This document summarizes the key findings of a 2012 transportation survey conducted in Chittenden County, Vermont. The survey assessed public opinions on transportation system performance, priorities for investment, and allowed analysis of attitude changes over time compared to prior 2000 and 2006 surveys. It found that while driving remains the dominant mode of travel, there was increasing support for alternative modes like public transit, biking and walking. It also identified preserving existing infrastructure as the highest priority among transportation categories. The survey aims to inform local transportation planning and decision-making.

1. Chittenden County 2012
Transportation Survey
NADO Rural Transportation
Peer Learning Conference, Greenville, SC
April 25, 2013
Conducted by Resource Systems Group, Inc

2. Study Background
• Third iteration of a survey on public opinion
• 2012 (conducted by RSG)
• 2006 (conducted by National Research Center, Inc.
• 2000 (conducted by RSG)
• Survey assesses the public’s:
• Opinions on the current system’s performance
• Priorities for future transportation investment
• Combined responses allow for analysis of changes in
attitudes over time

3. Survey Methodology
• Sample: 4,000 residential
addresses in Chittenden
County
• Randomly selected
• Population-proportional
• Outreach:
• Pre-notification postcard
• Invitation letter

4. Survey Instrument
• Two options for completing the survey
Paper-based (mail-back)
Web-based

5. Survey Sections
• Mode use
• Agreement with statements in 6 categories
• Highway/auto travel, transportation planning activities, public
transportation, bicycling and walking, transportation behavior, quality
of life
• Importance rating of statements in 7 categories
• Highway initiatives, expanding public transportation service, improved
bike/walk facilities, incentives to use transportation alternatives,
preservation of existing system, improved safety, minor highway
efficiency projects
• Topic importance
• Rate (and rank) each of the above categories (highway initiatives, etc.)
• Demographics

6. Mode Usage

7. Year-Over-Year Comparisons
• The following charts present the trends in attitudes
and opinions over time
• Percentages are significantly different from one
another when the margin of error bars () do
not overlap
• A semi-transparent box highlights key takeaways
(where 2012 results are significantly different prior
year(s)

8. Highway/Auto Travel
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Traffic congestion affects the majority of trips I make
Traffic congestion gets noticeably worse every year
I don't know where to find information on traffic conditions and
highway construction
I often drive on back roads and residential streets to avoid congested
highways
I am often delayed by road construction, accidents, or special event
traffic
Traveling by car is safe in Chittenden County
Driving in Chittenden County becomes more dangerous each year
The major roads and bridges throughout Chittenden County are in
good condition
The streets in my neighborhood are in good condition
It is difficult to find a convenient parking spot in the older, downtown
commercial areas of the County
There are enough Park-and-Ride lots in Chittenden County
There are enough rideshare and carpool opportunities in Chittenden
County
Overall, driving is a pleasant experience in Chittenden County
2000: Percent agree 2006: Percent agree 2012: Percent agree

9. Bicycling and Walking
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
The sidewalks and bike paths in my neighborhood, town, or city are
in good condition
There are enough sidewalks in my city or town
There are enough separated bike paths and/or bike lanes along
roads in my city or town
I live close enough to walk to work, schools, shopping, services, etc
I feel safe when crossing a road on foot
Traveling by bicycle is safe for teenagers and adults
Traveling by bicycle is safe for children
Overall, walking is a pleasant experience in Chittenden County
Overall, traveling by bicycle is a pleasant experience in Chittenden
County
2000: Percent agree 2006: Percent agree 2012: Percent agree

10. Transportation Behavior
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
If it cost more to drive my car, I would make fewer trips
Nothing will replace my car as my main mode of
transportation
I support increasing gas taxes to help pay for highways,
transit, bicycle and sidewalk projects
I support increasing gas taxes to help pay only for highway
projects
I would take the bus if the routes and schedule were
convenient for me
I would walk to work, school, shopping or other activities if
they were close enough
I would walk more often if sidewalks were provided
I have reduced the number of trips I make by using the
internet
2000: Percent agree 2006: Percent agree 2012: Percent agree

11. Quality of Life
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
The noise and emissions from cars, buses and trucks are an
environmental problem
The noise and emissions from cars, buses and trucks seem to be
getting worse each year
There is a significant amount of cut through traffic in my
neighborhood
Completed highway projects have been constructed in a way that
enhanced the areas in which they pass
The streets in my neighborhood are safe and pleasant for all users
Overall, Chittenden County's transportation system enhances the
quality of my life
For a typical day, my car is the only safe, convenient and affordable
mode available to me
Enough is being done to address the transportation needs of all
populations
2000: Percent agree 2006: Percent agree 2012: Percent agree

12. Highway Initiatives
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Adding more travel lanes to congested roads
Building more freeways (interstate type highways)
Building more local roads to provide additional connections
between towns
Providing new interstate interchanges
2006: Percent highly important 2012: Percent highly important

13. Topic Importance
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Highway initiatives
Expanded public transportation service
Improved bike/walk facilities
Incentives to use transportation alternatives
Preserving the condition of existing roads, bridges, sidewalks, bike
paths and public transportation services and facilities
Improved safety
Minor highway efficiency projects
2006: Percent highly important 2012: Percent highly important

14. Topic Ranking
6%
5%
16%
15%
18%
36%
7%
9%
12%
13%
18%
18%
20%
9%
11%
12%
16%
13%
21%
11%
21%
23%
29%
46%
46%
57%
67%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Highway initiatives
Minor highway efficiency projects
Incentives to use transportation alternatives
Expanded public transportation service
Improved safety
Improved bike/walk facilities
Preserving the condition of existing roads, bridges, sidewalks, bike
paths and public transportation services and facilities
Highest priority Second highest priority Third highest priority

15. Survey Purpose
• To periodically “gain the pulse” of our residents
attitudes towards transportation related issues and
track any trends
• To corroborate/support recommendations from
planning studies
• To effectively involve the general public in
transportation planning and decision making
• To identify areas for further research

16. Telecommuting in Chittenden County
Share of workers who work from home* 5.2%
Share of workers whose employer offers telecommuting** 23.3%
Sources: * 2006-2010 ACS, **2012 Chittenden County Transportation Survey