Investigating Travel and User Characteristics of Toll Roads: Travel Survey of the Central Florida Expressway System

Abstract

The differences between E-Pass (an electronic toll collection device) users and non-E-Pass users are examined based on an extensive travel survey of users of central Florida’s expressway system. The survey was designed to capture travel patterns of expressway users. A statistical comparison was conducted between the E-Pass and non-E-Pass users by age, occupation, household income, vehicle occupancy, trip distance, trip purpose, and trip time. Results of the comparison indicated significant differences between the two groups. A log-linear model was developed to understand the effect of trip-maker characteristics on E-Pass use. Results indicated that the odds of using E-Pass are small for young users (16 to 25 years old). The odds of choosing the E-Pass system increase with income; professionals have higher odds of being E-Pass users. Also, a bivariate probit model was developed to understand the interdependence between the use of E-Pass and vehicle occupancy. Results indicated that time of day, day of week, E-Pass use, trip purpose, and trip distance affect vehicle occupancy.

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