 5% Energy, 5 F&B, hospitality, 4% FIRE, 7% Legal, 11% The following is a breakdown of respondents by occupation: Occupation Occupation Count Percentage Professional 4,920 42% Administrative 1,884 16% Technical 1,574 13% Administrator/ managerial 1,189 Executive 315 3% Attorney 313 3% Service/ retail 306 3% Paralegal 296 3% Sales 176 2% Student 45 Other 633 5% Total 11, Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 6 of 54

8 The average age of survey respondents is 44.3 years. The median age is 47. The median age of workers in the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown Metro Area is % 16% 14% 12% 8% 6% 4% 2% Age of Respondents Respondents travel an average of 21 miles each way for their commute, with a median of miles 35% 3 25% 2 15% 5% Commute Distance <1 mi Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 7 of 54

9 Commute Mode Split Commute mode split measures the transportation type used by respondents, whether single occupant vehicle (SOV), Park & Ride, local bus, express bus, rail, carpool, etc. Based on this survey, the following observations can be made: Less than half (48%) of survey respondents drive alone every day to work, also referred to as single occupant vehicle commuters. 52% use a variety of other commute options. 29% use METRO Park & Ride or the Woodlands Express. 11% carpool. Those taking local bus, express bus, rail or a combination thereof total 8%. Vanpool is taken by 1.5% of respondents; walk 1%; motorcycle/scooter.5%; and bicycle.3%. Less than one half of 1% (.45%) report to a downtown office but rarely go there. 37% of respondents opt for transit (P&R, bus, rail or bus and rail) for their commute. Commute Mode Mode Split Number of Respondents Percentage by Mode Drive alone 5,977 48% Park & Ride 3,558 29% Local or express bus 489 4% Light rail 153 1% Bus and rail 328 3% Carpool 1,377 11% Vanpool 180 1% Walk 129 1% Rarely travel to downtown % Motorcycle or scooter % Bicycle % 12, Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 8 of 54

10 Mode Split Walk, 1. Vanpool, 1.5% Carpool, 11% Light rail, 1% Bus and rail, 3% Rarely travel to DT, 0.5% Motorcycle, 0.4% Bicycle, 0.3% Local or express bus, 4% SOV*, 48% Park & Ride, 29% * SOV = Single Occupant Vehicle n = 12, Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 9 of 54

11 Industry The following table of commute mode by industry can be used to predict commute mode choices by employees of companies moving downtown or by employers comparing their experience to their peers. Most of the downtown medical/healthcare workforce, which works at St. Joseph Medical Center, makes little use of Park & Ride, bus and rail, primarily because of shift work. Food & beverage/entertainment/hospitality is the only industry with a higher percentage of respondents choosing local bus, rail or bus and rail than Park & Ride. Most striking is the heavy use (46%) of Park & Ride/bus/rail by respondents in the energy industry. Energy industry employees have the lowest use of SOV. Industry Energy Legal FIRE* Mode by Industry Food &Bev/ entertainment/ hospitality Government/ nonprofit Medical, Healthcare Public Accounting Other Total SOV 38.8%** 57.6% 56.5% 62.1% 62.5% 80.4% % 48.1% P&R 37.9% 23.3% 23.3% 8.4% 19.9% 4.4% 14.3% 23.7% 29.3% Local bus, rail 8.3% 6.1% 4.6% 16.8% 6.4% 1.3% 5.7% 7.7% 7.8% Carpool 12.9% 11.7% % % 13.1% 12.5% Motorcycle 0.5% 0.1% 0.1% % 0.6% 0.3% 0.9% 0.5% Bicycle 0.3% 0.2% 0.4% 0.2% 0.6% 0.6% 0.3% 0.2% 0.3% Walk 1.1% 1.1% % 1.1% 0.6% % 1. Rarely go DT 0.2% % % 0.5% n = 5,815 1, ,243 11, * FIRE is defined as finance, insurance and real estate. For downtown Houston, the primary component of FIRE is banking. * * Numbers of interest in tables are highlighted throughout this report Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 10 of 54

12 Motorcycle, 0.5% Carpool, 13% Bicycle, 0.3% Walk, 1% Rarely go DT, 0.2% Bus, rail, 8% SOV, 39% Energy P&R, 38% SOV = Single Occupant Vehicle n=5,815 Bicycle, 0.2% Walk, 1% Motorcycle, 0.1% Rarely go DT, Carpool, 12% Bus, rail, 6% Legal P&R, 23% SOV, 58% SOV = Single Occupant Vehicle n=1, Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 11 of 54

13 Bicycle, 0.4% Walk, 1. Motorcycle, 0.1% Rarely go DT, 1% Carpool, 13% Bus, rail, 5% FIRE Finance (banking), Insurance, Real Estate P&R, 23% SOV, 56% SOV = Single Occupant Vehicle n=806 Motorcycle, 0. Carpool, 11% Bicycle, 0.2% Walk, 1.7% Rarely go DT, 0. Bus, rail, 17% Food & Bev/ Entertainment/ Hospitality P&R, 8% SOV, 62% SOV = Single Occupant Vehicle n = Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 12 of 54

14 Occupation More occupation categories were utilized than typically needed so that during the survey period groups could be monitored to determine who was participating in the survey. Of any occupation, those most likely to drive alone are attorneys (83%), executives (71%), and salespeople (63%). Those least likely to drive alone are in technical occupations (4). Those who take a motorcycle or scooter to work tend to be technical and professional workers. As can be expected, administrative respondents do not work remotely SOV by Occupation 5 45% 4 35% 3 25% 2 15% 5% P&R, Bus, Rail Use by Occupation 2009 Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 13 of 54

15 Age The average age of respondents is 44.3 years. The median age is 47. The median age for the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown Metro Area is 39. SOV usage is highest for respondents between the ages of 25 and 29. P&R usage is highest for respondents between the ages of 50 and 54. Local bus, rail and bus/rail combination is highest for those under 25 and over 65 years. Carpool mode is highest (35%) for those under 20, but then stabilizes between and 15%, declining slightly as age increases. The area identified by the circle in the chart might be explained by people in the age groups having children at home and/or in school. 6 Mode by Age Age < SOV P&R Bus, Rail Carpool, Vanpool 2009 Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 14 of 54

16 Travel Mode by Age Age < SOV 25% 5 58% 53% 53% 52% 47% 41% 42% 44% 44% 47% P&R 17% 18% 24% 25% 27% 32% 37% 35% 36% 31% 22% Bus, rail, bus/rail 25% 13% 6% 6% 6% 7% 8% 9% 7% 13% 22% Carpool/vanpool 35% 14% 13% 13% 14% 13% 12% 12% 13% 8% Motorcycle 5% 1% 1% 1% Bicycle 1% 1% 1% Walk 3% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% Don't go DT 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% n = 11, ,157 1,349 1,352 1,334 1,574 1,817 1, All Modes Average Age by Mode Age Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 15 of 54

17 Commute Distance Respondents travel an average of 21 miles each way to work. SOV respondents travel an average of 17 miles, while non-sov respondents commute 24 miles. On average, those who drive alone travel 17 miles; Park & Ride 26; bus, rail or a combination thereof 18; carpool/vanpool 24; motorcycle 21; bicycle 4 miles. The longest commute on average is made by those using Park & Ride. The dominant mode for those living fewer than 20 miles is SOV; Park & Ride for miles; and, SOV for the few respondents traveling 70 miles or more each way. Miles to Selected Locations from Downtown 2009 Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 16 of 54

18 Average Miles Traveled Each Way Miles Mode by Commute Distance <1 mile SOV P&R Bus, rail Carpool, vanpool Motorcycle Bicycle 2009 Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 17 of 54

19 Commute Duration Respondents were asked how long it takes to go to work and back including regular stops. The question was asked this way, rather than how long door-to-door with no stops, because the survey is attempting to identify how much time is spent between work and home. Respondents travel an average of 21 miles and spend an average of 39 minutes traveling to work and 43 minutes traveling home. o SOV respondents travel an average of 17 miles each way, commute 31 minutes to work, and commute 36 minutes home. o P&R respondents travel an average of 26 miles, commute 51 minutes to work and commute 56 minutes home. o Carpool/vanpool respondents travel an average of 24 miles, commute 39 minutes to work and commute 44 minutes home. o Local bus/rail respondents travel an average of 18 miles, commute 42 minutes to work and commute 45 minutes home. o Motorcycle/scooter respondents travel an average of 21 miles, commute 30 minutes to work and commute 36 minutes home. o Bicyclists travel an average of 4 miles, commute 20 minutes to work and commute 21 minutes home. o The commute duration home for each mode increased by 6% (one minute) to 2 (six minutes) over the commute to work. SOV P&R Bus, Rail Carpool/ Vanpool Motorcycle Bicycle Miles each way Minutes to work Minutes to home Additional minutes to get home Additional % of time to get home 15% 8% 9% 12% 21% 6% 11% Avg 2009 Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 18 of 54

20 Minutes Spent Commuting to Work Minutes Minutes Spent Commuting to Work 25% 2 15% * 5% < Minutes SOV P&R Bus, rail Carpool/vanpool Motorcycle * The erratic nature of the lines in the charts above and below demonstrate that people are more likely to respond that their trip takes 30, 45 or 60 minutes rather than those times plus or minus five minutes when asked how many minutes their commute takes Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 19 of 54

21 60 56 Minutes Spent Commuting Home Minutes Minutes Spent Commuting Home 35% 3 25% 2 15% * 5% < * See footnote on previous page. Minutes SOV P&R Bus, rail Carpool/vanpool Motorcycle 2009 Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 20 of 54

22 Departure Time The survey included responses from evening cleaning crews (which reported that they leave home between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and leave work around 11:00 p.m.), security personnel, energy traders and others who have non-traditional hours. Park & Ride buses generally begin their routes between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m. Leaving Home SOVs begin their commute later than other modes, and their departure times are more widely distributed than other modes. 25% 2 Time Commuters Leave Home P&R peak SOV peak 15% 5% SOV P&R Bus, rail, bus/rail Carpool, vanpool Motorcycle n=11, Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 21 of 54

23 An analysis of those taking local bus, rail or bus and rail shows there is a second wave of riders leaving home for work between 2:00 and 6:00 p.m. These workers, with an average age of 37, are primarily janitorial crews, with a smaller component of health care workers and security guards. 2 18% 16% 14% 12% 8% 6% 4% 2% Bus, Rail, Bus/Rail Leaving Home 51% of all respondents have left home for work before 7:00 a.m. P&R respondents leave home earliest, and respondents who take a bicycle or walk leave home latest, followed by SOV respondents. Respondents are divided by mode as follows: Time Leave Home SOV P&R Percentage That Have Left Home by Time of Day Bus, Rail, Bus/Rail Carpool, Vanpool Motorcycle Bicycle Walk All Before 4:00 a.m. 0.4% 0.7% 0.6% 0.1% 3.6% % Before 4:30 a.m. 0.9% 1.5% 1.1% 0.4% 3.6% % 1. Before 5:00 a.m. 2.1% 4.4% % % 2.8% Before 5:30 a.m. 5.6% 13.4% 10.2% 7.2% 10.9% 2.9% 3.3% 8.5% Before 6:00 a.m. 12.7% 28.5% 20.7% 20.7% 27.3% 2.9% 5.8% 19. Before 6:30 a.m. 24.7% 50.6% 36.1% 38.1% 45.5% 14.7% 15.8% 34.9% Before 7:00 a.m. 39.2% 69.7% 51.8% % 26.5% 27.5% 51.4% Before 7:30 a.m % 69.3% 74.5% 69.1% 47.1% % Before 8:00 a.m. 71.3% 94.9% 78.3% 86.9% % % Before 8:30 a.m. 85.4% 98.7% % 83.6% 79.4% 80.8% 90.3% Before 9:00 a.m. 93.1% 99.2% 87.9% 95.5% 87.3% 85.3% 89.2% 94.7% Before 9:30 a.m. 95.8% 99.3% 88.7% 95.7% 90.9% 94.1% 95.8% 96.2% Before noon 96.9% 99.5% 89.6% % 97.1% 96.7% 96.9% All day n= Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 22 of 54

24 Leaving Work Most Park & Ride buses carry passengers home throughout the day, but they typically begin their peak runs between 3:15 and 5:45 p.m., with the last buses leaving downtown between 6:30 and 9:45 p.m. 52% of downtown respondents leave work between 4:00 and 5:25 p.m.; 66% leave between 4:00 and 5:55 p.m. All modes except motorcycle/scooter peak between 5:00 and 5:25 p.m. There is a notable increase in departures from downtown in the 10:00 p.m. hour. 3 25% Leaving Work Peak departure for 4 of 5 modes 2 15% 5% SOV P&R Bus, rail, bus/rail Carpool, vanpool Motorcycle n = 11, Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 23 of 54

25 Work ZIP Code Because of the statistically insignificant number of respondents (nine) who responded that they work in the ZIP Code, those responses have not been included in this page. No respondents identified as a work location, because the two employers located in this ZIP Code use 77002, not 77009, as the ZIP Code for their address. The majority (9) of downtown s workforce works in ZIP Code ZIP Code garners more than its share of Park & Ride respondents, with 94% of Park & Riders vs 9 of the workforce. Mode by Work ZIP Code Mode n = Drive 47.4% 58.1% 5,948 Park & Ride 30.1% 17.2% 1,542 Bus/Rail 7.7% 9.3% 962 Carpool/vanpool 12.4% 13.8% 3,548 Motorcycle 0.5% 0.2% 55 Bicycle 0.3% 0.3% 38 Walk % 125 Rarely Go Downtown 0.5% 0.3% 65 n = 11,095 1,188 12,283 % of population in ZIP Code 9 10 Work ZIP SOV Downtown ZIP Code by Travel Mode Park & Bus, Ride Rail Carpool Motorcycle Bicycle Walk Rarely Go DT % 94.3% 88.5% 89.4% 96.4% 92.1% % % 5.7% 11.5% 10.6% 3.6% 7.9% % n = 12,283 5,948 3, , Downtown ZIP Codes are identified on a map in the Characteristics of the Sample section of this report Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 24 of 54

26 Alternatives to Regular Mode Respondents were asked how they get to work when they don t use their primary mode. Stay home and telecommute differ in that some who cannot get to work cannot work from home. Telecommute is used by those who can work from home. Multiple answers were permitted, so counts, not percentages, are used here. When SOV respondents don t drive alone, they re most likely to carpool, stay home, take the bus/rail or telecommute. 41 respondents, or 1.2%, said one of their options is to walk to work. This means there are downtown workers living within walking distance who choose to drive to work, but who could, when they choose, walk to work. For SOV commuters: How do you get to/from work when you don't drive alone? And how often? Table identifies counts, not percentages (could answer multiple times) Once a month 2 3 times a month 4 5 times a month 6 8 times a month 9 10 times a month Count Carpool Stay home P&R/bus/rail Telecommute Motorcycle/scooter Bicycle Vanpool Other 994 n = 1, ,528 Other: 6 of SOVs who answered other said N/A or that they always drive alone. 21% carpool (8% catch a ride with a spouse, 8% catch a ride with others, 8% carpool), 5% take the bus or rail, 4% telecommute, 4% walk, 4% stay home, and 2% take a cab Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 25 of 54

27 When P&R respondents don t take Park & Ride, they usually drive alone, followed by carpool. This is also the case for those who commute by bus, rail or bus and rail. For Park & Ride commuters: How do you get to/from work when you don't take P&R? And how often? Table identifies counts, not percentages (could answer multiple times) Once a month 2 3 times a month 4 5 times a month 6 8 times a month 9 10 times a month Count Drive alone 1, ,365 Carpool Telecommute Stay home Different bus/rail choice Motorcycle/scooter Bicycle Vanpool Other 297 n = 1,831 1, ,163 When those who take the local bus, express bus, light rail or a combination thereof take alternate transportation, they are most likely to drive alone, followed by carpool. For bus and/or rail riders: How do you get to/from work when you don't take local bus and/or rail? And how often? Table identifies counts, not percentages (could answer multiple times) once a month 2 3 times a month 4 5 times a month 6 8 times a month 9 10 times a month count Drive alone Carpool Different bus/rail choice Telework/telecommute Stay home Bicycle Motorcycle/scooter Vanpool Other Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 26 of 54

28 Alternative Mode Preference by Current Travel Mode (Counts) Alternative Mode Preference SOV Car, Vanpool P&R, Bus, Rail Motorcycle / scooter Bicycle Walk Carpool once per month Carpool 2 3 times per month Carpool 4 5 times per month Carpool 6 8 times per month Carpool 9 10 times per month Bus once per month Bus 2 3 times per month Bus 4 5 times per month Bus 6 8 times per month Bus 9 10 times per month Vanpool Motorcycle Bicycle Walk 3 2 Telework once per month Telework 2 3 times per month Telework 4 5 times per month Telework Telework Work at home once per month Work at home 2 3 times per month Work at home 4 5 times per month Work at home 6 8 times per month Work at home 9 10 times per month Drive once per month 299 1, Drive 2 3 times per month Drive 4 5 times per month Drive 6 8 times per month Drive 9 10 times per month Another carpool once per month Another carpool 2 3 times per month Another carpool 4 5 times per month Another carpool 6 8 times per month Another carpool 9 10 times per month 5 53 Bus, different one, once per month 77 Bus, different one, 2 3 per month 50 Bus, different one, 4 5 per month 27 Bus, different one, 6 8 per month 6 Bus, different one, 9 10 per month 7 Other specified ,182 1,376 3, Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 27 of 54

29 Commute Stops The most prevalent reason for making stops was errands (1,950 responses, including grocery, cleaners, gas, bank, pharmacy, etc.), followed by children in daycare and/or school (772 responses). Also mentioned were visiting parents or other family members, going to the gym, social activities, meetings, and second or part-time jobs. Half of SOVs and carpoolers do not make stops. Carpoolers who make stops are making those stops to pick up others for the commute trip; stopping for errands with their carpooler (especially if the other rider is a family member); or are being dropped off at a carpool lot and making a stop between the lot and home. Number of Stops SOV P&R Stops by Mode between Home and Work Bus, Rail, Bus/rail Carpool/ vanpool Motorcycle/ scooter Bicycle Walk % 41% 54% 84% 92% 89% 1 39% 31% 19% 38% 12% 7% 2 7% 6% 5% 6% 2% 3 1% 4% 3% 1% 1% 4 or More 21%* 31%* 3% 4% 3% 2% n = 11,439 5,536 3, , Stops by Mode between Home and Work or More SOV 52% 55% 61% 26% P&R 24% 27% 27% 56% 7* Bus, Rail, Bus/rail 7% 4% 5% 26%* Carpool, vanpool 14% 14% 7% 8% 4% Motorcycle 1% Bicycle 1% Walk 2% n = 11,439 5,292 3, , * Numerous bus riders stated they make many 10, 20, 30 stops, unintentionally exaggerating the number of stops made by those taking P&R, bus and/or rail. While these responses were corrected when entering paper surveys, these responses were not corrected for Internet responses. Thus, when evaluating the tables identifying the number of stops, note that 21% of P&R commuters and 31% of bus/rail/bus & rail bus riders say they make four or more stops, but most of these people meant that the bus stops multiple times on its way to downtown Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 28 of 54

30 Commute Costs METRO s P&R costs $2.00 to $4.50 each way, or $4.00 to $9.00 roundtrip. The Woodlands Express costs $9.50 ($10 to/from Conroe) roundtrip. The median amount paid by respondents who pay daily for Park & Ride is $8.00 per day. The median amount paid by respondents who pay monthly for Park & Ride is $25-$50 per month. 68% of those who reported paying daily for P&R pay between $7 and $10 per day. Almost 2 of those who reported taking P&R said they do not pay for P&R. 25% 2 What P&Rs Pay for Transit (when paying daily) Employees 15% 5% $1 $2 $3 $4 $5 $6 $7 $8 $9 $10 $10 25 Those who responded "I don't know" or $0 were included in the "monthly" chart below $10 and $10 $25 were both given as options n=473 25% What P&Rs Pay for Transit (when paying monthly) 2 Employees 15% 5% n=2, Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 29 of 54

31 Mode Reasons Single Occupant Vehicles SOVs were asked why they drive rather than taking the bus, carpooling, etc., to identify how alternate mode usage might be encouraged. The table below is self explanatory, but the following identifies a few actionable categories: More than 25% need a vehicle for work. The need for a vehicle for work could be reduced by a downtown circulator and increased use of cabs, pedicabs, RevCar, etc. 17% indicated concern with personal safety, a concern which could be addressed with education. 11% would need bus/rail service that begins earlier, ends later or more frequently (this most likely reflects the need for service during middle of the day). 7% (442) of SOV respondents stated they don t understand routes, stops, costs, how to pay, etc., indicating that educating downtown workers could have an impact. Preference for SOV Responses Percentage Like independence/flexibility 3,032 51% Need to make other stops before or after work 2, Faster to drive by myself/trip takes too long 2, Work schedule is too unpredictable 2, Personal comfort 1, Need vehicle during the day 1, Live close to work 1, Don't want to deal with the weather 1, Too inconvenient 1, Would have to drive too far in or out to get to Park & Ride 1, Personal safety 1, My parking is paid for & riding the bus/rail or vanpool would cost me extra Other reasons Bus/rail doesn't run early, late or often enough Not enough people to create a carpool or vanpool Don't understand routes, stops, costs, how to pay, etc Bus/rail stop not convenient/too far from work Too expensive Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 30 of 54

32 Park & Ride, Bus, Rail, or Bus/Rail 84% of respondents state that they take P&R, bus, rail or bus/rail because it saves gas, money and wear and tear on their car. 66% prefer this mode to avoid traffic congestion. Only 4% respondents stated they rode P&R/bus/rail because they do not have any other way to get to work. Those taking Park & Ride, bus, rail, or a combination thereof (n = 4,528), responded as follows to I take bus/park & Ride/rail because (check all that apply): Preference for P&R, Bus, Rail or Bus/Rail Responses Percentage It saves gas, saves money, reduces wear and tear on car 3,820 84% Avoid traffic congestion 3, Convenience 2, Environmentally responsible 2, Quiet time 1, Other reasons I don't have any other way to get to work Carpool, Vanpool The four top reasons expressed for using carpool or vanpool are the same four top reasons for P&R, bus, rail and bus/rail. 14% stated they carpool/vanpool because P&R does not serve their area. Carpool and vanpool respondents (n = 1,557) responded as follows to I carpool/vanpool because (check all that apply): Preference for Carpool/Vanpool Responses Percentage It saves gas, saves money, reduces wear and tear on car % Convenience Avoid traffic congestion Environmentally responsible Other reasons Park & Ride doesn't come to my area Someone needs a ride/other person does not have a car I don't have any other way to get to work Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 31 of 54

33 Motorcycle/Scooter Motorcycle/scooter respondents (n = 55) answered as follows to Why do you drive/take a motorcycle or scooter to work? (Check all that apply) Preference for Motorcycle/Scooter Responses Percentage Inexpensive 35 64% Convenience Environmentally responsible Live close to work Don t have access to a car/truck 2 4 Bicycle Bicyclists (n = 36) responded as follows to Why do you take a bicycle to work? (Check all that apply) Preference for Bicycle Responses Percentage Exercise 32 89% Live close to work Inexpensive Environmentally responsible Convenient Other 7 19 Don t have any other transportation 2 6 Walk Those who walk to work (n = 129) responded as follows to the question, Why do you walk to work? (Check all that apply) Preference for Walking to Work Responses Percentage Live close to work % Exercise Inexpensive Environmentally Responsible Other 12 9 Don t have other transportation Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 32 of 54

34 Potential Commute Behavior Response to $4 Gasoline or Sustained Poor Economy Respondents were asked what they would do given current economic conditions and/or a return to $4.00+ gasoline. The two strongest response rates were from Park & Riders (69%) and bus and/or rail riders (65%) indicating they would take bus/rail some or all of the time given a sustained poor economy or $4.00 gasoline. Similarly, carpoolers and vanpoolers (6) indicated they would carpool or vanpool some or all of the time. In other words, these groups would do more of what they already do. 6 of carpool/vanpool respondents indicated they would consider taking the P&R, bus and/or rail some or all of the time. 34% of SOVs indicated they would make no changes given $4 gas or a sustained poor economy. 27% of SOVs indicated they would consider taking bus/rail some or all of the time. 25% of SOVs, 19% of P&Rs, 2 of those who take bus and/or rail, and 31% of carpool/vanpoolers said they would consider purchasing a vehicle with better gas mileage % of SOVs, P&R and bus/rail respondents indicated they would consider carpool or vanpool some or all of the time. This question was designed partly to identify the extent to which downtown workers would want to move closer to downtown or change jobs to work closer to home. o The strongest response of the possible answers to this set of questions was 16% of P&Rs who indicated they would consider a work location closer to home next time I change jobs. o Oddly, many who carpool or vanpool, rather than checking consider moving closer to work next time I move and consider moving sooner, checked only the latter. They responded similarly to the next pair of questions, related to changing work locations next time I change jobs or changing jobs sooner. Consider moving closer to work when I move next Consider moving closer to work sooner Consider choosing a work location closer to home next time I change Consider choosing a work location closer to home sooner SOV P&R Bus, rail Carpool 9% 9% 8% 3% % 2% 3% 11% % 7% 5% % 6% 3% 12% Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 33 of 54

35 Givven curre ent econ nomic co ondition ns and/o or a returrn to $4 gasoline e, would d you (check all that ap pply): SOV P&R R Bus, rail Carpool, Van npool Dow wntown Hou uston Comm mute Survey Report Page 34 of 54

36 A Closer Look at SOVs Who Would Consider Transit More than 1,500 SOVs indicated they would consider taking P&R, bus and/or rail when asked, Given current economic conditions and/or a return to $4.00+ gasoline, would you (check all that apply). 41% of those with an affirmative response are professionals. Administrative, technical and administrator/managerial employees follow. SOVs Willing to Take the Bus at $4 Gas or Sustained Poor Economy Energy Legal FIRE (banking) F&B/ Entertainment/ Hospitality Government/ nonprofit Administrative 13.2% 22.6% 19.7% 14.9% 14.3% 21.9% 8.2% % Administrator/ managerial 7.4% 7.3% 12.9% % 3.1% 8.2% 16.7% 11.1% Attorney 1.9% 15.9% 1.5% 1.1% 6.7% % 0.9% 3.4% Paralegal 0.8% 26.8% % % Executive 4.4% % 3.2% 5.7% % 3.5% 3.6% Professional 50.9% 10.4% 46.2% 14.9% 36.2% 40.6% 70.5% 39.8% 41.2% Sales 0.5% 0.6% 2.3% 4.3% % Service/retail 0.3% 0.6% 2.3% 30.9% % % 2.5% Student 0.2% 2.4% 0.8% % % Technical 15.7% 6.1% 5.3% 9.6% 6.7% 12.5% 1.6% 11.2% 11.3% Other 4.9% 7.3% 4.5% 4.3% 7.6% 18.8% 3.3% 11.8% 7. n= , Medical/ Health Care Public Accounting Other Total Industry An analysis may follow later to identify SOV subgroups that might be effectively targeted for alternative modes of transportation. These might include administrative staff at law firms and administrative and professional staff in banking Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 35 of 54

37 Continuing the analysis of SOVs, the following chart takes a look at how SOVs say their behavior would change given high gas prices or a sustained poor economy. SOV: Given current economic conditions and/or a return to $4 gasoline, would you (check all that apply): 4 35% 3 25% 2 15% work/home proximity 5% 2009 Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 36 of 54

38 Employer Transportation Subsidies and Mode Choice CHI occasionally polls employers asking what subsidies are offered to employees. The following questions, however, seek to identify the relationship between transportation subsidies and mode choice by asking respondents what they think their employers offer as transportation subsidies. 22% of downtown respondents say their employers cover 10 of bus/rail costs. An additional 22% said most of the cost is covered. 68% of P&R/bus/rail respondents said their employers cover half to all of the bus/rail cost (see circled data below). Almost all of those who take Park & Ride/bus/rail know whether their employer provides a transit subsidy. Those who take motorcycles or scooters to work consistently answered don t know to whether their employer offers various subsidies, most likely because it would not influence their mode choice. 3 25% 2 Does Your Employer Offer A Bus Subsidy? 15% 5% SOV P&R, Bus, Rail No Some of cost About 1/2 the cost Most of cost All of cost Don't know Does your employer offer a bus subsidy? By mode SOV P&R, Bus, Rail Carpool/ Vanpool Motorcycle Bicycle Walk Rarely Go DT None offered 28% 18% 23% 15% 3 23% 2,212 23% Covers some of cost 11% 12% 13% 15% 17% 6% 2 1,099 12% Covers about half of cost 6% 13% 7% 4% 14% 4% 4% 869 9% Covers most of cost 17% 28% 24% 21% 7% 16% 5% 2,110 22% Covers 10 of cost 19% 27% 19% 19% 38% 3 2% 2,107 22% Don't know 2 2% 14% 26% 14% 14% 46% 1,139 12% 4,361 3,873 1, , Total 2009 Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 37 of 54

39 22% of SOV respondentss said they drive alone despite the lack of employer parking subsidy. 37% of SOVs and 37% of carpool/vanpoolers responded that their employer offers 10 parking subsidy. Does Your Employer Offer a Parking Subsidy? 4 35% 3 25% 2 SOV 15% P&R, Bus, Rail 5% No Some of cost About 1/ /2 the Most of cost All of cost Don' t know cost None offered Covers some of cost Covers about half of cost Covers most of cost Covers 10 of cost Don't know Does your employer offer a parking subsidy? By mode Carpool/ P&R, Bus, Van SOV Rail pool 22% 33% 22% 12% 12% 12% 9% 13% 37% 23% 37% 9% 4,920 1,932 1, Motorcycle 16% 9% 13% 4% 38% Rarely Bicycle Walk Go DT Total 6% 32% 46% 2,048 25% 19% 7% 12% 11% 4% % 11% 19% 26% 7% 22% 4% 11% 875 2,754 11% 33% 19% 19% 26% 779 9% , Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 38 of 54

40 Because of the high level of bus, rail and P&R service offered downtown, vans are less needed than in any other area of Houston. Nevertheless, most employers that offer bus subsidy extend the subsidy to vanpool riders. It is rare, however, that an employer will offer subsidies for carpool riders due to IRS tax rules and the difficulty in verifying carpool use. 81% of those who utilize vanpool said their employers cover some or all of the cost of their vanpool costs. Similarly, 8 of P&R/bus/rail riders indicated their employers offer some or all of their P&R/bus/rail costs. 78% of overall respondents (using all modes) indicated their employer either did not offer a subsidy or that they did not know. Does Your Employer Offer a Carpool/Vanpool Subsidy? Don't know, 33% No, 45% All of cost, 4% Most of cost, 9% About 1/2 the cost, 4% Some of cost, 6% Does your employer offer a carpool/vanpool subsidy? By mode SOV P&R, Bus, Rail Carpool Vanpool Motorcycle Bicycle Walk Rarely Go DT None offered 44% 5 48% 29% 27% 45% 4 2,560 45% Covers some of cost 5% 5% 8% 32% 6% 1% 2% 345 6% Covers about half of cost 2% 4% 4% 26% 9% 2% 207 4% Covers most of cost 8% 12% 6% 19% 15% 9% 11% 4% 517 9% Covers 10 of cost 4% 3% 5% 3% 18% 4% 230 4% Don't know 37% 26% 3 9% 5 36% 37% 54% 1,876 33% 3,225 1, , Total 2009 Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 39 of 54

41 A transportation allowance is a set dollar amount per month that an employer offers its employees, pre-tax or after tax. The employee then chooses how he/she wants to utilize that allowance, whether for parking, bus passes, vanpool, carpool or other expenses. 56% of respondents said their employer provides no transportation allowance, while 15% said they are offered part or all of the transportation cost as a transportation allowance. 29% don t know. There doesn t seem to be a strong relationship between mode and transportation allowance. One theory is that very few companies, especially none of the larger companies CHI has contacted, offer transportation allowances. Does Your Employer Offer a Transportation Allowance? Don't know, 29% All of cost, 4% No, 56% Most of cost, 5% About 1/2 the cost, 3% Some of cost, 4% Does your employer provide a transportation allowance? SOV P&R, Bus, Rail Carpool/ Vanpool Motorcycle Bicycle Walk Rarely Go DT None offered 56% 57% 56% 38% 3 51% 46% 3,009 56% Covers some of cost 3% 5% 5% 4% 1% 6% 216 4% Covers about half of cost 2% 5% 1% 3% 4% 4% 137 3% Covers most of cost 4% 7% 4% 3% 9% 5% 2% 278 5% Covers 10 of cost 3% 5% 3% 3% 4% 3% 7% 198 4% Don't know 32% 2 31% 53% 48% 36% 39% 1,566 29% 3,014 1, , Total 2009 Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 40 of 54

42 SOV Parking Not all who indicated how they park indicated what they pay for parking. Of those who drive alone, 88% (5,009) park in a garage, (553) park in a lot and almost 2% (97) park on-street. SOV Parking Location Type Count % Garage 5,009 88% Lot 553 On Street 97 2% 5, Almost all 97% of SOV parkers know what they re paying for parking. After any employer subsidies, SOV respondents who park in garages and pay monthly pay the following: 18% at no cost; 16.5% pay $25 to $50 per month; and 31% pay $50- $75 per month. The average monthly cost to the respondents is $ After any employer subsidies, SOV respondents who park in garages and pay daily pay the following: 55% at no cost; 14% pay $1-$4 per day; 16% pay $5-$7; 8% pay $8-$10; and 6% pay $10-$25 per day. The average daily cost is $3.29.* After any employer subsidies, SOV respondents who park in lots and pay monthly pay the following: 13% at no cost; 23.5% pay $10 to $25 per month; and 19% pay $ The average monthly cost to the respondents is $ After any employer subsidies, SOV respondents who park in lots and pay daily pay the following: 9% at no cost; 16% pay $10 per day; and 21% pay $4.00 per day. The average daily cost is $5.48.* * According to the data, the average cost for garages when parking daily is $3.29, while in lots, daily parking averages $5.48. This data is skewed because of those who do not pay for parking at all. When taking out those who park at no cost, the following are the daily costs paid by SOVs: What SOVs pay when it's not free and they're paying daily Parking Type Average Cost per Day n = Garage $ Lot $ On Street $ Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 41 of 54

43 35% SOVs Who Pay Monthly for Parking in Garages after any employer subsidies 3 25% 2 15% 5% n=2,563 6 SOVs Who Pay Daily for Parking in Garages after any employer subsidies n= Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 42 of 54

44 25% SOVs Who Pay Monthly for Parking in Lots after any employer subsidies 2 15% 5% n=196 25% SOVs Who Pay Daily for Parking in Lots after any employer subsidies 2 15% 5% n= Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 43 of 54

45 Toll Roads as an Option When this survey was taken, toll roads were available for downtown commuters on the Hardy and Westpark Toll Roads. The Katy Freeway toll lanes were under construction; toll lanes on Beltway 8 had been in operation for some years. Additional toll roads are planned, some of which will serve downtown along existing freeways, but some of which will be new toll roads serving the periphery of the Houston region, and not offering free lanes. This question was not asked of bus riders. SOVs are the only mode with more than half (53%) indicating they would likely pay a toll ($1) for a quicker trip. Vanpoolers are the least likely to pay to drive alone and pay a toll; SOVs were most likely SOV: Would you pay a toll for a quicker trip? How much each way? $1.00 $1.25 $2.00 $3.00 $4.00 Would you pay a toll for a quicker trip? How much? SOV Would not Not likely Likely Already do Would not Not likely Likely Already do Count $1.00 each way 33.8% 9.5% % 4, $1.25 each way % 39.1% 4.1% 3, $2.00 each way 56.2% 21.2% 18.8% 3.7% 3, $3.00 each way 72.9% 18.9% 5.3% 2.8% 3, $4.00 each way 79.9% 14.3% 3.9% 1.8% 3, Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 44 of 54

46 Carpoolers: Would you pay a toll for a quicker trip? How much each way? $1.00 $1.25 $2.00 $3.00 $4.00 Would not Not likely Likely Already do Would you pay a toll for a quicker trip? How much? Carpoolers Would not Not likely Likely Already do Count $1.00 each way 40.5% 8.8% 48.5% 2.2% 1, $1.25 each way 49.6% 12.8% 35.7% $2.00 each way 61.9% 20.5% 15.8% 1.8% $3.00 each way 78.4% 16.6% 3.7% 1.4% $4.00 each way % 3.5% 1.1% Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 45 of 54

47 Vanpoolers: Would you pay a toll for a quicker trip? How much each way? $1.00 $1.25 $2.00 $3.00 $4.00 Would not Not likely Likely Already do Would you pay a toll for a quicker trip? How much? Vanpool Would not Not likely Likely Already do Count $1.00 each way 46.4% 14.6% 39.1% $1.25 each way 54.3% 20.3% 23.9% 1.4% $2.00 each way 66.4% % 0.7% $3.00 each way 79.9% 15.7% 3.7% 0.7% $4.00 each way 86.4% 11.4% 1.5% 0.8% Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 46 of 54

48 Additional Analyses Age and Commute Distance Refer to Commute Distance earlier in this report for a map identifying distances to area landmarks. The largest share of those traveling less than one mile is the year-old segment. Younger employees tend to live closer to downtown. 10 Age by Distance (SOV, P&R, Bus, Rail, Bus/Rail, Carpool, Vanpool) Age Segments Age <30 yrs 2 <1 mi Commute Distance (miles) n=4, Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 47 of 54

49 10 SOVs: Age by Distance Age Segments Age <30 yrs <1 mi Commute Distance (miles) n=2, P&R: Age by Distance Age Segments Age <30 yrs Commute Distance (miles) n=1,392 Several commute distances were excluded from the above chart due to too few responses Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 48 of 54

50 Age Segments Carpoolers & Vanpoolers: Age by Distance Commute Distance (miles) Age <30 yrs n=295 Age Segments Bus, Rail, Bus/Rail: Age by Distance <1 mi Commute Distance (miles) Age <30 yrs n=336 Several commute distances were excluded from the above chart due to too few responses Downtown Houston Commute Survey Report Page 49 of 54