Within the houston metropolitan area, a major commitment has been made to implement a system of high-occupancy vehicle lanes (known locally as transitways) in the medians of the existing freeway network. These lanes are reserved for the exclusive use of high-occupancyvehicles. As of october 1989, carpools were permitted to use three of the four transitways in operation. This paper presents the results of transitway carpool surveys performed on the katy, northwest, and gulf transitways in the fall of 1989. The primary intent of the surveys was to (a) identify why individuals have chosen to carpool; (b) assess what effect the transitways have had on the decision to carpool; (c) determine perceptions of transitway use with carpools present; and (d) assess carpooler attitudes and impacts pertaining to the transitways. From the results of the carpool surveys, it appears that carpoolers generally perceive they are receiving a number of benefits from carpoolng on the transitway. In fact, between 19 and 42% of the current transitway carpoolers stated that they would not be ridesharing if not for the transitway in their area. Carpool survey data also indicate that (a) between 45 and 61% of the total transitway carpools may have been created as a result of the transitways and(b) perhaps carpools are remaining in existence longer because of the transitways. In addition, it appears that permitting carpools to use the transitways has proven successful in increasing both the actual and perceived use of the facilities without attracting a substantial number of persons away from other transitway modes. Furthermore, between 63 and 71% of the freeway motorists (nontransitway users) feel that the transitways are good transportation improvements. Thispaper appears in transportation research record no. 1321, Rideshareprograms: evaluation of effectiveness, trip reduction programs, demand management, and commuter attitudes 1991.
Abstract