Auto Occupancy Parameter Variations

This study utilized auto occupancy parameter data from three sources: the evaluation of the I-35W Urban Corridor Demonstration Project, the TH 65/Grant Street Carpool Preference Demonstration, and original data gathered quarterly since September 1973 at eight locations around the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota downtown areas. The purpose of the study was to determine if seasonal, daily or other variations in occupancy parameters were meaningful and to determine if occupancy rates were increasing noticeably due to carpool promotion efforts.

Results of the study indicate that: 1) seasonal differences are not highly significant, statistically, but their existence should be assumed in the design of transportation studies. 2) Daily variations are significant, but not at all sites. Therefore, the existence of daily variation must be assumed when making comparisons so that actual values are not masked. 3) Occupancy rates vary within transportation corridors. Analysis of these variations should be exploited as an evaluation tool. In system planning, existence of these variations must be recognized. 4) The "energy crunch" resulted in a short termed increase in occupancy rates, but these rates have now dropped to pre-crunch levels.