Prepared By

1
Preliminary Report August 9, 2006
2006 Arlington County Resident Study Topline
Report
Prepared For
Arlington County Commuter Services

• Prepared By

2
Outline of Presentation

• Study, Background Objectives
• Study Methodology
• Detailed Findings
• Resident Commute Behavior
• Non-Work Travel
• Awareness Use of Travel Info Services
• Worksite Residential TDM Services
• Transportation Quality of Life
• Perceptions of Transportation System
• Opportunities for Improvement
• Ability to Get Around
• Accessibility to Bus Train Stops
• Communication
• Hispanics
• Key Take-A-Ways

3
Study Background Objectives
4
Study Background

• This project is a component of the 2006-2008 ACCS
  Program Research and Evaluation Plan.
• The purpose of this component is to collect and
  analyze information needed to assess the
  performance of Arlington County Commuter Services
  (ACCS) and to enhance ACCS effectiveness in
  providing travel assistance services in Arlington
  County.

5
Study Objectives

• Measure Arlington County residents overall
  satisfaction with their mobility and the Countys
  transportation system.
• Establish benchmark measures on residents
  overall ratings of their mobility and the
  Countys transportation system across a number of
  key attributes.
• Identify residents overall transportation/mobilit
  y needs and unmet needs.
• Assess the role Arlington County residents
  believe mobility/transportation system plays in
  making the County a desirable place to live and
  work.

6
Study Objectives (Continued)

• Measure how Arlington County residents perceive
  the Countys performance in delivering on their
  expectations.
• Assess residents awareness and familiarity of
  non-SOV travel options available in Arlington
  County.
• Measure usage and usage intent of non-SOV travel
  options available in Arlington County.
• Measure awareness, use and impact of Countys
  transportation support organizations and
  services.
• Assess awareness and rating of Arlington Countys
  transportation-related public information
  outreach efforts.

7
Study Methodology
8
Methodology

• In order to meet the objectives established for
  this research, a random digit dialing telephone
  survey was conducted among residents of Arlington
  County.
• The questionnaire was designed to meet the
  specific objectives established for this research
  and CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone
  Interviewing) programmed for ease and quality of
  interviewing.
• Core questions were asked of all respondents.
  Others were asked only of those who rideshare or
  do not, depending upon the relevancy of the issue
  for each individual respondent.

9
Methodology (Continued)

• In order to qualify, respondents had to meet the
  following criteria
• Resident of Arlington County
• Age 18 and older
• In addition, quotas were established to ensure
  sufficient numbers of respondents in key
  categories
• Residents who primarily use ridesharing modes
• Residents who primarily do not use ridesharing
  modes
• Hispanic respondents
• Non-Hispanic Respondents

In order to ensure the highest quality data, the
interview was available in both English and
Spanish for the respondents preference
10
Methodology (Continued)

• At the start of this study, it was hypothesized
  that Ridesharers and Non-Ridesharers would have
  different perspectives, needs, and experiences.
• In order to make relevant comparisons between
  Ridesharers and Non-Ridersharers, three (3)
  groups are compared in this analysis
• Primary Ridesharers
• Secondary Ridesharers
• Non-Ridesharers

11
Methodology (Continued)
Primary Ridesharers Reported that they rideshare
to work at least once a week in a typical week.
Secondary Ridesharers Do not typically rideshare
to work, but reported that they used an
alternative mode of transportation for a non-work
trip during the past week.
Non-Ridesharer Do not typically rideshare to work
and did not use an alternative mode of
transportation for a non-work trip during the
past week.
12
Methodology (Continued)

• In total, 509 respondents completed this study
• In order not to over-represent the Hispanic
  segment in the total sample, the data have been
  weighted to accurately reflect the Hispanic
  population in Arlington County.

13
Detailed Findings
14
Travel Patterns Choices
Awareness Use of
Travel Info Services
Resident Commute Behavior
Non-Work Travel
Worksite Residential
Services
15
Resident Commute Behavior
16
Commute Characteristics

• Work schedules
• Commute modes and frequency of use
• Profile of DA and transit commuters
• Travel time and distance
• Trial use/recent use of other modes
• Likelihood to try HOV

17
Work Arrangements

• 68 of respondents were employed 60 FT, 8 PT
• Among Employed Residents
• 2006 Resident 2004 SOC
• Work CWS 19 5
• Flextime N/A 19
• Telecommute 15 13
• Avg. TC frequency 1.6 d/wk 1.3 d/wk
• Avg. assigned days 4.9 4.9
• Avg. travel days 4.6 4.5

18
Travel Mode to Work
n328
Percentage of weekly trips made by each mode
19
Frequency of Mode Use
n328
81 of residents used one mode 4 days per week
for commuting. Thus, there is only modest
potential for increasing HOV use among current
HOV users.
20
Profiles of DA and Transit Commuters

• DA Transit
• Travel 1-10 miles 70 87
• Travel 11 miles 30 13
• Caucasian 82 68
• Hispanic 13 18
• Age lt 50 60 76
• Age 50 40 24
• Income lt60K 21 31
• Income 60-120K 39 42
• Income gt120K 40 27
• Federal employee 26 39
• Private employee 34 33

21
Commute Distance (mi)
n278

• Arlington residents travel shorter distances to
  work (10.3 miles) than do other commuters in the
  region (16.5 miles)
• 41 travel 5 miles or less
• 80 travel 10 miles or less

Q H-13 How many miles do you travel from your
home to your work?
22
Commute Time (min)
n320

• But Arlington residents do not have
  proportionately shorter commute times (28 min)
  than the regional average (34 min)
• 48 travel 20 min or less, but
• 26 travel 2145 min and 26 travel 45 min
• This is primarily due to the large number of
  transit riders and walkers/bikers, who travel
  short distances, but take more time.

Q H-14 How many minutes does this trip usually
take you?
23
Try/Use HOV in Past Year
n328
Within the past year, 30 of residents have tried
or used an HOV mode that they are not using now.
30
Q H-24 In the past year, have you used or tried
any other type of transportation that youre not
using now for your trip to work?
24
DA Commuters Trial/Past Use of HOV
Primary RS n144 Secondary RS n99 Non-rideshare
n86
DA commuters were more likely than current HOV
commuters to have tried/used a different HOV mode
in the past year. But is this because HOV users
were satisfied with their travel mode and had
less reason to change?
25
DA Commuters Likely to Try HOV

• Most DA commuters are long time users 62
  started DA 2 years ago and 18 always used DA.
  The remaining 20 started DA in past two years.
• 28 of DA users said they were very likely (15)
  or somewhat likely (13) to try HOV mode within
  one year.
• DA residents would be most willing to try transit
  if
• Bus schedule matched work schedule (13)
• Bus stop closer to home or work (6)
• More frequent schedule (6)
• Buses were faster (4)
• Gas prices were higher (3)
• Other (30)

26
Non-Work Travel
27
Incidence of Non-Work Travel
Employed, Work day n253 Employed, Non-work day
n94 Non- employed, N162

• 67 of residents made a non-work trip
  yesterday.
• 64 of employed residents made a non-work trip on
  a work day
• 67 of employed residents made a non-work trip on
  a non-work day
• 72 of non-employed residents made a non-work
  trip on an average day
• On days they worked, 40 of employed residents
  made trips on the way to/from work and 44 made
  trips at other times of the day.

Q J-2 Did you make any stops yesterday on the
way to work or stops on the way home from work? Q
J-4 Did you make any trips for any purpose at
any other time of the day? Q J-10 Did you make
any trips yesterday, at any time of the day?
28
Number of Non-Work Trips
Employed, Work day n163 Employed, Non-work day
n63 Non- employed, N116

• Residents who made non-work trips yesterday made
  an average of 2.3 trips/stops
• On work days, employed residents made 1.5 trips
  or stops on the way to/from work, plus 1.6
  non-work trips at other times of the day
• On non-work days, employed residents made 2.4
  non-work trips
• Non-employed residents made 2.6 non-work trips on
  an average day

Q J-3 About how many stops did you make on the
way to work or on the way home from work? Q J-5
About how many trips did you make? Q J-11 About
how many trips did you make?
29
Weekly Trips for Work and Non-Work
Employed residents n226 Non- employed, N116
Non-employed residents made more non-work trips
(13.1) weekly than did employed residents (7.5),
but employed residents made more trips overall.
Employed residents also made 2.7 stops per week
on the way to or from work.
13.1 weekly trips
17.3 weekly trips
30
Non-Work Travel Purpose
n342, multiple response permitted Trip n459
Two in ten non-work trips were for made for
shopping or errands and a quarter were made for
social purposes.
Social
Shop
Q J-6, J-12 For what purposes did you make these
trips?
31
Non-Work Travel Mode
n342, multiple response permitted Trip n459
Nearly half of non-work trips are made by DA and
one-third are made by walking. One in eight are
made by riding or driving with another person.
Walk
CP/VP
Drive alone
Q J-7, J-8, J-13 What type or types of
transportation did you use for ltthese tripsgt?
32
Awareness and Use of Travel Info and Services
33
Seeking Transportation Info/Services
n507

• 52 of all residents sought information on types
  of transportation they could use and 47 sought
  transportation services.
• Who sought information?
• Age 35-49 years old (60) vs. other ages (51)
• Work outside Arlington (56) vs. work inside
  (46)
• College/advanced degrees (56) vs. HS or less
  (34)
• Lived in Arlington lt10 years (54) vs. gt10 years
  (48)
• Employed and non-employed residents equally likely

Q K-1 In the past year, have you sought
information on types of transportation you could
use to get around the Washington metropolitan
region? Q K-2 In the past year, have you looked
for services that could help you get around the
Washington metropolitan region?
34
Info/Service Sources Contacted
n283
Q K-3 What sources did you use or contact to
obtain this information or service? Commuter
Store, ACCS, ATP, CommuterPage.com, ART,
Arlington government
35
Info/Services Sought
n283
More than half of the residents who sought
information or services looked for transit
information/services.
Q K-4 What information or services were you
seeking?
36
Four in Ten Residents Who Sought Info/Services
Took Action to Change Travel
n201
99 said the info/service encouraged this action
and 47 said they were not likely to have taken
the action without the info/service.
Q K-5 After obtaining this information or
service, did you take any actions to try to
change how you travel around Arlington or how you
travel from Arlington to other destinations in
the Washington metropolitan area?
37
Awareness of Commute Organizations(Unprompted)
n201
10 named Arlington org
Q K-8 Do you know of any organizations, phone
numbers, or website that provides information on
getting around Arlington or around the Washington
region?
38
Where to Look for Info?
n191

• Residents who could not name a commute info
  source said if they wanted this type of info,
  they would look in
• Website/Internet 33
• Yellow Pages 7
• Employer 2
• Newspaper 2
• Referral 2
• Arlington organization 2
• Other 24

Q K-9 If you wanted to find this type of
information, where would you look?
39
Awareness of Commute Orgs (prompted)67 knew one
or more Arlington commute organizations
n447
40
Who Knew Arlington Orgs?
Commuter Store n198 ACCS n169 Bike Arlington
n144 Walk Arlington n99 ATP n71 Commuter
Page.com n59

• Awareness of Arlington organizations was high,
  regardless of HOV use use HOV for commuting
  (70), use HOV only for non-work (66), dont use
  HOV (60).
• Commuter Store lt50 years old, College degree,
  Income 60K, Longer time in Arlington
• ACCS Women, 35 years old, 10 years in
  Arlington, Non-employed
• Bike Arlington 35-49 years old, 2 cars in HH,
  Income 60K, High QOL rating, High TR
  satisfaction
• Walk Arlington Women, High TR satisfaction
• ATP Longer time in Arlington, Non-employed
• CommuterPage.com lt50 years old, Employed

41
Used Arlington Travel Services
n509
One in five residents (21) had used a travel
service from an Arlington County/ACCS program
last year.
42
Who Used Arlington Services?
Commuter Store n198 ACCS n169 Bike Arlington
n144 Walk Arlington n99 ATP n71 Commuter
Page.com n59

• Residents who
• Used HOV for commuting (31) vs. used HOV only
  for non-work (23) vs. did not use HOV at all
  (10)
• Heard ads about transportation/commuting (36)
  vs. did not hear ads (16)
• Worked for federal agencies (34) vs. worked for
  non-profit (19) or private employers (15)
• Worked for employers with 251 employees (26)
  vs. worked for employers with lt251 employees
  (17)
• Employed and non-employed residents equally
  likely to use Arlington Services.

43
Worksite and Residential TDM Services
44
Access to Employer TDM
n344
About a third of the employed residents said
their employer offers commute assistance
services/benefits. This was much lower than that
noted in 2004 SOC, but the SOC asked the question
differently.
45
Most Common Employer Services
n328
46
Access to Employer TDM

• Employees were most likely to know their employer
  offered TDM services if they worked
• Full time (51) vs. part time (21)
• Outside Arlington (57) vs. inside Arlington
  (32)
• For a federal agency (60) vs. state/local
  government (20), non-profit (21), or private
  firm (14)
• For an employer with 251 employees (46) vs. an
  employer with 250 or fewer employees (14)
• Among residents who did not have access to
  transportation subsidies, 36 said they would be
  very likely or somewhat likely to try HOV for
  work if their employers offered this benefit.

47
Mode Use at TDM Worksites
Transit use was higher and DA use was lower at
worksites where employees said they had access to
TDM services.
48
Residential TDM Services
Resident base n285 Service base n67

• One in four (24) residents who lived in a
  condominium, townhouse, or apartment said they
  had access to transportation information at home
  On-site concierge (19), Self-service take-one
  display (13).

49
Used Residential TDM Services
Service use n42

• Two-thirds (66) of residents who had access to
  residential services used one or more services
  27 used Metro tickets and 25 used transit
  information.

50
Actions Taken After Using Residential TDM Services
Travel change n28

• 95 of residents who used a residential TDM
  service tried or increased use of an HOV mode
  after using the services.

51
Perceptual Issues
Opportunities for Improvement
Transportation Quality of
Life
Perceptions of Transportation System
Ability to Get
Around
52
The Arlington County Transportation Impact Model
Ease of getting around w/out car
Safety
Choice/variety of options
Attractive residential communities
Cost
Time required to make trips
Entertainment recreational
Convenience
Shopping opportunities
Dependability
Job opportunities
Overall Quality of Life
Safety
Transportation system and services
Comfort
Sat. AC is meeting residents needs
Public education
Ability to travel around AC
Clean environment
Ease of getting around w/car
Ease of getting around the area
Ease of getting around by walking
Diversity
Ease of getting around by bicycle
The economy
Ease of getting around by bus
Ease of getting to other destinations w/out a car
53
Transportation Quality of Life
54
QC-1. Think about the quality of life in
Arlington County. By quality of life we mean
the general well-being of residents, taking into
consideration such things as the quality of
education available, employment opportunities,
the economy, mobility, personal safety, health,
housing, recreation and entertainment
opportunities, and so forth. How would you
rate the overall quality of life in Arlington
County? Please use a scale of 1-5 for your
answer, where 1 means that the quality of life
is not very good and 5 means the quality
of life is
very good.
55
Citizens of Arlington County Rate Their Overall
Quality of Life Quite FavorablyAlmost 9 in 10
Give It a Favorable Rating
88
C-1 How would you rate the overall quality of
life in Arlington County?
56
Primary Ridesharers View Their
Quality of Life Favorably
91
Based to Primary Ridesharers
C-1 How would you rate the overall quality of
life in Arlington County?
57
Secondary Ridesharers Also View
Their Quality of Life Favorably
88
Based to Secondary Ridesharers
C-1 How would you rate the overall quality of
life in Arlington County?
58
Non-Ridesharers Also View
Their Quality of Life Favorably
86
Based to Non-Ridesharers
C-1 How would you rate the overall quality of
life in Arlington County?
59
Ratings of Quality of Life Vary
Across Key Demographic Groups

• Although ratings of the quality of life do not
  vary significantly across the three
  transportation groups, some differences across
  demographic groups are posted, including
• Those with higher incomes tend to rate the
  quality of life more favorably
• Older respondents tend to rate the quality of
  life more favorably
• Those who have lived in Arlington County longer
  (more than five years) tend to rate the quality
  of life more favorably

60
The Transportation System Services Is Also
Rated Favorably
Ease of Getting Around in the Area Is Rated
Slightly Less So
Residents are most satisfied with shopping
opportunities, safety, entertainment and
transportation system.
86
86
85
83
82
80
80
80
76
70
70
C-2 Please rate Arlington County on each of
these attributes
61
Nine of Ten Primary Ridesharers Rate the
Transportation System Services Favorably,
and Eight of Ten Rate
Ease of Getting
Around in the Area Favorably
86
89
86
89
79
76
79
80
80
70
64
Based to Primary Ridesharers
C-2 Please rate Arlington County on each of
these attributes
62
Secondary Ridesharers Are Slightly Less Satisfied
with the Transportation System Services in
Arlington County and with the Ease of Getting
Around the Area
88
85
82
83
85
79
84
81
73
72
72
Based to Secondary Ridesharers
C-2 Please rate Arlington County on each of
these attributes
63
About Three-fourths of Non-Rideshares Have
Favorable Views of the Transportation System
Services and Ease of Getting Around the Area
84
83
86
77
82
81
75
80
72
69
74
Based to Non-Ridesharers
C-2 Please rate Arlington County on each of
these attributes
64
How is satisfaction with mobility issues related
to perceptions of overall quality of life?
65
Predictive Modeling

• Helps us to identify cause and effect
  relationships
• It models the impact or effect of causal factors
  on a specific outcome
• Multiple regression used to identify the
  relationship and the magnitude of the impact

66
What Influences Quality of Life?
Safety
Attractive residential communities
?
Entertainment recreational opps
?
?
Shopping opportunities
?
Job opportunities
OverallQuality of Life
?
?
Transportation system and services
?
Public education
?
?
?
Clean environment
?
Ease of getting around the area
Diversity
The economy
67
Transportation System Services Have a
Significant Impact on the Quality of Life in
Arlington CountyThe Economy Has the Greatest
Effect
Note The 4 other quality of life attributes
from the previous slide did not have an impact
and consequently are not included on this list of
key variables.
The economy
Attractive residential communities
.203
.154
Public education
.134
OverallQuality of Life
The regression coefficient indicates that for
every point increase in rating of the
transportation system and services, overall
quality of life ratings will increase by 0.078.
Clean environment
.119
.112
Job opportunities
.088
Availability of entertainment and recreational
opportunities
.078
Not significant impacts on quality of life
safety, shopping, ease of getting around, and
diversity
Transportation system and
services
68
Satisfaction with the Transportation System
Services in Arlington County
Improves Residents Quality
of Life Ratings
The trans-portation system in Arlington County
makes it a better place to live.
9-point lift
How to Read This Chart Proportions reported are
those rating the quality of life
favorably. Example 85 of those less than
very satisfied w/ trans. system rate quality of
life favorably.
C-1 How would you rate the overall quality of
life in Arlington County?
69
Satisfaction with the Transportation System
Services in Arlington County Lifts Perceptions
of the Quality of Life Among All Commute Groups
Especially Those That Do Not Rideshare
Note lt is shorthand for less than satisfied
How to Read This Chart Proportions reported are
those rating the quality of life
favorably. Example 89 of those less than
very satisfied w/ trans. system rated quality of
life favorably.
5
16
8
Secondary Ridesharers
Non-Ridesharers
Primary Ridesharers
C-1 How would you rate the overall quality of
life in Arlington County?
70
Additionally, Mobility Issues Are Near the
Top of the List of Stated Importance
for Factors Influencing
Quality of Life
91
88
88
80
79
79
76
70
68
67
65
C-3 Please tell me how important each of the
attributes is in terms of your overall quality of
life?
71
Nearly Nine out of Ten Primary Ridesharers Say
That Ease of Getting Around the Area Is
Important to Their Overall Quality of Life
Similarly, Nine out of Ten Primary Ridesharers
Say Transportation System Services Are
Important
94
89
90
87
77
87
70
70
68
74
59
Based to Primary Ridesharers
C-3 Please tell me how important each of the
attributes is in terms of your overall quality of
life?
72
The Transportation System Services Are Less
Important to Secondary Ridesharers, but Ease of
Getting Around Is Just As Important for This
Group As for Primary Ridesharers
91
90
90
81
80
76
79
68
68
64
68
Based to Secondary Ridesharers
C-3 Please tell me how important each of the
attributes is in terms of your overall quality of
life?
73
Both the Transportation System Services
and Ease of Getting
Around Are Less
Important to Non-Ridesharers
89
83
85
72
84
78
75
73
67
64
69
Based to Non-Ridesharers
C-3 Please tell me how important each of the
attributes is in terms of your overall quality of
life?
74
Key FindingArlington County residents are quite
satisfied with their quality of life. And, the
transportation system in Arlington County
improves their quality of life. When explicitly
asked how important certain attributes are in
their overall quality of life, both
transportation services and ease of getting
around in the area were rated near the top even
higher than education and job opportunities.
Higher level statistical modeling of the survey
data confirmed residents explicit or stated
feelings. The transportation system has a
statistically significant impact on perceptions
of quality of life. While education, job
opportunities, and other attributes may have a
greater impact, the fact is transportation is in
the set of attributes that have a measurable
impact on how Arlington County residents rate
their quality of life! Strategic
Implication The transportation system in
Arlington County improves the quality of life in
Arlington County. This fact can be stated
unequivocally in marketing materials.
75
Key FindingPerceptions of the impact of
transportation and mobility on overall quality of
life differ for Ridesharers and Non-Ridesharers.
On some measures, the relationship between
transportation and quality of life is evident for
Ridesharers but not for Non-Ridesharers. On
other measures, the relationship is stronger for
Non-Ridesharers. Strategic Implication
The
relationship between transportation and quality
of life is complex. Do not expect residents to
figure it out for themselves. Use
communications to continue to develop a greater
appreciation of the important role transportation
has in residents quality of life. Inform and
educate residents about this direct relationship
to grow awareness, familiarity, and desired
behavior of a fully-integrated transportation
system.
76
Perceptions of Transportation System
77
When Asked What the Transportation System Means,
About Half Gave a Mode of Transportation As an
Answer
Public Transportation 51
NOTE Percentages for mode, mobility, and
positive comments denote those who gave at least
one of the indicated responses.
Mobility 29
Positive Comment 26
An additional 2 said they did not know.
D-1 First, when I say the transportation system
of Arlington County, what does that mean to you?
That is, how would you define the transportation
system of Arlington County?
78
QD-3. Next, tell me, how satisfied you are with
the transportation system in Arlington County.
For the purposes of this interview,
transportation system of Arlington County means
all services and options available to residents
of Arlington County that make it possible to
travel throughout Arlington County, as well as
the quality of those services. So, we are
talking about such things as bus and train routes
and stops, the quality of the buses, the quality
of the roads, support services for transit,
bicycling, walking, carpooling, and so forth.
The transportation system is what makes mobility
possible for residents of Arlington County.
Overall, how satisfied are you with the
Arlington County transportation system? Please
use a scale of 1-5 for your answer, where 1
means not very satisfied and 5 means very
satisfied.
79
Satisfaction with Arlington Countys
Transportation System is Quite High

• The following are significantly more likely to be
  very satisfied
• Have lived in Arlington County less than 2 years
• Work part-time
• Work in Arlington County
• Have incomes of less than 60,000
• Have high school or less education

78
D-3 Overall, how satisfied are you with the
Arlington County Transportation system?
80
Satisfaction Is Equally High Among
Primary Ridesharers, Secondary
Ridesharers, and Non-Ridesharers
D-3 Overall, how satisfied are you with the
Arlington County Transportation system?
81
Residents Are Slightly Less Likely to Be
Satisfied That Arlington County Is Meeting
Residents Needs for Transportation Than Other
Measures of Satisfaction

• These groups are more likely to be satisfied
• Lower income
• Work part-time
• Lower level of education
• Have no car

70
D-4 How satisfied are you that Arlington County
is meeting its residents needs for
transportation and their ability to get around?
82
Primary Ridesharers Are Slightly More Satisfied
That Arlington County Is Meeting
Its Residents Needs for Transportation
Primary 75Secondary 68Non 68
D-4 How satisfied are you that Arlington County
is meeting its residents needs for
transportation and their ability to get around?
83
The Transportation System in the County Is
Rated Most Favorably in Regard to SafetyBut,
Scores Are Quite Low on Time Required to Make
Trips
84
66
66
64
64
55
45
E-8 Please rate the Arlington County
transportation system on the following attributes
and options.
84
With a Few Exceptions, Current Ridesharers Give
the Transportation System Higher Ratings on
Individual Attributes Than Do Non-Ridesharers
Percentages indicate scores 4 and 5 on a 1-5
scale where the higher the score the more
favorable the rating.
E-8 Please rate the Arlington County
transportation system on the following attributes
and options.
85
Key FindingSatisfaction with Arlington Countys
transportation system is quite high both for
Ridesharers and Non-Ridesharers. Overall,
however, residents tend to give slightly lower
scores to the County in terms of meeting its
residents transportation needs than on other
measures of satisfaction in this research. Are
citizens failing to recognize the Countys role
in providing those services? Perhaps the County
is not getting all the credit it deserves for its
transportation initiatives. Strategic
Implication 1 Create a stronger link or
association between the Countys brand and
Arlington Countys transportation system.
Communicate more thoroughly the role of the
County in providing transportation services.
Consider a move to a more unified brand sponsor
rather than three separate entities ACCS, ATP,
and Arlington Transportation. Strategic
Implication 2 It may be that residents have
unmet needs in regard to transportation in
Arlington County. Explore the extent to which
something is missing in regard to
transportation services, features, and attributes
via upcoming planned studies.
86
Key FindingResidents give the most favorable
ratings to the safety of the transportation
system. They are least satisfied with the time
it takes to make trips. With few exceptions,
current ridesharers give the transportation
system higher ratings than do those who do not
rideshare. Those who do not rideshare give the
lowest rating to the time it takes to make
trips. Strategic Implication Time is an issue.
If credible promises can be made in regard to
ridesharing and saving time, then, it can be used
to promote ridesharing. If credible promises
cannot be made, it should be avoided as a message
idea.
87
Whats driving
satisfaction with the transportation system?
88
Possible Drivers of Satisfaction with
Transportation System
Choice/variety of options
Safety
Cost
?
Time required to make trips
?
?
Convenience
?
Dependability
?
?
Comfort
Satisfaction with Transportation System
?
Ability to travel around Arlington County
?
?
Sat. AC is meeting residents needs
?
Ease of getting around w/out car
?
?
Ease of getting around w/car
?
?
Ease of getting around by walking
?
Ease of getting around by bus
Ease of getting around by bicycle
Ease of getting to other destinations w/out a car
89
Overall Ability to Travel Around Arlington County
Is the Biggest Driver in Satisfaction with
Arlington Countys Transportation System
Ability to travel around Arlington County
.366
Getting around Arlington by bus
.173
Satisfaction with Transportation System
Choice/variety of transportation
options
.142
.131
Safety
.105
Convenience
.070
Time required to make trips
90
Primary Ridesharers Follow a Similar Model, Yet
Convenience and Time Required to Make Trips Are
Not Major Drivers of Their Satisfaction
Ability to travel around Arlington County
.291
Satisfaction with Transportation System
Safety
.286
.155
Choice/variety of transportation options
.117
Getting around Arlington by bus
91
Similarly, Secondary Ridesharers Follow a
Similar Model, Yet Convenience and Safety
Are Not Major Drivers of Their Satisfaction
Ability to travel around Arlington County
.485
Choice/variety of transportation options
Satisfaction with Transportation System
.178
.176
Getting around Arlington by bus
.157
Time required to make trips
92
Convenience Is a Driver for Non-Ridesharers
Ability to travel around Arlington County
.375
Getting around Arlington by bus
.223
Satisfaction with Transportation System
Choice/variety of transportation options
.207
.152
Convenience
93
Ridesharing Status Affects What Drives
Satisfaction with the Transportation System
94
Safety and Ease of Getting Around Are the
Attributes or Features Rated
Highest for Stated Importance
F-1 to F8 Now, wed like to know how important
some attributes and options in a transportation
system are to you. For each attribute or option
I read, please tell me how important it is, using
a scale of 1-5 where 1 means that it is not at
all important and 5 means that it is very
important.
87
87
82
80
80
77
71
64
58
56
52
50
39
95
Key FindingOverall ease of traveling around
Arlington County, choice/variety of
transportation options, and getting around by bus
are the biggest drivers of satisfaction with the
transportation system. Safety is also a major
factor for primary ridesharers, as is time
required to make trips and convenience for
Secondary Ridesharers and Non-Ridesharers
respectively. Strategic Implication In order
to increase overall satisfaction with the
transportation system, make sure that residents
are aware of and familiar with the wide variety
of transportation options available to
themparticularly buses. Do not ignore the role
of time and convenience, however. These are
important needs among those who are not Primary
Ridesharers and can influence their
transportation choices.
96
The Arlington County Transportation Impact Model
Overall Quality of Life
97
The Arlington County Transportation Impact Model
Safety
Attractive residential communities
Entertainment recreational
Shopping opportunities
Job opportunities
Overall Quality of Life
Transportation system and services
Public education
Clean environment
Ease of getting around the area
Diversity
The economy
98
The Arlington County Transportation Impact Model
Safety
Attractive residential communities
Entertainment recreational
Shopping opportunities
Job opportunities
Overall Quality of Life
Transportation system and services
Public education
Clean environment
Ease of getting around the area
Diversity
The economy
99
The Arlington County Transportation Impact Model
Safety
Attractive residential communities
Entertainment recreational
Shopping opportunities
Job opportunities
Overall Quality of Life
Transportation system and services
Public education
Clean environment
Ease of getting around the area
Diversity
The economy
100
The Arlington County Transportation Impact Model
Ease of getting around w/out car
Safety
Choice/variety of options
Attractive residential communities
Cost
Time required to make trips
Entertainment recreational
Convenience
Shopping opportunities
Dependability
Job opportunities
Overall Quality of Life
Safety
Transportation system and services
Comfort
Sat. AC is meeting residents needs
Public education
Ability to travel around AC
Clean environment
Ease of getting around w/car
Ease of getting around the area
Ease of getting around by walking
Diversity
Ease of getting around by bicycle
The economy
Ease of getting around by bus
Ease of getting to other destinations w/out a car
101
The Arlington County Transportation Impact Model
Ease of getting around w/out car
Safety
Choice/variety of options
Attractive residential communities
Cost
Time required to make trips
Entertainment recreational
Convenience
Shopping opportunities
Dependability
Job opportunities
Overall Quality of Life
Safety
Transportation system and services
Comfort
Sat. AC is meeting residents needs
Public education
Ability to travel around AC
Clean environment
Ease of getting around w/car
Ease of getting around the area
Ease of getting around by walking
Diversity
Ease of getting around by bicycle
The economy
Ease of getting around by bus
Ease of getting to other destinations w/out a car
102
Opportunities for Improvement
103
There Are Some Noticeable Gaps Between Importance
and Performance Ratings
Methodology note All of the performance
ratings are on 1-5 scales, yet are anchored by a
variety of different items (i.e., satisfaction,
difficulty/ease, or poor/good).
104
SIR Opportunity Index

• Calculated based on the factors importance to
  the respondents, the gap between this importance,
  and your performance on that factor

Performance Gap Max. Mean Rating Performance
Level
3.8 mean
1.2

5.0 mean

Opportunity Index Performance Gap X Importance
level X Indexing factor of 5
22

1.2
3.7 mean
X
X
5
The higher the number, the greater the
opportunity you have to make a difference.
105
There Is Particular Opportunity in the Area of
Time Needed to Make Trips
But, realistically, can we address this through
the use of alternate modes? Can we make promises
about saving time?
A message opportunity
106
Key FindingThere are a few gaps between
importance of transportation system attributes
and perceived performance on these items.
Notably, there is particular opportunity in the
time needed to make trips. This is especially
important because this is one of the driving
factors for Non-Ridesharers in terms of
satisfaction with the ability to get around the
County. Strategic Implication
Promote that ridesharing trips can be
fastor at least do not take additional timeif
this is true. An alternative message with strong
potential is convenience (of the SOV
alternatives).
107
Ability to Get Around
108
Residents Give Positive Ratings to Their
Ability to Travel Around Arlington
County
Whether or not there is a car in the household
does not have an effect on ratings of ease of
getting around Arlington County.
80
D-2 Tell me, overall, how satisfied are you with
your ability to travel around Arlington County?
109
Both Ridesharers and Non-Ridesharers
Are About Equally As Satisfied
Primary 82Secondary 81Non 76
D-2 Tell me, overall, how satisfied are you with
your ability to travel around Arlington County?
110
Some Differences Across Demographic Groups Are
Posted for Satisfaction with the Ability to
Travel Around Arlington County

• Residents who work in Arlington County are
  significantly more likely to be satisfied with
  the ability to travel around Arlington County
  than are those who work outside Arlington County.
• Those who work part-time are more likely to be
  satisfied with the ability to travel around
  Arlington County than are those who work
  full-time or who do not work.

111
Satisfaction with the Ability to Travel Around
Arlington County Improves Quality of Life
How to Read This Chart Proportions reported are
those rating the quality of life
favorably. Example 85 of those less than
very sat. with ability to travel rated quality of
life favorably.
8-point lift
C-1 How would you rate the overall quality of
life in Arlington County?
112
Satisfaction with the Ability to Travel Around
Arlington County Lifts Perceptions of the Quality
of Life Among All Commute Groups Especially
Those Who Do Not Rideshare
2
8
15
Secondary Ridesharers
Non-Ridesharers
Primary Ridesharers
C-1 How would you rate the overall quality of
life in Arlington County?
113
Residents Tend to Believe That It Is Difficult to
Get Around Arlington County Without a Car, SUV,
Van, or Truck
This view holds across the 3 groups
Primary Ridesharers, Secondary
Ridesharers, and Non-Ridesharers.
78
44
E-1 How difficult or easy is it to get around
Arlington County without a car, SUV, van, or
truck? E-2 How difficult or easy is it to get
around Arlington County with a car, SUV, van, or
truck?
114
Those Who Do Not Actually Own a Car, However,
Find It Easier to Get Around
Without a Car Than Those with Cars
54 of those with no car say it is easy to get
around Arlington County.
E-1 How difficult or easy is it to get around
Arlington County without a car, SUV, van, or
truck?
115
Similarly, Residents of Arlington County Believe
It Is Difficult to Get from Arlington County to
Other Destinations Without a Car, SUV, Van, or
Truck
74
This pattern does not vary by ridesharing status
or car ownership.
38
E-6 How difficult or easy is it to get from
Arlington County to other destinations in the
region without a car, SUV, van, or truck? E-7
How difficult or easy is it to get from Arlington
County to other destinations in the region with a
car, SUV, van, or truck?
116
About Half of the Residents Rate
Arlington County Favorably for Getting Around
by Bus, Bicycle, or Walking
50
49
49
E-3 How difficult or easy is it to get around
Arlington County by walking? E-4 How difficult
or easy is it to get around Arlington County by
bus? E-5 How difficult or easy is it to get
around Arlington County by bicycle?
117
Perceptions of the Ease of Traveling Around
Arlington County by Bus, Bicycle, or Walking Are
Similar Across the Rideshare Groups
But, Non-ridesharers are less likely to believe
it is easy to travel around by bicycle than are
the other groups.
E-3 How difficult or easy is it to get around
Arlington County by walking? E-4 How difficult
or easy is it to get around Arlington County by
bus? E-5 How difficult or easy is it to get
around Arlington County by bicycle?
118
Key FindingBoth Ridesharers and Non-Ridesharers
give favorable ratings to their ability to travel
around Arlington County. They believe, however,
that it is easier to get around with a car than
without. But, those who do not own a car believe
that its easier to get around without a car than
those who do. Strategic Implication It will be
difficult to convert Non-Ridesharers to an
alternative mode of transportation if they
perceive that it is difficult to get around
without a car. Work on changing this perception
- especially among those who own cars. Explore
message development around the idea that it is
easy to get around Arlington County without a
car.
119
Key FindingResidents of Arlington County are
less likely to believe it is easy to get around
by bus, bicycle, or walking than by car. About
half of the residents give Arlington County
favorable scores for ease of getting around by
bus, bicycle, or walking. Strategic
Implication The idea of ease of traveling
about the area by bus, bicycle, or walking has
reached about half the residents. Now, focus on
the half who have not yet realized the ease of
using these alternative modes of transportation.
Continue to develop and market programs that
support travel by bus, bicycle, and walking.
Take advantage of the core of residents who
already believe it is easy to travel using these
alternative modes of transportation. Explore the
extent to which believers can be apostles to
non-believers via testimonials in the
communication materials.
120
Accessibility
to Bus and Train Stops
121
Bus Stops and Train Stations Are Accessible
to Residents Homes and Work
Awareness of bus stops and train stations is
highonly 1 do not know how long it would take
them to get to the nearest bus stop or train
station.
G-1 About how long would it take you to walk
from your home to the nearest bus stop or train
station? G-2 About how long would it take you to
walk from your work to the nearest bus stop or
train station?
122
Communication
123
Communication about Transportation and Traffic
Issues Is Important to Residents of Arlington
CountyNearly Two-thirds Say Information Is
Important
Information is more important to those with lower
incomes than those with higher incomes and, it
is more important to those who do not have cars.
61
M-1 How important is it that you are kept
informed about transportation and traffic issues
in Arlington County?
124
Ridesharers Are More Likely to Say It Is
Important to Be Kept Informed About
Transportation and Traffic Issues
69 of Primary 64 of Secondary 51 or Non
M-1 How important is it that you are kept
informed about transportation and traffic issues
in Arlington County?
125
Communication Is Equally Important to
Those Who Are and Are Not
Satisfied with Travel Around
Arlington County
63
61
M-1 How important is it that you are kept
informed about transportation and traffic issues
in Arlington County?
126
Being Kept Informed About Transportation and
Traffic Issues in Arlington County Is
Significantly More Important to Those
Who Are Very Satisfied with the
Transportation System
70
57
M-1 How important is it that you are kept
informed about transportation and traffic issues
in Arlington County?
127
The Daily Newspaper Is the Single Most Preferred
Information Medium
M-2 Which of the following do you MOST prefer
for receiving information related to
transportation and traffic issues?
128
There Is Little Variation in Preferred Medium
Across Rideshare Modes
M-2 Which of the following do you MOST prefer
for receiving information related to
transportation and traffic issues?
129
Preferred Source of Information Varies Across
Demographic Groups

• Older residents (50 and over) are more likely to
  prefer the daily paper. Younger residents (under
  35) are more likely to prefer the Internet.
• While all education levels prefer the daily
  newspaper, those with a high school or less
  education are more likely to prefer television.
  Higher levels of education are more likely to
  prefer the radio and the Internet.
• Lower income levels (under 60,000) are more
  likely to prefer television than are those with
  higher income levels who more often prefer the
  Internet or email.

130
One-fourth Are Aware of Advertising for
Transportation Services in Arlington County
M-3 Do you recall seeing or hearing any
advertising recently for transportation services
in Arlington County?
131
Primary Ridesharers Are Significantly More Likely
to Be Aware of Advertising for Transportation
Services in Arlington County Than Are
Non-Rideshares Secondary Ridesharers Are Midway
Between These Two Extremes
M-3 Do you recall seeing or hearing any
advertising recently for transportation services
in Arlington County?
132
Advertising Lifts Both Satisfaction with Ability
to Travel Around Arlington
County and Satisfaction with
the Transportation System
NOTE Percentages indicate those rating their
quality of life 5-Very Good.
Satisfied with ability to travel around Arlington
County
Satisfied with transportation system in Arlington
County
C-1 How would you rate the overall quality of
life in Arlington County?
133
Most Often, Top-of-Mind Advertising Content
Recall Relates to General
Messages Followed by Specific Transportation
Programs or Services
M-4 What did the advertising say or which
messages for transportation or transportation
services in Arlington County do you recall having
seen or heard. (First mention)
134
Considering Total Mentions, Many
Dont Recall the Content of the Message
They Have Seen or Heard
M-4 What did the advertising say or which
messages for transportation or transportation
services in Arlington County do you recall having
seen or heard? (First mention) Probe Any other
advertising? What did the advertising say or
which messages for transportation or
transportation services in Arlington County do
you recall having seen or heard?
135
Messages About Buses, Trains or Metrobus Are the
Most Frequently Recalled General Messages in
Total
Note Specific mentions may not sum to total
reported due to rounding.
M-4 What did the advertising say or which
messages for transportation or transportation
services in Arlington County do you recall having
seen or heard? (First mention) Probe Any other
advertising? What did the advertising say or
which messages for transportation or
transportation services in Arlington County do
you recall having seen or heard?
136
In Total, a Variety of Transportation Programs or
Services Are Recalled
Note Specific mentions may not sum to total
reported due to rounding.
M-4 What did the advertising say or which
messages for transportation or transportation
services in Arlington County do you recall having
seen or heard? (First mention) Probe Any other
advertising? What did the advertising say or
which messages for transportation or
transportation services in Arlington County do
you recall having seen or heard?
137
Maps Are The General Program Information Most
Frequently Recalled
Note Specific mentions may not sum to total
reported due to rounding.
M-4 What did the advertising say or which
messages for transportation or transportation
services in Arlington County do you recall having
seen or heard? (First mention) Probe Any other
advertising? What did the advertising say or
which messages for transportation or
transportation services in Arlington County do
you recall having seen or heard?
138
Nearly One-fourth Recall
the Way to Go Campaign
M-6 Have you seen or heard any advertising that
made the statement Way to Go or Way to Go
Arlington?
139
All Three Rideshare Groups Are Equally Likely to
Have Seen or Heard Anything About Way to Go or
Way to Go Arlington
M-6 Have you seen or heard any advertising that
made the statement Way to Go or Way to Go
Arlington?
140
The Way to Go Campaign Has Brought About Mode
Switching and Increased Usage
The greatest increases are posted for Metrorail,
walking, Metrobus and ART.
40 of those aware of Way to Go report that
they have not made any mode changes.
M-7 Did you begin to use any of the following
forms of transportation in response to this
campaign or did you begin using any of these
forms of transportation more often?
141
Hispanics
142
As a Reminder, the Survey Over-Sampled Hispanics
Results for the Following Section Are Unweighted,
Whereas the Previous Sections Were Weighted to
Mimic the Actual Population
N-8 Which one of the following best describes
your racial background?
143
Half of Hispanics Reported That They Are More
Comfortable Speaking in Spanish
N-8a Do you feel most comfortable speaking in
144
Hispanics Are Twice As Likely As Non-Hispanics
to Not Own a Car
N-4 In total, how many motor vehicles, in
working condition, including automobiles, trucks,
vans, and highway motorcycles are owned or leased
by members of your household.
145
Non-Hispanics Rate Their Quality of Life More
Favorably than Hispanics
C-1 How would you rate the overall quality of
life in Arlington County?
146
There Are Some Significant Differences in Ratings
of Individual Attributes
Hispanics are more pleased with the
transportation system and the ability to get
around.
C-2 Please rate Arlington County on each of
these attributes
147
The Drivers of Overall Quality of Life for
Hispanics and Non-Hispanics Are Slightly Different
Ease of getting around Arlington County is a
driver for Hispanics, whereas Satisfaction with
the Arlington County Transportation System is a
driver for Non-Hispanics
NOTE Numbers in parentheses are regression
coefficients.
148
Hispanics Are Significantly More Likely to Say
That They Are Satisfied with Their Ability to
Travel Around Arlington
D-2 Tell me, how satisfied are you with your
ability to travel around Arlington County?
149
Hispanics Are Also Significantly More Likely to
Say That They Are Satisfied with the Arlington
County Transportation System
D-3 Overall, how satisfied are you with the
Arlington County transportation system?
150
Hispanics Are Also Significantly More Likely to
Say That Arlington County Is Meeting Residents
Needs
D-4 How satisfied are you that Arlington County
is meeting its residents needs for transportation
and their ability to get around?
151
Hispanics Rate Most Methods of Transportation
Easier Than Do Non-Hispanics
NOTE Percentages indicate those rating the
method 5-Very easy.
E-1 through E-7 How difficult or easy is it to
get around Arlington County
152
Hispanics Also Rate Each Attribute of the
Transportation System Higher Than Do
Non-Hispanics
NOTE Percentages indicate those rating the
method 5-Very easy.
E-8 Please rate the Arlington County
transportation system on the following attributes
and options.
153
Many Attributes Are Also More Important for
Hispanics
NOTE Percentages indicate those rating the
method 5-Very easy.
F-1 through F-13 Now, wed like to know how
important some attributes and options in a
transportation system are to you.
154
The Top Few Drivers of Satisfaction with
Transportation System Are the Same for Both
Hispanics and Non-Hispanics
Ease of getting around without a car is also a
driver for Hispanics Safety
and Convenience are also
drivers for Non-Hispanics.
NOTE Numbers in parentheses are regression
coefficients.
Recall, Hispanics are much less likely to own a
car.
155
Key Take-A-Ways
156
7 Key Take-A-Ways

• Arlington County residents are quite satisfied
  with their quality of life almost 9 in 10 give
  it a favorable rating.
• Arlington Countys transportation system
  services improves the quality of life of
  Arlington County residents.
• Overall, the key drivers to residents high
  ratings of Arlington Countys transportation
  system services are choice variety of
  options, convenience, safety, ability to travel
  around the County, ease of getting around by bus,
  and time required to make trips. ACCS
  communication programs should promote these!
• Communication is equally important to those who
  are and are not satisfied with travel around
  Arlington County. Nearly one-forth recall ACCS
  Way to Go Campaign. The Way to Go Campaign
  has b