Regional Transportation Telephone Survey Results

Southeastern Institute of Research

Long Range Transportation Plan Marketing Research

Study

Prepared By

Fall 2009


Table of Contents

• Study Background, Objectives, and Methodology

• Respondent Profile• Detailed Findings:

– Transportation System– Long Range Transportation Plan– Funding

• Strategic Implications• Appendix

2

Southeastern Institute of Research3

Study Background

Objectives & Methodology


Study Background• This study concept was first introduced in

2008’s UPWP – “Conduct Opinion - Behavioral surveys of regional residents with regard to transportation issues, policies, and regional governance.”

• The study was twice authorized by the FAMPO Policy Committee

– Once in adoption of UPWP– Once in adoption of FAMPO Resolution 08-21

(RSTP funds were then allocated to the study through TIP amendment)

– Both were reviewed by the Technical Committee and the Transportation Advisory Committee


Study BackgroundContinued

• Following adoption of 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) in January of 2009, SIR was asked (through Kimley-Horn) to develop Task Order Scope

– Objectives developed from scope

– Topics guide developed from objectives (March 2009)

– Questionnaire developed from topics guide (April 2009)


Survey ObjectivesAs Laid Out in Task Order Scope

• Assess residents’ ratings of the George Washington Region’s existing transportation system overall.

• Identify residents’ expectations – importance ratings – of different aspects of the George Washington Region’s transportation system across key variables such as variety of transportation options, safety, convenience, dependability, ease of getting around, etc.

• Identify residents’ ratings of George Washington Region’s performance in delivering on these same aspects of the region’s transportation system.

• Identify the current gaps in performance.


Survey Objectives (continued)

• Assess residents’ awareness and familiarity with FAMPO’s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Understand residents’ perceptions and misperceptions toward major elements of the 2035 LRTP such as the “Smart Growth” concept.

• Assess the effectiveness of FAMPO’s outreach efforts advancing the 2035 LRTP.

• Assess residents’ opinions regarding alternative transportation funding levels and alternative sources of funds.


• Collect survey respondents’ demographic information in order to view important subgroups of the population – men/women, commuters outside the region, long-term residents/new residents, etc.

• Through the survey process, build an online residents’ feedback panel that FAMPO may use for future quick polls on different planning issues.

Survey Objectives (continued)


Survey Methodology

• Telephone Interviewing (CATI – Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) conducted between July 16 and August 2, 2009

• 1,500 total respondents– 200 each King George County, Caroline County,

Fredericksburg City– 450 each Spotsylvania County, Stafford County

• 22-minute survey length

• The data as presented in this report were weighted to align with the demographics of the area. The American Community Survey (ACS) statistics were used as the regional demographic profile source.


Areas Studied

10


RespondentProfile


Summary of Demographics(Weighted)

Sample

Mean Age 44

% Resident >2 Years 6

% Employed (Full or Part-time) 65

% Commute out of area 42

% Drive Alone (Commute Mode) 77

% College Grad 57

Mean Income (in thousands) 93

% White, Non-Hispanic 77

% Need Transportation Accommodations

12

% Military 48

% Male 48

12


The Mean Age is 44

Q1. In what year were you born?


Age Varies Slightly By Area

Does not include

those who refused to answer the question.

Mean Ages:Fredericksb

urg – 43Caroline –

46King

George – 46Spotsylvani

a – 44Stafford -

43



Almost Half Have Lived in the FAMPO Area for More than 10 Years

Q3. About how long have you lived in [AREA IDENTIFIED]?


Caroline County Residents Are Most Likely to Have Lived There for More than 10

Years and Fredericksburg Residents Are Least Likely

Q3. About how long have you lived in [AREA IDENTIFIED]?


66% Are Employed Either Full- or Part-time

Q4. What is your current employment status? Are you . . .


Fredericksburg Residents AreOnly Slightly Less Likely to be

Employed

Q4. What is your current employment status? Are you . . .

Employed:Fredericksburg – 61%Caroline – 63%King George - 69%Spotsylvania – 69%Stafford –63%

There are no

significant differences among the areas for combined

employment

percentages.


42% Commute to WorkOutside of the FAMPO Area

Q5. What is your zip code at work? ASKED OF THOSE EMPLOYEDWeighted

sample size n = 976


Stafford County Residents Are Most Likely to Work Outside of the Area and

King George County Residents Are Least Likely

Q5. What is your zip code at work? ASKED OF THOSE EMPLOYED

Weighted sample sizes

Fredericksburg n = 72Caroline n = 85King

George n = 71

Spotsylvania

n = 389Stafford n = 358

The differences

between King George,

Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties are

all statistically significant.

The difference between

Stafford and Carline

counties is also

significantly different.


Work Zip Codes

21


80% Drive Alone to Work

Q6. Which of the following types of transportation do you use as your primary mode of commute on your trip to and from work? That is, which do you use most days of the week? ASKED OF THOSE EMPLOYED

Weighted sample size

n = 976


Stafford County Has the LowestPercentage of Those Who Drive Alone

Weighted sample sizes

Fredericksburg n = 72Caroline n = 85King

George n = 71

Spotsylvania

n = 385Stafford n = 357

Does not include

those who did not answer

Q6. Which of the following types of transportation do you use as your primary mode of commute on your trip to and from work? That is, which do you use most days of the week? ASKED OF THOSE EMPLOYED

The difference between Stafford

County and King

George and Spotsylvania counties

is significant.


57% Are College Graduates

Q28. Which of the following categories includes the last year or grade of school you have completed?


Education Differs by Area

Q28. Which of the following categories includes the last year or grade of school you have completed?


The Mean AnnualHousehold Income is $93,000

Q29. Please stop me when I reach the category that best represents your household’s total annual income. Is it …

Under $50,000 – 21%

$50,000 to $100,000 – 36%

Over $100,000 – 43%


Income Also Differs by Area


Does not include


Mean Income (in

thousands):Fredericksb

urg – $69Caroline –

$70King George

– $87Spotsylvania

– $92Stafford -

$106


The Majority Describe Themselves as White

Q30. Which one of the following best describes your ethnicity? Is it . . .


There Were More African-American Respondents in

Fredericksburg and Caroline County

Does not include




About 11% Have Need ofTransportation Accommodations

Q31. Which of the following statements best describes you or others in your household?


Fredericksburg Residents Are More Likely to Need Transportation

Accommodations

Q31. Which of the following statements best describes you or others in your household?


About Half Are or Were In the Military

Q32. And, which of these following statements best describes you or others in your household?

8% Currently

40% Previously


Stafford Residents Are More Likelyto Be/Have Been In the Military

Q32. And, which of these following statements best describes you or others in your household?


45% Are Considered “Opinion Leaders”or Have Participated in At Least

Two of These Events in the Past Year

Q34. Which of the following activities, if any, have you done or participated in over the past 12 months?


Opinion Leaders Are Least Likelyto Live in Caroline County

Q34. Which of the following activities, if any, have you done or participated in over the past 12 months?

Proportions represent those who indicated

that they participated in at

least two activities.


Gender Is Split Almost Equally

Q35. Gender based on observation


There Are No Significant DifferencesBetween Areas in Terms of Gender



DetailedFindings


Transportation System


About One-third Are Satisfied withTheir Area’s Transportation System

Q7. Overall, how satisfied are you with the transportation system in the area where you live?

34%

As a comparison,

78% of Arlington County

Residents rated their

transportation system a 4 or 5 in a

2006 Resident

study conducted using the same RDD telephone

methodology.


Some Groups Are More Satisfied Than Others

Group Top-Two Box Satisfaction

%

Silent Generation 51

Baby Boomers 33

Generation X 32

Generation Y 35

Not Employed 39

Employed 33

Longer term Resident (>2 years) 42

New Resident (<2 years) 29

Commute within area 40

Commute outside of area 25

Aware & Familiar 37

Aware but not Familiar 23

Not Aware 36

Non-College Grad 40

College Grad 32

Do not need accommodations 37

Need transportation accommodations

19

Percentages circled in

red are significantly different

from others in that group.

Q7. Overall, how

satisfied are you with the transportation system in

the area where you

live?


Fredericksburg Has the Highest Satisfaction, Caroline County the

Lowest

Q7. Overall, how satisfied are you with the transportation system in the area where you live?

Top-two Box Score (4,5)Fredericksburg – 38%Caroline – 32%King George - 35%Spotsylvania – 35%Stafford – 33%

There are significant differences

among many of

the areas, but the

combined top-two

box scores are not

significantly different.


Some Spotsylvania Resident GroupsAre More Satisfied Than Others

Percentages circled in

red are significantly different


* Indicates that the

percentage is NOT

significantly different


Q7. Overall, how


the area where you

live?


Some Stafford Resident GroupsAre More Satisfied Than Others

Percentages circled in red are




Drive Alone and Carpool/ Vanpool is

not statistically significant,

but it is interesting to note that

the relationship

is the opposite of

that in Spotsylvania

.

Q7. Overall, how


the area where you

live?44


Almost a Third Gave a Lower Rating Because of Mode Availability

45Q7A. Why did you give that rating?

Negative Comments

Positive Comments


FAMPO Area Residents Find TheseAspects of the Transportation System

to Be the Most Important

Q9. Now, that you’ve rated these features for the transportation system in the area where you live, we’d like to know how important they are to you.

TIER 1

84%

81%

79%

77%

77%

76%

IMPORTANCE

Weighted sample size varies from 1418 – 1480.

Does not include

those who said “don’t

know.”


These Aspects of the Transportation System are Less Important for

FAMPO Area ResidentsTIER 2

73%

72%

71%

70%

67%

66%

62%

56%

53%

IMPORTANCE

63%


Does not include


know.”

Q9. Now, that you’ve rated these features for the transportation system in the area where you live, we’d like to know how important they are to you.


FAMPO Area Residents Are Most Satisfied with These Aspects of the


Q8. Please rate the transportation system of the Greater Fredericksburg Region on the following features . . .

TIER 1

75%

60%

58%

54%

49%

48%

46%

PERFORMANCE


Does not include


know.”


These Aspects of the Transportation System are Less Satisfactory for

FAMPO Area Residents

Q8. Please rate the transportation system of the Greater Fredericksburg Region on the following features . . .

TIER 2

40%

39%

33%

32%

31%

31%

29%

28%

27%

PERFORMANCE


Does not include


know.”


When Comparing Importance and Performance, Some Aspects Take Greater

Focus

Q8. Please rate the transportation system of the Greater Fredericksburg Region on the following features . . .Q9. Now, that you’ve rated these features for the transportation system in the area where you live, we’d like to know how important they are to you.

TIER 1

Percentages represent ratings of 4

and 5.


There is Less of a Gap Between The Importance and Performance of these

Aspects

Q8. Please rate the transportation system of the Greater Fredericksburg Region on the following features . . .Q9. Now, that you’ve rated these features for the transportation system in the area where you live, we’d like to know how important they are to you.

TIER 2

Percentages represent ratings of 4

and 5.


“SIR Opportunity Index”

• This survey is based on attitudes and opinions

• Ratings and priorities are driven by perceptions, and perceptions are not always based on reality

• Strategic Issue:– How do you drive a 4 rating any higher?– Is it possible?

• One way to address this challenge:– Put opportunities into the perspective of what can

realistically be achieved


SIR Opportunity Index

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

Performance Gap = Max. Mean Rating – Performance Level

3.3 mean1.7 = 5.0 mean –

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

31 = 1.7 3.7 meanX X 5

The higher the number, the greater the opportunity you have to make a

difference


Respondents Would See the Greatest Improvement in Reduced Stress and Trip Time Adjustments

Aspect Importance Mean

Performance Mean

Opportunity Index

Reducing stress 2.7 4.0 46Time to make trips 2.8 4.1 45Making productive use of time 2.8 4.0 44Price of gas 2.8 4.0 44HOV availability 2.5 3.5 44Variety of transportation options 2.7 3.6 41Ease of getting around 3.0 4.1 41Flexibility 2.9 3.9 41Convenience 3.1 4.1 39Being in control 3.2 4.1 37Dependability 3.3 4.2 36Comfort 3.3 3.8 32Personal safety 3.6 4.4 31Parking availability 3.5 3.9 29Cost (to user) 3.7 4.0 26Parking cost 4.1 3.7 17

The higher the number, the greaterthe opportunity you have to make a difference

54


Fredericksburg Respondents Would See the

Greatest Improvement in Increased Ease in Getting Around and Reduced Stress


Performance Mean

Opportunity Index

Price of gas 2.9 3.9 41Ease of getting around 3.2 4.2 38Reducing stress 3.2 3.8 34Time to make trips 3.3 4.0 34Flexibility 3.2 3.7 33Making productive use of time 3.3 3.9 33HOV availability 3.2 3.5 32Parking availability 3.4 3.8 30Dependability 3.6 4.3 30Convenience 3.6 4.1 29Variety of transportation options 3.5 3.7 28Being in control 3.7 4.2 27Comfort 3.7 3.7 24Personal safety 4.0 4.5 23Cost (to user) 4.1 4.2 19Parking cost 4.3 3.9 14


Important to note

that FAMPO cannot

affect Gas Prices.

55


Caroline County Respondents Would See the

Greatest Improvement in Increased HOV availability and Reduced Stress


Performance Mean

Opportunity Index

Price of gas 2.6 3.8 46HOV availability 2.2 3.1 43Reducing stress 2.8 3.9 43Time to make trips 3.0 4.1 41Ease of getting around 3.1 4.0 38Flexibility 3.1 3.9 37Variety of transportation options 2.9 3.5 37Making productive use of time 3.1 3.8 36Convenience 3.2 3.9 35Being in control 3.3 3.9 33Dependability 3.4 4.1 33Comfort 3.4 3.8 30Personal safety 3.6 4.1 29Cost (to user) 3.7 3.9 25Parking availability 3.8 4.0 24Parking cost 3.9 3.8 21


Important to note

that FAMPO cannot

affect Gas Prices.

56


King George County Respondents Would See the

Greatest Improvement in Finding Ways to Be More Productive and Increased Variety


Performance Mean

Opportunity Index

Making productive use of time 2.8 4.1 45Variety of transportation options 2.5 3.6 45Flexibility 2.8 3.9 43Time to make trips 3.0 4.1 41Price of gas 3.0 4.0 40Ease of getting around 3.1 4.2 40Reducing stress 3.1 4.1 39Convenience 3.1 3.9 37Being in control 3.4 4.2 34HOV availability 2.6 2.8 34Comfort 3.4 3.9 31Dependability 3.6 4.2 29Personal safety 3.7 4.4 29Parking availability 3.6 3.8 27Cost (to user) 3.8 4.0 24Parking cost 4.2 3.6 14


57


Spotsylvania County Respondents Would See the Greatest Improvement in Stress

Reduction and Quicker TripsAspect Importanc

e MeanPerformance Mean

Opportunity Index

Reducing stress 2.7 4.0 46Time to make trips 2.8 4.1 45HOV availability 2.4 3.4 44Making productive use of time 2.8 4.0 44Price of gas 2.8 4.0 44Variety of transportation options 2.7 3.6 41Flexibility 2.9 3.9 41Convenience 3.0 4.0 40Ease of getting around 3.1 4.1 39Dependability 3.2 4.3 39Being in control 3.2 4.1 37Comfort 3.3 3.8 32Personal safety 3.6 4.4 31Parking availability 3.4 3.8 30Cost (to user) 3.6 4.0 28Parking cost 4.1 3.7 17


58


Stafford County Respondents Would Also See the Greatest Improvement in Stress

Reduction and Quicker TripsAspect Importanc

e MeanPerformance Mean

Opportunity Index

Reducing stress 2.5 4.1 51Time to make trips 2.6 4.2 50Making productive use of time 2.7 4.1 47HOV availability 2.5 3.7 46Variety of transportation options 2.6 3.6 43Ease of getting around 2.9 4.1 43Being in control 3.0 4.2 42Convenience 3.0 4.2 42Price of gas 2.9 4.0 42Flexibility 2.9 3.9 41Dependability 3.2 4.3 39Personal safety 3.4 4.4 35Comfort 3.2 3.8 34Parking availability 3.4 4.0 32Cost (to user) 3.5 4.0 30Parking cost 4.0 3.7 19


59


Possible Drivers of Satisfaction with Transportation System

Using Multiple Regression

Satisfaction with


Personal Safety

Convenience

Availability of parking

Availability of HOV Lanes

Comfort

Dependability

Reducing level of stress

Being in control of your local travel

Cost of Parking

Choice/variety of options

Cost

Time required to make trips

Price of Gas

Flexibility

Helping make productive use of time

?

??

???

?

??

? ??

?

??

Ease of getting around

?

Q8. Please rate the

transportation system of the Greater

Fredericksburg Region on the following features . . .


There Are 6 Key Drivers of Satisfaction with the FAMPO Area Transportation

System

Satisfaction with




Flexibility

Convenience



.076

.116

.086

.072

.108

.254

61

Entire FAMPO

Area

The higher the coefficient, the greater the impact on driving

satisfaction


Fredericksburg: Ease of Getting Around Is the Biggest Driver in Satisfaction with the FAMPO Area Transportation

System

Satisfaction with



Personal Safety

Ease of getting around.225

.112

.212

62

Fredericksburg


Caroline County: Choice and Variety of Transportation Options Is the Biggest Driver in Satisfaction with the FAMPO

Area Transportation System

Satisfaction with



Reducing level of stress .163

.224

63

Caroline County


King George County: Reducing Level of Stress Is the Biggest Driver in

Satisfaction with the FAMPO Area Transportation System

Satisfaction with


Flexibility


Helping makeproductive use of time

Convenience


.237

.286

.170

.127

.252

64

King George County


Spotsylvania County: Choice and Variety of Transportation Options Is the Biggest Driver in Satisfaction with the

FAMPO Area Transportation System

Satisfaction with






Availability of parking

.218

.087

.096

.125

.276

65

Spotsylvania County


Spotsylvania County: Choice and Variety of Transportation Options Is the Biggest Driver in Satisfaction with the

FAMPO Area Transportation System

Satisfaction with




Convenience

Availability of HOV Lanes

.113

.085

.162

.302

66

Spotsylvania County


FAMPO Area Residents Are the Most Satisfied with Driving Alone and the Least Satisfied with Bicycling in the

Area64%

53%

52%

48%

40%

36%

32%

Weighted sample size varies from

556 – 1462.

Does not include those

who said “Don’t know:”

Driving alone – 2%

Vanpooling – 62%

Carpooling – 49%

Commuter Rail – 38%Commuter Bus – 63%Walking –

22%Local Bus –

52%Bicycling –

48%

Q10. Overall, how satisfied are you with these different specific transportation modes in the Greater Fredericksburg Region?

23%


Overall, Fredericksburg Residents Are More Likely to Be Satisfied with These

Modes


Percentages represent those who

chose a “4” or “5”

rating on a scale of 1

to 5.

Weighted Sample

Sizes Vary as they do not include those who said “Don’t

know.” Some

sample sizes are

very small.

Many of these

differences are

statistically significant.For more detailed

information, see the appendix.


Recommendations Included Road Maintenance and Transit

69

Q11. Please tell me any recommendations you may have for specific improvements to the Greater Fredericksburg Region’s transportation system.

Includes parking and driver/rider education


Selected Comments“We could really use public notifications well ahead of time when any roadwork is going to be conducted whether it is through email notifications, text messages, or

newspaper notices. It would be a big help for me to schedule around the construction that is taking place.”

“The transportation is focused on Fredericksburg and Washington, DC. There is no focus on Fredericksburg and Richmond. They cite years of talk that such services

will be soon coming. There are lots of promises, but there is no action.”

“They need to extend the HOV lanes to Fredericksburg. There should be more convenient stops for the VRE. Also, they have to limit the commercial traffic at rush hour and enforce driver education like using turn signals. They have to coordinate

major construction on major routes between state and local or just all around. These construction projects are all going on at the same time.”

“We desperately need to have a speed rail system. It can have a voucher system for the fares because the cost is too high. A lot of employers do not offer it to their

employees.”

“Spotsylvania needs to join VRE. They need to make an actual VRE rail line that goes through the community instead of renting space on the freight rail line.”

70

Q11. Please tell me any

recommendations you may

have for specific improvements to the Greater Fredericksburg

Region’s transportation

system.


Long RangeTransportation Plan


Stated Goals of the LRTP

1. Improve accessibility and mobility for all people and freight, while integrating all modes of transportation.

2. Encourage and promote the efficient development, management, operation and preservation of the surface transportation system.

3. Improve the physical characteristics and geometric design of transportation facilities to optimize safety for motorists, bus and rail users, park and ride lot users, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Safety improvements will include standards to protect persons with disabilities.

4. Protect and improve the environment, promote energy conservation and improve the quality of life.

5. Support economic vitality of the region, especially by enabling global competiveness, productivity and efficiency.

72


Asked of All Respondents, Regardless of Familiarity with the LRTP:

The 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan has five primary goals. As I read each goal to you, please tell me how

confident you are that each goal will be accomplished.

Please use a scale of 1-5 for your

answer, where “1” means “not very confident the goal will be accomplished” and “5” means “very confident the goal

will be accomplished.”

73


Only 3 in 10 Are Confident thatthe LRTP Goals will be Accomplished

Q18. The 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan has five primary goals. As I read each goal to you, please tell me how confident are you that each goal will be accomplished?

Weighted Sample

Sizes vary by goal (n = 1,432 – 1,447) as

they do not include

those who said “Don’t

know.”

35%

30%

30%

29%

27%


Certain Groups Have Higher Confidence in LRTP Goals (On

Average)Group % who gave

goals a 4 or 5 rating, averaged


Baby Boomers 26

Generation X 30

Generation Y 42

Transportation accommodations 37

No accommodations 29

Military 27

Not Military 34

Commute Out of Area 27

Commute Within Area 33



For The Most Part, There is Little Difference Among Areas of Confidence

in the Goals

Percentages represent those who

chose a “4” or “5”

rating on a scale of 1

to 5.

Weighted Sample

Sizes Vary as they do not include those who said “Don’t

know.”



14% Have Heard or Read About FAMPO’s 2035 Long Range

Transportation Plan

Q15. Have you heard or read anything about FAMPO’s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan?


Certain Groups Are More Likelyto Be Aware of the LRTP

Group % Who Are Aware – “Yes”


Baby Boomers 20

Generation X 9

Generation Y 4

Longer term Resident (>2 years) 14

New Resident (< 2 years) 8

College Grad 17

Not College Grad 9

Opinion Leader 17

Not Opinion Leader 11

78



Awareness of the LRTP Ranges Between

10% to 20% Across The FAMPO Region

Percentages represent those who answered “Yes” to

this question.

Fredericksburg and Caroline

County are significantly

different from King

George and Stafford counties.



Spotsylvania: Certain Groups Are More Likely to Be Aware of the LRTP



Baby Boomers 25

Generation X 7

Long term Resident (>10 years) 19

Shorter term Resident (< 10 years) 10

College Grad 17

Not College Grad 10

80



Stafford: Certain Groups Are More Likely to Be Aware of the LRTP



Baby Boomers 17

Generation X 8

College Grad 14

Not College Grad 7

Opinion Leader 16

Not Opinion Leader 8

81



Most Heard About the Plan From aNews Article or the Newspaper Insert

Q27. Where did you hear or read about FAMPO’s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan?ASKED ONLY OF THOSE WHO ARE AWARE


n = 203

“Other” includes items in the mail,

email, and word of mouth.


Caroline County Respondents Were More Likely to Have Seen the

Newspaper Insert

Q27. Where did you hear or read about FAMPO’s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan?ASKED ONLY OF THOSE WHO ARE AWARE


n = 203


Only 14% Are Familiar With The Plan This is 2% of the Total Population

Q16. How familiar are you with FAMPO’s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan? ? ASKED ONLY OF THOSE WHO ARE AWARE

14%


n = 203


Certain Groups Are Slightly More Likely

to Be Familiar with the LRTPGroup % Top Two Box

Familiar (4, 5)

Silent Generation (n = 41) 20

Baby Boomers (n = 93) 15

Generation X (n = 53) 9

Generation Y (n = 9) 0

Not Employed (n = 136) 12

Employed ( n = 67) 16

Longer term Resident (>2 years) (n = 196) 14

New Resident (< 2 years) (n = 7) 0

Commute outside FAMPO area (n = 47) 4

Commute within FAMPO area (n = 88) 16

Commute Mode: Drive Alone (n = 96) 14

Commute Mode: Carpool/Vanpool (n = 19) 0

85

Note: None of these

differences are

statistically significant.

Small Sample

Sizes make it difficult

to find differences

that are statistically significant.

Q16. How familiar are you with FAMPO’s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan? ASKED ONLY OF THOSE WHO ARE AWARE


Certain Groups Are Slightly More Likely

to Be Familiar with the LRTPGroup % Top Two Box

Familiar (4, 5)

College Grad (n = 146) 15

Not College Grad (n = 56) 11

Need transportation accommodations (n = 26) 27

Do not need transportation accommodations (n = 173)

12

Military (n = 97) 13

Non-Military ( n = 103) 14

Opinion Leader (n = 117) 16

Not Opinion Leader (n = 86) 9

Male (n = 96) 10

Female (n = 107) 16

Panel Member (n = 82) 16

86

Note: None of these

differences are

statistically significant.

Small Sample

Sizes make it difficult

to find differences

that are statistically significant.



Of Those Aware of LRTP, Low Familiarity

with LRTP Runs Across All Jurisdictions

CAUTION:Sample sizes of

those who are aware of the plan

are very small.

Weighted sample sizes Fredericksburg n = 24

Caroline n = 23

King George n = 10

Spotsylvania n = 82

Stafford n = 64


Familiar (5, 4):Fredericksburg – 15%Caroline – 13%King George - 7%Spotsylvania – 15%Stafford – 13%


110 Respondents Were Familiar Enough (Gave a Rating of 3, 4, or 5)

to Continue with the Survey

• The area breakdown is as follows:– 26 in Fredericksburg– 14 in Caroline County– 11 in King George County– 39 in Spotsylvania County– 20 in Stafford County

• Note: the above numbers are not weighted


Only a Quarter Are Satisfied with the LRTP,but Only a Quarter are Dissatisfied

Q17. Based on everything you have heard or read about FAMPO’s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan, how satisfied you are with the plan, overall? ? ASKED ONLY OF THOSE WHO ARE FAMILIAR

24%


n = 77


2 in 10 Had Specific SuggestionsWhen Asked Why They Gavethe LRTP the Rating They Did

90Q17A. Why did you give that rating? ASKED ONLY OF THOSE WHO ARE FAMILIAR

Unweighted sample

size n = 110


There Was Very Little Change In Satisfaction After Discussing the Details

of the LRTP

Q26. Now that we have discussed the details of the plan and funding, we would like to know if your satisfaction with the plan has changed. How satisfied are you with FAMPO’s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan, overall? ASKED ONLY OF THOSE WHO ARE FAMILIAR

24% Original25% Changed


n = 77

None of the differences

are statistically significant at the 95%

level.


Respondents Are Most Satisfied with the Treatment of Transportation Safety in the Plan

and Least Satisfied with Congestion Management

Q19. Now I am going to ask you about specific elements of the Long Range Transportation Plan. How satisfied are you with the following elements as they are treated in the plan? ASKED ONLY OF THOSE WHO ARE FAMILIAR

CAUTION: SMALL

SAMPLEWeighted Sample

Sizes vary by goal (n = 68 – 76) as they do not include those who said “Don’t

know.”

38%

31%

28%

27%

23%

35%

31%

26%

16%


For the Most Part, Respondents Have Low Confidence in the Planning Process with Regard to Public Input, Implementation, and Especially

Funding

Q20. How confident are you in the 2035 Long Range Transportation Planning Process in regard to each of the following elements? ASKED ONLY OF THOSE WHO ARE FAMILIAR

CAUTION: SMALL

SAMPLEWeighted Sample

Sizes vary by goal (n = 76 – 77) as they do not include those who said “Don’t

know.”


People Can Envision Benefits of the LRTP,

Especially Reduced Congestion

Q21. What do you see as the main benefits of the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan? ASKED ONLY OF THOSE WHO ARE FAMILIAR – MULTIPLE RESPONSES ACCEPTED


n = 77

Benefit %Reduced congestion 26

Improved access to local areas 15

Better multimodal system 11

Prioritized projects to focus on what really needs to be done

11

More public input to transportation system 10

Improved quality of life 9

Improved economic vitality 8

Better land use 8

Reduced costs/effective use of public funds 8

Improved safety 7

Improved environment 5

Reduced carbon footprint 3

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions 3

Other 30

No real benefits/waste of time and money 17

Don’t know 8

Even though

congestion management had the

lowest rating of

the specific elements of

the plan.


Almost Half Are Concerned ThatThere Will Not Be Enough Funding

Q22. What do you see as the main issues or concerns of the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan? ASKED ONLY OF THOSE WHO ARE FAMILIAR – MULTIPLE RESPONSES ACCEPTED


n = 77

Issue or Concern %

There won’t be enough funding 47

Will be too expensive 22

Too difficult to predict the future 14

The priorities of the plan will not match what is needed

12

Transportation will get worse 8

Improvements will not be made/transportation won’t get better

8

Will be locked into a plan that won’t work 5

Other 30

Don’t know 6


12% Of Those Familiar (16 Respondents) Have Personally

Participated in the Development of the LRTP

Q25. Have you personally participated in the development of FAMPO’s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan?


n = 77


Funding


Most Believe That the State Has Primary Transportation Funding

Responsibility

Q12. What level of government do you think of as having primary funding responsibility for transportation maintenance and operations?

Weighted sample size n = 1,449

Does not include


know.”

Fed/State-25%

Loc/State-23%

All–18%Fed/St/Loc–

14%Reg/State-5%Fed/St/Reg-

3%Loc/Reg/St-

2%Fed/Loc-2%Loc/Reg-2%Fed/Reg-1%Fed/Loc/Reg-

0%Other-4%


King George Respondents AreLess Likely to Believe that Funding

Should Come From a Combination of Levels

Q12. What level of government do you think of as having primary funding responsibility for transportation maintenance and operations?

Does not include


know.”

Fredericksburg had the

highest percentage

of those who said “Don’t

know.” – 7%


And Most Believe Thatthe State Should Have Primary

Transportation Funding Responsibility

Weighted sample size n = 1,455

Does not include


know.”

Q12A. What level of government do you think should have primary funding responsibility for transportation maintenance and operations?

Fed/State-27%

Loc/State-27%

All–15%Fed/St/Loc–

9%Reg/State-6%Loc/Reg-4%Loc/Reg/St-

4%Fed/St/Reg-

2%Fed/Loc-2%Fed/Reg-0%Fed/Loc/Reg-

0%Other-5%


There Is Little Difference Among the Areas in Terms of Who Should Have

Responsibility

Q12A. What level of government do you think should have primary funding responsibility for transportation maintenance and operations?

Does not include


know.”


Perceptions of Reality (who has)Closely Matches Desire (who should

have) Responsibility for Transportation Funding

Q12. What level of government do you think of as having primary funding responsibility for transportation maintenance and operations?Q12A. What level of government do you think should have primary funding responsibility for transportation maintenance and operations?


More than Half Support a Regional Transportation Authority

Q12B. To what extent do you support the establishment of a Regional Transportation Authority?

56%

As a comparison,

67% of Charlottesville Residents

were in favor of a Regional Transit

Authority (rated 4 or 5) in a 2009

study.


Fredericksburg Has the Highest Satisfaction, Caroline County the

Lowest

Q12B. To what extent do you support the establishment of a Regional Transportation Authority?


None of the differences

are significantly different.


Respondents Are More Likely to Think the Government Spends Too Little orthe Right Amount on Transportation

Q13. How do you feel about the current amount of government spending on transportation maintenance and operations?

11% say too much

42% say too little


Stafford County Respondents Are The Least Likely to Think That the

Government Spends Too Much on Transportation

Q13. How do you feel about the current amount of government spending on transportation maintenance and operations?

Too Much:Fredericksburg – 12%Caroline – 14%King George - 13%Spotsylvania – 14%Stafford – 6%Too Little:Fredericksburg – 41%Caroline – 46%King George - 36%Spotsylvania – 38%Stafford – 46%


among many of the

areas.

The “too much”

ratings for Stafford

County are significantly

different from all other

counties.


More Than Three-quarters Would Support an Increase in Transportation Funding of at Least

10%

Q14. Which of the following statements best describes your support in regard to transportation funding for the Greater Fredericksburg Region?

79%


Fredericksburg and Stafford County Are The Least Likely to Not Support an

Increase

The difference between Stafford

County and Caroline,

King George, and

Spotsylvania counties is significant.


Fredericksburg and King

George County is

also significant.

Q14. Which of the following statements best describes your support in regard to transportation funding for the Greater Fredericksburg Region?


A Third Think that Transportation Funds Should Come From Tolls and Fares

Q14A. If new funds are needed for the regional transportation system, in your opinion, where should those funds come from?


Caroline County is the Most Likely to Believe that No New Funds Should Be

Added

Q14A. If new funds are needed for the regional transportation system, in your opinion, where should those funds come from?

The difference between Caroline

County and Fredericksbu

rg and Stafford County is

significant.


Q24. Suppose that you were developing a long-range transportation

plan for the Greater Fredericksburg Region, and you had a total of $100 to

spend on all components of the transportation system. How would you

divide that $100 across the various components? I am going to read you 5

components of the transportation system. Please tell me how much of the $100 you would allocate to each

component.

___ Road and highway maintenance___ Local Bus system operations___ Rail/Train operations___ Commuter parking facilities___ Bicycle and pedestrian facilities


The Vast Majority of Residents Would Allocate Funds to Non-Road Uses

Q24. Please tell me how much of the $100 you would allocate to each component.

2/3rds directed to alt. modes


Caroline and Stafford County Residents Would Allocate More to Maintenance, Caroline County

Residents Would Allocate Less to Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

Q24. Please tell me how much of the $100 you would allocate to each component.


Very Few (About 1% of Total Respondents) Are Familiar With the

Funding Sources for the LRTP

Q23. How familiar are you with the funding sources for the improvements addressed in FAMPO’s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan? ASKED ONLY OF THOSE WHO ARE FAMILIAR

19%


n = 77


Customer Panel


Q36. Thank you for taking the time to share your opinions. The opinions

you shared in this survey will be very helpful to FAMPO.

From time to time we would like to test new ideas about transportation services and programs with a panel made up of people like you. Panel

members would share their opinions with us through short email surveys. We would not use your email for any

other purpose – just periodic feedback.

Would you be interested in possibly participating on such a panel?


1 in 3 RespondentsVolunteered for the Panel

Q36. Would you be interested in possibly participating on such a panel?

Percentages represent those who said “Yes.”

Note: This data is not weighted.

62 people

49 people

67 people

142 people

150 people

470 Total New

Panel Members


Panel Demographics

Panel Members

Mean Age 41

% Resident >2 Years 7

% Employed 73

% Drive Alone (Commute Mode) 76

% College Grad 62

Mean Income (in thousands) 95

% White, Non-Hispanic 73

% Need Transportation Accommodations

13

% Military 49

% Male 48

118


Strategic Implications

Focus on Increasing Focus on Increasing Satisfaction with Satisfaction with Transportation Transportation

SystemSystem

Focus on Increasing Focus on Increasing Satisfaction with Satisfaction with Transportation Transportation

SystemSystem


There is Room for Improvement in Satisfaction with the Transportation

System• A third are satisfied with the Transportation

System.• Fredericksburg has the highest satisfaction;

Caroline County has the lowest.• Almost two-thirds are satisfied with Driving

Alone in the area, but less than a quarter are satisfied with Bicycle Facilities.

• Aggressively promote the current availability of choices/options as an immediate way to increase satisfaction. Look for ways to expand options.

121

Sharpen MessageSharpen Messageof LRTPof LRTP

Sharpen MessageSharpen Messageof LRTPof LRTP


There is Room For Improvement of Awareness and Familiarity of the

LRTP• Promoting anything in a cluttered

media environment is hard and expensive.

• First dig deeper into this data for communication strategy and execution insights.

• Understand further who is recalling the LRTP message and why.

123


Use the Panel to Explore Related Issues Such as Key Benefit Messaging

• Of all respondents, only about 3 in 10 were confident that the LRTP goals will be accomplished. The biggest issue for residents seems to be lack of funding for the plan.

• Explore with panel how to instill confidence that the plan can be accomplished and will reduce congestion and improve transportation in the FAMPO area.

• Examine relative appeal of the benefits of the plan for residents – congestion relief, greater access, and choice/alternatives & options.

124

Continue to Explore Continue to Explore Regional Regional

Transportation Transportation AuthorityAuthority

Continue to Explore Continue to Explore Regional Regional

Transportation Transportation AuthorityAuthority


More than Half Support the Creation of a Regional Transportation Authority

• Use these data to learn more about this topic.

• Help inform and advance the RTA discussion.

126


For Additional Information on this Study Contact:

Christy EvankoChristy EvankoSoutheastern Institute of Research

804-358-8981


APPENDIX


Demographicsas Compared to

Population


Age of Respondents Skewed OlderAs Often Happens in Telephone Surveys



n = 1453Unweighted sample

sizen = 1461FAMPO

Area Population

(20 & older) – 213,331 (Source –

ACS 2005 – 2007)

Note: the years for

the Population

do not exactly

match with the

Generations.

Gen Y – 1985 – 1990

Gen X – 1965 – 1984

Boomer – 1945 – 1964

Silent – 1944 & earlier


Fredericksburg Age Comparison




sizen = 194

Fredericksburg

Population – 15,484 (Source –

ACS 2005 – 2007)

Note: the years for

the Population

do not exactly

match with the

Generations.

Gen Y – 1985 – 1990

Gen X – 1965 – 1984

Boomer – 1945 – 1964



Caroline County Age Comparison




sizen = 198Caroline


ACS 2005 – 2007)

Note: the years for

the Population

do not exactly

match with the

Generations.

Gen Y – 1985 – 1990

Gen X – 1965 – 1984

Boomer – 1945 – 1964



King George County Age Comparison




sizen = 193

King George


ACS 2005 – 2007)

Note: the years for

the Population

do not exactly

match with the

Generations.

Gen Y – 1985 – 1990

Gen X – 1965 – 1984

Boomer – 1945 – 1964



Spotsylvania County Age Comparison




sizen = 438

Spotsylvania


ACS 2005 – 2007)

Note: the years for

the Population

do not exactly

match with the

Generations.

Gen Y – 1985 – 1990

Gen X – 1965 – 1984

Boomer – 1945 – 1964



Stafford County Age Comparison




sizen = 438Stafford


ACS 2005 – 2007)

Note: the years for

the Population

do not exactly

match with the

Generations.

Gen Y – 1985 – 1990

Gen X – 1965 – 1984

Boomer – 1945 – 1964



Income of Respondents Skewed HigherAs Often Happens in Telephone Surveys




sizen = 1312FAMPO

Area Households – 101,326 (Source –

ACS 2005 – 2007)

Note: the ACS

categories for income

do not exactly

match with the survey categories.

The common

breaks are at $50K

and $100K.

Unweighted 24%Weighted 21%Population 30%




Fredericksburg Income Comparison



sizen = 166

Fredericksburg

Households – 4,182

(Source – ACS 2005 –

2007)


Fredericksburg mean income -

$69K


Caroline County Income Comparison



sizen = 180Caroline

Households – 9,729


2007)


Caroline County mean

income - $70K


King George CountyIncome Comparison



sizen = 176

King George

Households– 7,693


2007)


King George County mean

income - $87K


Spotsylvania CountyIncome Comparison



sizen = 397

Spotsylvania

Households – 40,856 (Source –

ACS 2005 – 2007)


Spotsylvania County

mean income -

$87K


Stafford County Income Comparison



sizen = 393Stafford

Households – 38,866 (Source –

ACS 2005 – 2007)


Stafford County mean

income - $106K


Ethnicity Skewed White, Non-HispanicAs Often Happens in Telephone Surveys




sizen = 1438FAMPO

Area Population (all ages) –

303,754 (Source –

ACS 2005 – 2007)


Fredericksburg Ethnicity Comparison



sizen = 190

Fredericksburg


ACS 2005 – 2007)



Caroline County Ethnicity Comparison



sizen = 192Caroline


ACS 2005 – 2007)



King George CountyEthnicity Comparison



sizen = 193

King George


ACS 2005 – 2007)



Spotsylvania CountyEthnicity Comparison



sizen = 436

Spotsylvania


ACS 2005 – 2007)



Stafford County Ethnicity Comparison



sizen = 427Stafford


ACS 2005 – 2007)



There is Not Much Difference InGender Distribution Between the

Survey and the General Population




sizen = 1500FAMPO

Area Population

(18 & older) – 222,612(Source –

ACS 2005 – 2007)


Fredericksburg Gender Comparison



sizen = 119

FredericksburgPopulation – 17,198 (Source –

ACS 2005 – 2007)



Caroline County Gender Comparison



sizen = 200Caroline


ACS 2005 – 2007)



King George CountyGender Comparison



sizen = 200

King George


ACS 2005 – 2007)



Spotsylvania County Gender Comparison



sizen = 450

Spotsylvania


ACS 2005 – 2007)



Stafford County Gender Comparison



sizen = 450Stafford


ACS 2005 – 2007)



Mode SatisfactionBreakdown by Area


King George County Respondents Are the Most Satisfied with Driving Alone in

the Area and Stafford County Respondents the Least




among many of

the areas.

The top-two box

ratings for Stafford

County are significantly different

from all other

counties and the top-two

box ratings from King

George County are significantly different from that

of Spotsylvania as well.

Driving or riding in a car, SUV, minivan, or motorcycle


Fredericksburg Respondents Are the Most Satisfied with the Local Bus in the Area but Many Did Not Know Enough

About it to Rate




among many of the

areas.

The top-two box ratings

for Fredericksb

urg are significantly

different from

Caroline, Spotsylvania

, and Stafford

Countiese (but not

King George County).

Local Bus

Top-two box scores

without those who said “don’t

know:”Fredericksburg – 50%Caroline –

33%King George

– 38%Spotsylvania

– 30%Stafford –

27%


Stafford Respondents Are the Most Satisfied with the Commuter Bus in the Area but Many Did Not Know Enough

About it to Rate




among many of the

areas.

The top-two box ratings for Stafford County are

significantly different from King

George and Spotsylvania

Counties.

Commuter Bus

Top-two box scores



34%King George

– 25%Spotsylvania

– 39%Stafford –

32%


Fredericksburg Respondents Are Also the Most Satisfied with Commuter Rail but Many Did Not Know Enough About

it to Rate




among many of the

areas.

The top-two box ratings for Caroline County are


from Fredericksb

urg and Stafford and Spotsylvania Counties.

Commuter Rail or Train

Top-two box scores



43%King George

– 53%Spotsylvania

– 50%Stafford –

44%


Stafford County Respondents Are Also the Most Satisfied with Carpooling but Many Did Not Know Enough About it to

Rate




among many of the areas.



from all other areas and

Caroline and King George Counties are significantly

different from

Spotsylvania County.

Carpooling

Top-two box scores without


know:”Fredericksbu

rg – 46%Caroline –

39%King George –

37%Spotsylvania

– 55%Stafford –

56%


Stafford County Respondents Are Also the Most Satisfied with Vanpooling but Many Did Not Know Enough About it to

Rate




among many of the

areas.



from Caroline and King George Counties.

King George is also


from Spotsylvania

County.

Vanpooling

Top-two box scores



38%King George

– 36%Spotsylvania

– 53%Stafford –

57%


Fredericksburg Respondents Are the Most Satisfied with Bicycling but There

Are Many That Are Not Satisfied




among many of the

areas.


for Fredericksb

urg are significantly

different from

Stafford and Spotsylvania

Counties.

Bicycling

Top-two box scores



31%King George

– 26%Spotsylvania

– 21%Stafford –

21%


Fredericksburg Respondents Are Also the Most Satisfied with Walking but

Some Did Not Know Enough About it to Rate




among many of the areas.


for Fredericksbu

rg are significantly

different from all other

counties. Caroline and

Stafford Counties are

also significantly

different from

Spotsylvania County.

Walking

Top-two box scores without


know:”Fredericksbu

rg – 57%Caroline –

44%King George –

35%Spotsylvania

– 28%Stafford –

38%

Regional Transportation Telephone Survey Results

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