Recent analysis of Katy Freeway/Managed Lane (ML) travellers and I-394 Freeway/High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane traveller data has found that many travellers pay to use these HOT lanes and MLs when adjacent toll-free lanes are operating at nearly the same speed. Assuming that drivers are indeed cognizant of the fact that HOT and ML lanes are travelling at nearly the same speed, then it would seem that travellers are paying for the use of these lanes for reasons other than travel time savings. This project investigated the role of psychological variables, such as risk aversion, that may explain why travellers choose to pay to use these lanes when the travel time is almost equal. The results indicate that some psychological variables had significant relationships with the stated preference questions, but this was very limited. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting