MarketLine Research

The Trilogy project was an Intelligent Transportation System (FTS) demonstration of the broadcast\ of freeway system traveler information to both commercial and commuter drivers over a 25-mile (40.3 km) radius of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. In this project, real-time freeway system operating conditions, particularly incidents and traffic congestion, were monitored at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) Traffic Management Center (TMC). This information was broadcast to a fleet of test vehicles with dashboard mounted display screens. Two different systems were used to broadcast traveler information. The first system, Dynaguide 2.0, utilized the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) - Traffic Message Channel; and the second system, Dynaguide 3.0, utilized the Seiko High Speed Data System (HSDS) to transmit messages to in-vehicle receivers. Dynaguide 2.0 provided the user with information on incidents, planned events, and traffic congestion via icons and text messages generated by operators at the TMC. In comparison, Dynaguide 3.0 provided real-time color coded freeway link speed data and ramp metering conditions generated from the traffic management system detection sensors in addition to the information generated by the TMC operators. Both devices also had the capability to display traffic condition test messages.

The primary objective of this study is to give the department a statewide perspective on motorists' opinions regarding construction related road closures. To accomplish this objective, a survey identified user preference for and acceptance of either completely closing a road for a shorter period of time, or providing reduced lane access over a longer period of time, while road maintenance and construction is completed. A secondary objective was to learn how MnDOT might make trips thru work zones safer by identifying driver fears.

For the purpose of quality improvement, the TMC sought to learn the following: - How clear and understandable current messages are, on the overhead signs across the metro area - If there are better ways to word existing messages so that drivers are assisted more directly in making driving choices - Are there new ways/types of messages that are appropriate for use on the CMS, to improve driving situations for our customers?

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) raised speed limits on selected highways in September of 2005. In conjunction with increased speed limits was an increased presence of enforcement. The overall objective of this market research project was to conduct a pre and post evaluation of drivers' reactions to these increases. The initial phase of this two-phase approach was conducted to establish a benchmark of selected measures. The second phase was conducted in August of 2006 after it was determined that the speed limits had been increased and driving conditions had stabilized. The increased speed and increased enforcement affects segments of 14 different roads throughout the state. There are 10 corridors that have an increased speed limit of 5 miles per hour (from 55 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour). They are referred to in this report as "Speed corridors." There are 30 corridors that have an increased enforcement presence and are referred to as "Enforcement corridors." In some cases a test corridor may be both Speed and Enforcement.

MnDOT has implemented an annual study to measure motorists' perceptions of selected traffic management tools. The primary objectives of the study are to measure the motoring public's: • awareness of each traffic management tool, • usage of each traffic management tool, and • perceived effectiveness/value of each traffic management tool. As part of MnDOT's evaluation of the traffic management program, the public's awareness and perception of various traffic management tools is of interest. This information is helpful to the Department for planning and implementing different techniques to best manage traffic.

MnDOT has implemented an annual study to measure motorists' perceptions of selected traffic management tools. The primary objectives of the study are to measure the motoring public's: • awareness of each traffic management tool, • usage of each traffic management tool, and • perceived effectiveness/value of each traffic management tool.

A Mn/DOT steering committee provided input to ensure that the research design addressed the department's strategic and business planning needs. Internal departmental meetings with district and business office personnel helped to identify seven key user segments common to all statewide Mn/DOT product and service providers. Qualitative research in the form of twenty-four (24) focus groups with recruited representatives of each key user segment was conducted statewide (see Appendix A in the full report for focus group locations). Prior to each group, participants each received a list of Mn/DOT products and services (internally developed) for review. Collectively in the groups, participants determined which products and services were relevant to their segment. For a product or service to be considered non-relevant, there had to be group consensus in order for it to be dropped from further discussion. This step provided researchers with a better understanding of why a product and service was relevant, how it met user segment needs and what level of service was expected.

Annually since 1987, Mn/DOT has sought public opinion about transportation through an omnibus project. Six Mn/DOT offices participated in this 2006 wave of the shared-cost Omnibus study: Communications; Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations; Office of Investment Management; Office of Maintenance; Office of Traffic, Safety and Operations; and Transit. The Metro District also participated. Historical data exist for many of the issues. Specific objectives for these tracking measures include determining: > perception of Mn/DOT's performance in providing selected maintenance services, > perception of Mn/DOT communications and traveler information tools, including reliability, use and perceived utility, > feelings of highway safety and what about the highways themselves make people feel less safe, and > satisfaction with available public transportation. In addition, this year the following objectives were added: > determining current and possible future levels of bicycle use and reasons associated with non-use, > determining preference for a significant increase in the number of large trucks on the state highways and freeways or a preference to reduce the increase somewhat by allowing trucks to carry heavier loads, and > understanding the commuting public's perceived importance of having reliable trips.

Annually since 1987, Mn/DOT has sought public opinion about transportation through an omnibus project. Seven Mn/DOT offices participated in this 2005 wave of the shared-cost Omnibus study. Historical data exists for many of the issues. Specific objectives for these tracking measures include determining: > perception of Mn/DOT's performance in providing selected maintenance services, > perceptions of Mn/DOT communications and traveler information tools, including reliability, use and perceived utility, > feelings of highway safety and what about the highways themselves make people feel less safe, > awareness and recall of work zone and snowplow safety messages, and > attitudes regarding desired option for toll lanes and rationale for building. In addition, this year the following objectives were added: > obtaining baseline perceptual measurement for the Safe Routes to School Initiative, and > determining level of support or opposition to proposal to dedicate all motor vehicle sales tax to transportation needs.

Since 1987, Mn/DOT has annually sought public opinion about transportation through an omnibus project. Historical data exists for issues such as satisfaction with services, safety perceptions, trip predictability, public involvement and other transportation related issues. For this 2004 wave of the Omnibus survey eight Mn/DOT offices participated in this shared-cost study. The variety of issues addressed is seen below: > perception of Mn/DOT's performance in providing selected services, > perception of the reliability of various Mn/DOT communications, > perceptions of reliability of communication tools for specific topics, > perceptions of highway safety and traveler information, > satisfaction with availability of public transit, > familiarity with laws that govern use of bicycles on Minnesota roads, > attitudes regarding availability of toll lanes and rationale for building, and > preferences for approaches to complete highway or freeway construction timetables.