This paper describes a survey process, to define the micro and macro travel patterns of the commuters of South Florida. The survey identifies smaller site-specific commuter needs, and, at the same time, incorporates this information into an expanded regional travel pattern database. Gold Coast Commuter Services (GCCS) uses two survey forms at present, for students and employees, and surveys specific educational and work sites. While reviewing its survey methods, GCCS identified distinct variations between site-specific surveys and regional commuter travel pattern information. These fundamental variations were classified into: (1) institutional; (2) spatial; (3) analytical; (4) temporal; and (5) attitudinal. analytical; (4) temporal; and (5) attitudinal. These five classes of variations show the weaknesses of both types of surveys. After identifying various planning defects, GCCS developed its regional survey methodology, and chose its survey software. A GCCS survey functions as an attitudinal bridge. It combines the mechanics of vehicle movements and the psychology of commuters' mental transitions, to obtain a better understanding of commuter trips. Some further extensions of GCCS methodology are indicated.
Abstract