In the past few years, the scope and number of large special events, such as concerts and sporting events, have increased. Large special events are being viewed as a means of economic development, that is, as an attempt to bring in spectators from outside the region to obtain tourism dollars. Some cities are planning large special events that may attract as many as 100, 000 spectators. Little publishedmaterial is available applicable to the planning of large special events, especially in the areas of mode split (the mode of travel to the event) and the air quality impacts of these large events. A study was recently performed in nine large metropolitan areas nationwideto gain further knowledge of the impact of these events. The data collected were analyzed to derive conclusions and recommendations forassisting officials in planning of large special events. Analysis of the data revealed that average automobile occupancy for weekend events is much higher than on weekdays; automobile occupancy for higher-priced events is significantly lower than for lower-priced events;automobile occupancy at western u.S. Sites is much lower than at eastern and midwestern u.S. Sites; transit usage where regularly scheduled special transit service is available is much higher than where charter or nonscheduled special transit service is provided; and transit fares have a significant impact on the transit mode share. Vehicles attending large special events can have large impacts on air quality. If resources become available, a model to be used as a tool for planning special events should be developed. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1312, Energy and environmental issues 1991.
Abstract