| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | UCTC Research Abstracts 2000-1Faculty Research: The following projects, submitted by faculty members of the University of California, were evaluated and selected for funding based on a peer review process. Does Commuting Distance Matter? Commuting Tolerance and Residential Change Principal Investigator: William A.V. Clark External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: Do individuals and households (two workers) minimize commuting distances when they change residences? What is the nature of the commuting threshold in polycentric cities? These questions are a central part of our continuing attempts to understand the trade-off between commuting and housing locational choices. To examine these questions we use a probability model to assess the likelihood of increasing or decreasing commute distance (and time) with relocation within the urban area. Although studies of migration have often linked job changes and inter-state moves, there are few studies that examine the changing interaction of residence and workplace. Yet, it is just such changes that have implications for local transportation policy and planning. The study will provide answers to the question of how sensitive households are to commute distance and the separation of residence and workplace. Objective: To examine the tradeoff between commuting and housing locational choices by looking at the changing interaction of residence and workplace. Tasks: The analysis uses an unusual longitudinal data set of commuting behavior to test the association between residential change and employment location. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: new project Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: Results of this research will provide new information on how sensitive households are to commute distance and the separation of residence and workplace. Key Words: residence location, workplace location, commuting, longitudinal data, commuting threshold Direct Cost: $38,791
The Environment - Transit Crime Connection: Continuing Study of the Metro Green Line and its Vicinity Principal Investigator: Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris Department of Urban Planning School of Public Policy and Social Research 3250 Public Policy Building, Box 951467 University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 90095-1467 310-206-9679 Other Key Participants: Robin Liggett Department of Urban Planning School of Public Policy and Social Research and Department of Architecture School of Fine Arts and Architecture University of California, Los Angeles 310-825-6294 External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: This study is an in-depth examination of case study stations along a light rail line in Los Angeles. The study explores how environmental and social characteristics of the neighborhood affect crime at the station, and how, in turn, the existence of the station affects crime at the neighborhood. The study utilizes crime statistics, census and ridership data, and environmental data and uses a mix of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including the compilation of environmental inventories, GIS and spatial analysis techniques, and block-group level correlation and regression analyses. Objective: The purpose of the study is to examine the environment - transit crime connection, using a case study along a light rail line in Los Angeles. Tasks: The research will analyze crime statistics, census and ridership data, and environmental data using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including the compilation of environmental inventories, GIS and spatial analysis techniques, as well as block-group level correlation and regression analyses. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: continuation of 1999-2000 project Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: Findings from this study will help the drafting of design guidelines for better station security. Key Words: light rail, environmental design, transit crime, rail station security Direct Cost: $49,859
Measuring the Role of Transportation in Facilitating the Welfare-to-Work Transition (Third Year) Principal Investigator: Paul Ong UCLA School of Public Policy and Social Research 3250 Public Policy Building Los Angeles, CA 90095-1656 310-825-8557 fax 310-825-1575 Other Key Participants: Evelyn Blumenberg Brian Taylor UCLA SPPSR UCLA SPPSR 3250 Public Policy Building 3250 Public Policy Building Los Angeles, CA 90095-1656 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1656 310-825-1803 310-825-7442 eblumenb@ucla.edu btaylor@ucla.edu External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: This is the third and final year of our assessment of the role of transportation in facilitating welfare-to-work in Los Angeles, Fresno, and Alameda Counties. The study will go beyond the role of personal characteristics (e.g., education, age) and examine how transportation can enhance or hinder access to jobs and childcare. The three counties provide us with a valuable comparison of two different major urban areas and one agricultural-based area. We have received and processed the following at the state level: 1) the welfare and employment histories (1993 to 1998) of millions of recipients, 2) 1998 information on nearly a nearly a million private-sector establishments, and 3) detailed 1998 audit data on several thousand recipients. For Los Angeles, we have: 1) assembled an extensive inventory of the public transportation system, 2) received and analyzed data on 1998 child-care providers, 3) conducted (with other agencies) a 1999-2000 survey of the transportation patterns and needs of 1,600 recipients, and 4) surveyed in 1999-2000 over 200 firms hiring recipients. For Alameda, we are working with the Public Health Institute to analyze the transportation questions in the Institute’s survey of recipients in that county. For Fresno, we have received approval from the Board of Supervisors to access and use the county’s administrative files, and we are planning to secure some survey-based data for recipients. Objective: This study will examine how transportation can enhance or hinder access to jobs and childcare, and the role of transportation in facilitating welfare-to-work in Los Angeles, Fresno, and Alameda Counties. Tasks: Complete the task of extracting, geocoding, merging and assessing much of longitudinal files, and complete analysis of transportation questions in the Public Health Institute's survey of Alameda County. Continue to update the state and Los Angeles data sets, and enhance the transportation data for Alameda and Fresno. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: continuation of work begun in 1998-99 Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: Findings will help policy-makers choose effective transportation projects to facilitate welfare-to-work. Key Words: welfare-to-work, job access, childcare access Direct Cost: $44,724
Reconsidering the Effects of Fare Reductions on Transit Ridership Principal Investigator: Brian D. Taylor UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies 3250 Public Policy Building Los Angeles, CA 90095-1656 310-825-7442 External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: This study will use national data maintained by the Federal Transit Administration and more detailed demographic, economic, and operating data for a sample of transit operators to examine the influence of fare reductions on transit ridership. Using data from the National Transit Database, we will first conduct a statistical analysis of the relationship between changes in fare levels and ridership on U.S. public transit systems, taking into account many of the factors shown in the literature to affect ridership. One goal of this first phase will be to identify cases where fare reductions have been associated with substantial ridership increases. These cases, which will almost certainly include the Los Angeles MTA during the mid-1980s and the New York MTA in the mid-1990s, will then be explored in more detail through interviews and examination of detailed budgetary, operating, population and employment data. We will attempt to isolate the role of fare reductions in stimulating additional ridership. Objective: Examine the influence of fare reductions on transit ridership. Tasks: Use FTA data to conduct a statistical analysis of the relationship between changes in fare levels and ridership on US public transit systems, identifying cases where fare reductions have been associated with substantial ridership increases. Explore cases through interviews and detailed data analysis. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: new project Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: The research will (1) add to the literature on the transit fare elasticity by focusing on cases where fare reductions have been associated with substantial ridership increases, and (2) identify the particular circumstances under which conventional wisdom regarding the relative demand inelasticity of transit fares may not apply. Key Words: fare reductions, transit ridership, ridership increases, Los Angeles MTA, New York MTA, transit fare elasticity Direct Cost: $32,287
E-Commerce and the Efficiency of the California Freight Network: Perspectives of Shippers, Carriers and Third Party Logistics and Information Services Providers Principal Investigators: Thomas F. Golob Amelia C. Regan Institute of Transportation Department of Civil and Studies Environmental Engineering University of California University of California Irvine, CA 92697-3600 Irvine, CA 92697 949-824-6287 949-824-1074 External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: A substantial portion of all business-to-business transactions in the U.S. now occurs online or electronically, over private specialized networks using EDI (electronic data interchange) and over the Internet. Such business-to-business “e-commerce” is expected to increase dramatically, particularly the share that occurs on the Internet. Online activities include, but are not limited to, issuing catalogs, quotes and schedules, placing orders and bids, and consolidating, scheduling, and tracking shipments. While e-commerce is increasing productivity, it is not known how it is affecting freight transportation, and particularly urban goods movement. We propose to study the impact of e-commerce and related information technology on shippers, carriers, and third party logistics and information providers by analyzing data from three new closely related and simultaneously implemented Internet-based (online) industry surveys. The Internet surveys will be used to gather industry representatives’ perceptions of e-commerce impacts on freight demand by mode and by the size and timing of shipments. The surveys will also explore which aspects of e-commerce can be most effective in alleviating congestion on the freight network. These data will be analyzed using discrete choice models and multivariate statistical methods to describe technology adoption and to allow forecasting of e-commerce effects on freight demand patterns. Objective: To study the impact of e-commerce and related IT on shippers, carriers, and third party logistics and information providers. Tasks: Analyze data from three Internet-based industry surveys, using discrete choice models and multivariate statistical methods; describe technology adoption; evaluate effects on freight demand patterns Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: new project Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: This research will allow forecasting of e-commerce effects on freight demand patterns, as well as gathering freight industry perspectives on e-commerce impacts. Key Words: internet, e-commerce, freight, transportation, urban goods movement, information technology, IT, internet surveys, congestion, freight network, freight demand Direct Cost: $52,673
Assessing the Influence of Residential Location Changes on Travel Behavior Principal Investigator: Michael G. McNally Institute of Transportation Studies University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA 92697-3600 (949) 824-8462 fax (949) 824-8385 External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: When a household relocates, what are the immediate and longer-term impacts on travel behavior? How do household travel patterns evolve? This project proposes to use technologies developed in prior UCTC, PATH, and Testbed research projects to facilitate the observation of a small number of households re-locating from other areas in Orange County, CA to selected new home developments in Irvine. We will install in-vehicle GPS/Wireless Communication units in all household vehicles to measure specific vehicle use for a multi-day period prior to moving, upon re-locating, and a few months after relocating to Irvine. We will also have the sampled households use iCHASE, computer-based survey research software developed in prior UCTC research, to record their household activities during this same period. We will utilize GIS-based data sets depicting both the local activity-systems and transport networks. Together, these data will enable us to address the immediate changes in travel behavior upon relocation, and to assess the evolution of stability in this behavior over time. Objective: This research aims to determine the immediate and longer-term impacts on travel behavior of a household relocation Tasks: Measure specific vehicle use for a multi-day period prior to moving, upon relocation, and a few months after relocation, as well as record household activities during these periods; analyze data to identify changes in travel behavior. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: This project proposes to use technologies developed in prior UCTC, PATH, and Testbed research projects. Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: This research will provide insights into the ways that location changes affect travel behavior due to relocation, as well as the evolution of behavior over time. Key Words: household relocation, travel patterns, GIS, GPS, travel behavior Direct Cost: $51,980
Activity-Based Forecasting Model for Planning Applications Principal Investigator: Will Recker Institute of Transportation Studies University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA 92697-3600 (949) 824-5642 fax (949) 824-8385 External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: In this research, we seek to complete the activity-based modeling framework that has evolved over past research efforts by extending it to a “traditional” planning framework. Specifically, we will couch the activity-based approach in terms that provide output consistent with accepted trip-based static planning methodologies as well as full estimates of the associated dynamics of trip generation, distribution and route selection. The work will derive from a theoretically consistent paradigm based on the need/desire of households to interact with their environment. We will show that the particular mathematical programming paradigm can be used to describe the demand modeling processes both for conventional trip-based travel demand and for activity-based approaches. Objective: This research will develop a practical planning application of a mathematical programming activity-based model, for use as an effective travel demand forecasting tool. Tasks: Refine activity based modeling framework and mathematical programming. Show that the particular mathematical programming paradigm can be used to describe the demand modeling processes both for conventional trip-based travel demand and for activity-based approaches. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: The work will be based on previous activity-based research conducted by the principal investigator. Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: This work will demonstrate the practicality of activity-based modeling approaches, as well as allow access to the abundance of available research that has guided mainstream travel demand analysis. Key Words: activity-based model, travel demand forecasting, mathematical programming Direct Cost: $53,531
Inventory Theoretic Models of Freight Demand: Revisiting the Past in Light of the New Economy Principal Investigators: Amelia Regan Charles Lave Amihai Glazer Civil & Env. Engr Economics Economics 4151 Engr. Gateway 3103 SSPA 3107 SSPA Univ of CA Univ of CA Univ of CA Irvine, 92697 Irvine, 92697 Irvine, 92697 949 824-2117 949 824-6502 949 824-5974 aregan@uci.edu calave@uci.edu aglazer@uci.edu External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: The basic modeling of freight transportation was done thirty years ago. Since then, new institutional entities have emerged -- the third party logistics provider -- performing new kinds of information and coordination services to meet the new needs created by just-in-time manufacturing, distribution systems and visible supply chains. We propose to revisit basic inventory theoretic freight demand models with the aim of developing new models which explicitly uncouple order processing time from transportation time, and which incorporate several new modes choice characteristics -- visibility, control, and trust -- into the mode selection step. Objective: To develop new freight demand models which uncouple order processing time from transportation time, and otherwise update the models to accommodate new institutional entities that have developed since the creation of the original models. Tasks: This research will reexamine basic inventory freight demand models and update them, incorporating several new mode choice characteristics, as well as explicitly uncouple order processing time from transportation time. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: new project Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: The work will result in the creation of models which better take into account the new needs and providers that have developed in response to just-in-time manufacturing, distribution systems, and visible supply chains. Key Words: freight transportation, freight demand models, visible supply chains Direct Cost: $56,329
The Impact of Attitudes toward Mobility, Adoption of Previous Strategies, and Demographic Characteristics on Responses to Congestion Principal Investigator: Patricia L. Mokhtarian Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering University of California, Davis One Shields Ave. Davis, CA 95616 (530) 752-7062 Other Key Participants: Ilan Salomon Institute of Transportation Studies University of California, Davis One Shields Ave. Davis, CA 95616 (530) 752-4909 External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: A number of policies designed to alleviate congestion have failed to have the intended or desired effect. While various external factors have been identified as explanations for this, we believe that insufficient attention has been paid to travel-related attitudes and predispositions. A key purpose of this study is to empirically examine the role of travel-related attitudes in an individual’s adoption and consideration of various strategies in response to congestion. We hypothesize that people who have an intrinsic desire for mobility, and those who are currently mobility-deprived, are less likely to adopt travel-reducing strategies (such as telecommuting, changing to a compressed work week) or major lifestyle changes (job or residential relocation, quitting work). We also hypothesize that these people are more likely to adopt coping strategies that enable them to maintain or increase their travel (such as getting a mobile phone or a more comfortable car, changing work trip departure time). We will further examine the effect of previous adoption of various strategies on the consideration of additional responses, and the demographic distribution of the adoption and consideration of the strategies studied. Objective: To examine the role of travel-related attitudes in an individual's adoption and consideration of possible strategies in response to congestion.
Tasks: Prepare survey data, conduct descriptive analysis, identify and group strategies, and examine most common strategies in detail, considering socio-demographic differences. Analyze and model relative desired mobility. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: This project extends previous work conducted with UCTC support by the same investigators. Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: This research will result in greater insight into the behavioral response to policies intended to affect congestion. Key Words: attitudes, desired mobility, congestion, behavioral response Direct Cost: $52,782
Planes, Trains, or Camionetas (little buses)? A Baseline Study of an Informal Travel Mode Principal Investigator: Abel Valenzuela Jr. School of Public Policy and Social Research Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies University of California, Los Angeles (310) 825-9156 fax (310) 206-4472 External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: This work will provide a baseline case study of an informal transportation mode - camionetas or mini buses (vans). I propose to answer one important question. What is camioneta travel, and how does it function? Imbedded in this question will be the collection of data that will allow me to assess the extensiveness of this market in Southern California. Data collected from this initial study will be used as a springboard for a larger, more comprehensive research study on this burgeoning travel model. Objective:. To document, and better understand the day-to-day functions and the consumers who use mini buses (vans). Tasks: Archival research will be followed by in-depth interviewing and participant observation, or ethnography. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: new project Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: The data collected from this work will be used as a framework for a more comprehensive research study on this transportation mode. Key Words: case study, informal transportation mode Direct Cost: $43,909
An Evaluation of Local Option Transportation Taxes in California Principal Investigator: Martin Wachs Director, Institute of Transportation Studies Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering and of City and Regional Planning 109 McLaughlin Hall University of California, Berkeley 94720-1720 510-642-3585 External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: Residents of 18 California counties have voted to raise their sales taxes to pay for transportation improvements. Collectively, these local option taxes generate roughly $2 billion for investments in transportation services and infrastructure each year. This development has been hailed as an important step forward for local self-reliance and fiscal accountability in transportation finance. This proposed study would provide the first comprehensive evaluation of what has been accomplished with these local tax programs. It will examine how the revenues have been used, and the extent to which the achievements of these programs match the promises made to voters. It will also explore larger questions about how this form of transportation finance has shaped transportation planning at the state level. Objective: Provide a comprehensive evaluation of what has been accomplished by over $2 billion in annual investment into transportation services and infrastructure from local sales tax programs. Tasks: This research will examine how revenues have been used, and the extent to which programs have achieved their promised goals. It will also explore questions about how this form of transportation finance has shaped transportation planning. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: This work extends projects done previously by the investigator with UCTC and other funding. Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: This study would provide the first comprehensive evaluation of what has been accomplished by these tremendous tax investments, which have been hailed as an important step forward for local self-reliance in transportation finance. Key Words: transportation finance, sales tax, transportation services, infrastructure Direct Cost: $48,352
Stationary Traffic Models and Freeway Geometry Principal Investigator: Michael Cassidy Civil and Environmental Engineering 416B McLaughlin Hall University of California, Berkeley 94720-1720 510-642-7702 External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: The research will examine how relations between freeway traffic variables, namely flow and occupancy, are influenced by the segment’s number of travel lanes. These variables will be jointly measured by loop detectors; they will be taken from detectors on neighboring segments of the same freeway; and we will select neighboring segments that differ only in their number of lanes. Furthermore, only data from prolonged periods when traffic conditions are not changing rapidly with time will be used, and all other “non-stationary” observations will be discarded. As such, plots of the average values of (nearly) stationary flows and occupancies will reveal relations with relatively little scatter, and visual comparisons of the plots from neighboring locations should uncover much concerning how a freeway’s number of lanes affects stationary traffic models. Objective: To determine how the relationship between freeway flow and occupancy are influenced by the number of lanes in a particular segment. Tasks: Data from prolonged periods of stable traffic conditions, taken from loop detectors on neighboring segments of the same freeway, will be used, allowing more ready visual comparisons of plots from neighboring locations, due to a reduction in scatter. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: new project Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: This research will provide insight into freeway flow and freeway design. Key Words: number of travel lanes, stationary traffic models, flow, occupancy Direct Cost: $33,133
Understanding and Modeling Driver Behavior in Dense Traffic Flow Principal Investigator: H. Michael Zhang Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering 156 Everson Hall University of California at Davis Davis, CA 95616 530-754-9203 External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: This research will examine drivers’ car-following behavior in dense traffic flow and identify the critical behavioral elements and parameters that control traffic flow phase transitions. Such an understanding will aid the development of more sound microscopic traffic models that are the central building blocks of popular traffic simulation packages such as CORSIM, TRANSIMS and PARAMICS. The specific tasks include: 1) understanding situation-related driver psychology and driver behavior from empirical evidence, 2) identify critical factors that control phase transitions in traffic flow and 3) incorporate these factors into microscopic traffic flow models to enable them reproduce certain important yet elusive traffic phenomena such as the often observed “capacity-drop” and stop-start waves. Objective: To determine the critical behavioral elements and parameters that control traffic flow phase transitions, particularly in dense traffic flow. Tasks: The research will include analysis of driver psychology and behavior from empirical evidence, the identification of the critical factors that control phase transitions, and the incorporation of these factors into microscopic traffic flow models. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: continuation of 1999-2000 research project Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: This research will aid in the development of microscopic traffic flow models that accurately reproduce such traffic phenomena as stop-start waves and "capacity-drop", by determining and incorporating behavioral factors. Key Words: driver psychology, behavioral parameters, simulation packages, microscopic traffic flow models, phase transitions, traffic flow Direct Cost: $43,041
Has Parking Cashout Failed in California? Principal Investigator: Don Shoup Institute of Transportation Studies School of Public Policy and Social Research University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, Ca 90095-1656 310-825-5705 External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: In 1992, California enacted a parking cashout requirement to reduce the traffic congestion and air pollution. The law requires employers to offer commuters the option to take the cash value of free parking at work if they do not take the free parking itself. The cashout requirement applies only to parking spaces that an employer rents rather than owns. When a commuter chooses cash instead of a parking space, the employer’s avoided payment for the rented parking space directly funds the commuter’s cash allowance. Low levels of state enforcement have given many people the impression that parking cashout does not work. However, one city in California -Santa Monica- requires all employers in its jurisdiction to comply with the state’s cashout requirement. Twenty-six employers in Santa Monica have established parking cashout programs for their employees. This municipal island of compliance with the state’s cashout law presents a unique opportunity for research. In this study I will examine how Santa Monica has obtained employers’ compliance with California’s cashout law, and to estimate what the effects of compliance have been. Specifically, I will examine (1) how Santa Monica has enforced the state’s parking cashout law for employers in its jurisdiction, (2) how compliance with the law has reduced vehicle travel and vehicle emissions, (3) how the regulated employers in Santa Monica describe their experience with parking cashout, and (4) the statewide effects on vehicle travel and vehicle emissions if employers in all jurisdictions complied with California’s parking cashout law. Objective: Determine how the City of Santa Monica has obtained employer compliance with CA's parking cashout law, as well as what the effects of compliance have been. Tasks: The research will determine how Santa Monica has enforced the law within its jurisdiction, how compliance with the law has affected vehicle travel and emissions, query employers in Santa Monica on their experience with parking cashout, and predict the statewide effects on vehicle travel and emissions if all employers in all jurisdictions complied with the parking cashout law. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: extension of previous UCTC-sponsored research on parking policy Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: The study will determine the possible benefit to vehicle travel and emissions of statewide compliance with the parking cashout law. Key Words: parking cashout, vehicle travel, emissions, Santa Monica Direct Cost: $42,159
Systematic Transport Access and Policies for Low Wage Labor Markets Principal Investigator: John M. Quigley Goldman School of Public Policy 2607 Hearst Avenue MC 7320 University of California 94720-7320 510-643-7411 Other Key Participants: Steven Raphael Dept. of Economics University of California Berkeley CA 94720 External Project Contact : All UCTC projects are co-sponsored by Caltrans, Contact Sallybeth Scott, Caltrans, 1120 N St., Sacramento, CA 94305, tel. 916 324-2440 Abstract: This research helps to understand the linkages between spatial access and labor market outcomes for low-wage workers, especially teenagers, minorities, and welfare recipients. The work includes: (1) an analysis of the effect of transport improvements upon minority employment, (2) an analysis of spatial isolation and teenage employment, (3) an investigation into whether auto access “causes” higher levels of employment. Objective: To understand the links between spatial access and labor market outcomes for low-wage workers. Tasks: The research will include an analysis of the effect of transport improvements on minority employment, an analysis of spatial isolation and teenage employment, and an investigation into whether auto access results in higher levels of employment. Milestones, Dates: Official start date Aug. 1, 2000, end July 31, 2001; project extended through 2002 because of late processing of grants due to accounting changeover. Student Involvement: Graduate Student Researcher Relationship to Other UCTC Research: continuation of 1999-2000 project Technology Transfer Activities: Publications will be posted on UCTC’s Website. Potential Benefits: The research will provide insights on the role of transportation in supporting the employment of low income, minorities, welfare recipients, and teenagers. Key Words: spatial access, labor market outcomes, low-wage workers Direct Cost: $30,000
Dissertation Research:The Ethical Challenges and Professional Responses
of Travel Demand Forecasters
|
|
©2007 UCTC |
||