COMMUTER ATTITUDES SURVEY REPORT
March 2015
1
Table of Contents
Page
2
1
Introduction
3
2.
Executive Summary
6
3.
Transportation in GTHA
9
4.
Commuting Patterns
10
5.
Satisfaction with Commute
14
6.
Changes in Commute
17
7.
Public Transit Commuters
21
8.
Lone Drivers
24
9.
Carpoolers
28
10. Walkers/Joggers
32
11. Cyclists
34
12. Teleworkers
37
13. Demographics
38
1. Introduction
1.1
Introduction
Smart Commute is a program of Metrolinx and municipalities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
(GTHA). We help anyone who is going from A to B explore and try out smart travel options such as
walking, cycling, transit and carpooling. Our goal is to ease gridlock while helping you save time and
money.
Smart Commute has delivered a comprehensive commuter attitudes survey in 2005, 2006, 2008 and
2011. The survey is sent to 1,000 commuters in the GTHA. It measures the attitudes of The Big Move
customer and aims to understand travel behaviours and underlying reasons for transportation choices.
This report covers the fifth wave of the Commuter Attitudes Survey commissioned by Metrolinx.
3
1. Introduction
1.2
Objectives and questionnaire overview
The objectives of Commuter Attitudes Survey are to:
1. Gauge GTHA commuters’ attitudes about transportation and commuting;
2. Understand modes of transportation used by commuters in the GTHA, travel behaviours and the
underlying reasons for mode choice; and
3. Provide insights on factors that will influence commuters to adopt more sustainable choices.
Sample and Commuter Definition
The report is divided into several sections which highlight results from the survey. The data collected from
the 2014 survey includes:





1.3
Commute patterns
Telework
Awareness of and attitudes toward transportation options
Awareness of commuter assistance resources
Awareness and use of employer-provided commuter assistance services
Data collection overview and reporting note
Sample and Commuter Definition
N=1011 online survey respondents were surveyed between September 15 to 21, 2014, sourced from
Vision Critical’s Canadian panel – Angus Reid Forum.
A commuter for this study is defined as someone who traveled at least 3 times per week to and from work,
school, or to volunteer in the last 12 months.
Teleworkers, who worked from home a minimum of three days per week, were also included in the
analysis.
4
1. Introduction 1.4
Sample sizes by key sub-groups and data weighting
Quotas were applied to get a minimum number of respondents per municipality. Overall the data was
weighted to be proportionate to the composition of the GTHA as per 2011 Statistics Canada census data:
1.5
Municipality
Quota
Weighted proportion of total sample
Toronto
n=382
40%
Peel
n=125
20%
York
n=125
16%
Durham
n=125
9%
Halton
n=125
7%
Hamilton
n=125
8%
Differences between Commuter Attitudes Survey and other data sources
Commuter Attitudes Survey differs from other publicly available data about transportation in the GTHA in
several respects including survey audience, sample size and source and survey objectives. A unique
attribute of Commuter Attitudes Survey is its focus on attitudes about transportation and commuting. Given
the differences in objectives and methodology, comparing results from the Commuter Attitudes Survey to
other studies like Transportation Tomorrow Survey is not advisable.
The key differences between Commuter Attitudes Survey and Transportation Tomorrow Survey are
highlighted below.
5
1. Introduction
Key differences between Commuter Attitudes Survey and Transportation Tomorrow Survey
Commuter Attitudes Survey
Survey authority
Smart Commute (Metrolinx)
Transportation Information Steering
Committee. Survey is carried out by the Data
Management Group (University of Toronto).
Sample source
Vision Critical Online Panel
Random sample of publicly available
telephone listings
Sample size
N=1,011
N=159,200
Qualification
criteria
16+ years of age residents of GTHA that
commute at least 3 times a week to work,
school or volunteer commitment. Those
who work from home at least 3 days a
week were also included in the survey.
Households
Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Municipalities included:
Regions covered
•
•
•
•
•
•
Travel period
Commute patterns in the last 12 months
Survey year
Toronto
York Region
Durham Region
Peel Region
Halton Region
Hamilton
Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
municipalities included:
• Hamilton
• Guelph
• Toronto
• Orillia
• Durham Region • Peterborough
• Halton Region
• Brant County
• York Region
• Dufferin County
• Kawartha Lakes • Peterborough
• Barrie
County
• Brantford
• Simcoe County
• Waterloo Region • Wellington County
• Orangeville
• Niagara Region
Trips made within a 24 hour period of the
survey
2014


Survey
objectives

6
Transportation Tomorrow Survey
To gauge GTHA commuters’
attitudes about transportation and
commuting.
To understand modes of
transportation used by commuters,
travel behaviours and the underlying
reasons for mode choice.
To provide insights on factors that
will influence commuters to adopt
more sustainable choices.
2011


To establish a common, centrallyaccessible database containing
information on transportation activities,
zone systems, transportation networks
and land use activity.
To further the improvement of
transportation demand analysis,
research, and forecasting in the survey
area.
2. Executive Summary
Smart Commute has delivered a comprehensive commuter attitudes survey in 2005, 2006, 2008 and
2011. The survey is sent to 1000 commuters in the GTHA. It measures the attitudes of The Big Move
customer, understands travel behaviours and underlying reasons for transportation choices. The following
key findings summarize pertinent insights from the 2014 Commuter Attitudes survey.
Transportation is one of the most important issues for 90% of survey respondents from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Traffic congestion is the primary driving force for this concern for 92% of
respondents followed by population growth which is a reason for 60% of respondents. On a personal level, transportation is important in the daily lives of 76% of respondents. Driving alone is the most common primary commuting mode at 55%. Public transit is used for commuting
by 30%. Other commuting modes like carpooling, walking/jogging and cycling are used by less than 10%.
Currently seven in ten (71%) respondents are overall satisfied with their commute. Satisfaction with
commute varies by mode of commute.
Public transit commuters:
Just over half (53%) of public transit commuters in the survey are satisfied with their commute. Public transit accounts for the longest reported commute time at an average of 52.4 minutes. Commute
experience directly affects overall job satisfaction for 74% of employed public transit users. Top reasons for commuting via public transit are affordability of this mode (52%) and this being the most convenient option (46%). Diving alone:
78% lone drivers are satisfied with their commute. On average lone drivers commute for 32.3 minutes on
a one-way trip. Commute experience directly impacts 74% of employed lone drivers’ overall job
satisfaction. Not having someone to carpool with is the main reason for driving alone (45%). Driving alone is also seen
as the quickest, most convenient and flexible option.
Lone drivers are most likely to not have tried a secondary commuting mode in the last 12 months (60%).
Public transit was used by less than 18% as an alternative.
Four in ten (42%) lone drivers say their commute is worse now than a year ago.
7
2. Executive Summary
Encouraging smarter and alternative commuting choices:
Being allowed to work remotely would motivate 53% and flexible work hours would motivate 40% of lone
drivers to switch from driving alone at least once a week. Subsidized public transit passes would motivate
35% while employer provided monetary incentives could influence 39% of lone drivers to switch to a more
sustainable commuting mode.
Over four in ten (45%) lone drivers in the survey are willing to switch commute options to carpooling at
least one day per week. As well, faster, more frequent and more reliable public transit would motivate 43%
of lone drivers to switch from driving alone.
Half (52%) of primary public transit commuters in the survey who also drive alone as an alternate mode
are willing to carpool.
8
3. Transportation in the GTHA
3.1
Transportation as an issue in the GTHA
90% of respondents say transportation is one of the most important issues in the Greater Toronto and
Hamilton Area.
Most + One of
most
important
Importance of transportation in GTHA
1%
9%
72%
90%
18%
Not really an issue
An issue, but not an important one
One of most important issues
Most important issue
Traffic congestion (92%) is the main reason given for why transportation is such an important issue.
Population growth (60%), inadequate size (52%) and quality (48%) of public transit, and parking issues
(48%) are some of the other concerns for respondents. Environmental reasons are also cited by almost
40%.
2014 Transportation Priorities (top 8)
Traffic congestion
92%
Population growth
60%
Inadequate size of public transit network
52%
Parking issues
48%
Inadequate quality of current public transit service
48%
Stress levels
42%
Construction
42%
Environmental concerns
39%
On a personal level, transportation in daily life is important to 76% of respondents.
A1. How important an issue do you think transportation is in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area today? Base: All respondents, n=1011
A2. What, in your opinion, are the specific reasons WHY transportation in the area is an issue? Base: Consider transportation an issue, n=999
A3. Now thinking about your personal situation, how important is transportation in your daily life?
Base: All respondents, n=1011
9
4. Commuting Patterns
4.1
Average commuting days and time
On average, survey respondents are commuting 4.6 days a week and the average one-way commute
time in the region is 38 minutes (inclusive of all modes).
Looking at average commute time by region of origin, Toronto and Durham Region commuters have the
longest commute times (40.8 minutes and 40.2 minutes respectively), followed by Halton commuters at
39.2 minutes.
When looking at average commuting time by destination (where commuters work/study/volunteer), those
commuting to or within Toronto have the longest commuting times (46.9 minutes).
4.2
Average commute time
in minutes by region of
origin
Average commute time in
minutes by region as
destination
Toronto (n=355)
40.8
46.9
York (n=121)
36.7
32.5
Durham (n=109)
40.2
25.5
Peel (n=115)
35.1
34.5
Halton (n=114)
39.2
26.3
Hamilton (n=111)
30.3
20.5
Commuting years
Survey respondents have on average been commuting for 12.6 years to their work/volunteer/school
commitment.
Lone drivers have been commuting for longer than those using any other mode (about 15 years) followed
by public transit commuters (about 10.7 years).
B1. How many days per week do you commute to work, school or your volunteer commitment?
B2. On average, how long does your commute take? Please make your estimate in minutes based on a one-way trip. B9. How long have you been commuting [primary commute mode] from [origin] to [destination]. Base: All commuters, n=925
10
4. Commuting Patterns
4.3
Primary commuting modes
Of survey respondents, driving alone is the top commuting mode at 55% while public transit is the
primary mode for 30%. Other modes like carpooling, walking/jogging and biking are used by a smaller
percentage.
Primary commuting mode in the last 12 months
4% 2%
Drive Alone
7%
Public Transit
Car / Vanpool
30%
55%
Walk / Jog
Bicycle
Primary commute mode in the last 12 months by region of origin
Toronto has the fewest lone drivers and the most public transit commuters.
Origin Region
Total
Toronto
York
Durham
Peel
Halton
Hamilton
925
355
121
109
115
114
111
Drive Alone
55%
37%
64%
69%
67%
73%
63%
Public Transit
30%
47%
18%
19%
19%
17%
16%
Carpool
7%
3%
12%
5%
9%
5%
9%
Walk / Jog
4%
7%
2%
3%
2%
2%
5%
Bicycle
2%
2%
1%
3%
0%
1%
3%
Base
Primary
Commute
Modes
B4. Over the past year, how did you usually travel to [commitment]? If you travel by more than one mode, please select the option that you
take majority of the time. Base: All commuters, n=925
11
4. Commuting Patterns
4.4
Use of alternate commute mode in the last 12 months
52% of the commuters in the survey also took an alternative mode to get to their daily commitments in the
last year. Lone drivers are least likely to have tried an alternative way to commute in the last year
(40%).
Used an alternate commute mode
1%
47%
4.5
Yes
No other
Not sure
52%
Secondary commuting modes
Getting dropped off and public transit are popular secondary commute modes:
Secondary commute mode used (excluding those who did
not take a secondary mode)
Getting dropped off
33%
Taking public transit
30%
Driving alone
Walking/jogging
25%
15%
Carpooling (passenger)
13%
Carpooling (driver)
12%
Taxi (including Uber, Hailo)
11%
Cycling
11%
B13. Over the course of the last year, are there any other means of transportation you used to get to [commitment]? Base1: All commuters,
n= 925, Base 2: Those who took an alternate mode, n=480
12
4. Commuting Patterns
4.6
Ideal commuting mode
When asked what one method of commuting would be the ideal way to commute to their commitments,
driving alone was selected by 38% while public transit was selected by 23%. Carpooling, walking/jogging
and cycling were selected by fewer respondents.
Please note that those who currently walk/jog/cycle as their primary commute mode are likely to pick the
same mode as their ideal.
Ideal commuting mode
6%
Drive Alone
8%
Public Transit
38%
13%
Car / Vanpool
Walk / Jog
Bicycle
23%
B21. What one method of commuting would be your ideal way to commute to [commitment]? Base: All commuters, n=925
13
5. Satisfaction with Commute
5.1
Satisfaction with commute
71% of survey respondents are overall satisfied with their commute. Looking at the breakdown by mode
reveals 78% of lone drivers to be satisfied while 53% of public transit users are satisfied with their
commute.
Satisfaction with commute
(Very satisfied + somewhat satisfied)
Overall
Drive Alone
Public Transit
81%
78%
71%
Carpool (net)
89%
Walk / Jog
Bicycle
93%
53%
Respondents from Durham Region are most satisfied with their commute (82%) while Toronto
respondents are least satisfied (62%)*.
Satisfaction with commute by region
(Very satisfied + somewhat satisfied)
71%
Total
62%
Toronto
74%
York
82%
79%
76%
73%
Durham
Peel
Halton
Hamilton
*The satisfaction scores are not based on destination of the commute.
B11. Generally speaking, how satisfied are you with [mode] as a means to get to [commitment]
Base: All commuters, n=925
14
5. Satisfaction with Commute
5.2
State of commute compared to a year ago
55% of commuters say their commute is about the same as it was a year ago while 37% say it is worse.
7% say their commute is better than a year ago.
State of commute compared to a year ago
7%
37%
55%
Better
About the same
Worse
42% of lone drivers and 31% of public transit users say their commute has gotten worse compared to a
year ago.
Primary Modes
State of
commute
compared
to a year
ago
Drive
Alone
Public
Transit
Carpool
(driver)
Carpool
(passenger)
Walk
/ Jog
Bicycle
Total
Base
925
513
269
31
27*
39
16*
Better
7%
6%
8%
5%
8%
6%
5%
About the
same
55%
51%
60%
41%
47%
79%
73%
Worse
37%
42%
31%
54%
38%
10%
22%
Do not know/
Not sure
1%
1%
1%
0%
7%
6%
0%
B12. Overall, is your commute better, about the same, or worse now than it was a year ago?
Base: All commuters, n=925
* Caution: small base size less than n=30
15
5. Satisfaction with Commute
5.3
Impact of commuting on job satisfaction
74% of employed commuters in the survey agree that their commute experience directly affects their
overall job satisfaction.
Commute experience directly impacts overall job satisfaction
(employed commuters – primary mode)
NA
Strongly disagree
Somewhat disagree
Somewhat agree
Strongly agree
Agree (net)
Strongly/
Somewhat
Total 3% 9%
14%
48%
25%
74%
Driving alone (n=447) 4% 9%
13%
48%
25%
74%
Taking public transit
2%9%
(n=196)
16%
Carpooling (driver) (n=25*) 5% 6%
Carpooling (passenger)
3%
(n=24*)
49%
18%
38%
18%
19%
Walking/jogging (n=28*) 4% 10%0%
Cycling (n=12*) 0%9%
51%
74%
22%
71%
23%
61%
32%
55%
27%
23%
64%
87%
91%
B12A. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following sentence: “My commute experience directly affects my overall job
satisfaction”.
Base: Employed commuters, n=750
* Caution: small base size, less than n=30
16
6. Changes in Commute
6.1
Changes to commute over the last year
15% of commuters in the survey report making changes to their commute in the past year. Among
those who reported making changes, 43% said they are driving more often and 33% are taking transit
more often to get to their commitments.
Changed
commute?
Total
Drive
Alone
Public
Transit
Carpool
(driver)
Carpool
(passenger)
Walk /
Jog
Bicycle
Base
925
513
269
31
27*
39
16*
Yes
15%
16%
11%
17%
22%
15%
39%
Those who made changes
Using more
of…
Total
Drive
Alone
Public
Transit
Base
134
75
31
Driving alone
43%
57%
25%
Carpooling
18%
15%
10%
Public Transit
33%
26%
53%
Cycling
14%
12%
19%
Walking
24%
9%
53%
Other
13%
12%
10%
Unable to show ‘using more of’ statistics for other commute modes due to very small base sizes.
B19A. In the past year, have you made any changes in how you commute to [commitment]?
Base: All commuters, n=925
B19B. Compared to a year ago, would you say you used any of the following modes of transportation more often to get to [commitment]?
Base: Those who made changes to commute in the last year.
* Caution: Small base size
17
6. Changes in Commute
6.2
Reasons for changes to commute
Change in commuting destination was a major influence for 41% of those who made changes to their
commute in the last 12 months. Other reasons such as change in residence (27%), gas prices (24%),
personal finances (22%) and concerns about climate change (20%) were sources of influence for fewer
respondents.
Influence on change in commuting
(among those who made changes in commute)
A major influence
A minor influence
Change in commuting destination
Change in residence
No influence
41%
27%
12%
60%
Changes in gas prices
24%
Change in personal finances
22%
24%
54%
Concerns about climate change
20%
28%
52%
Concerns about air quality
17%
48%
28%
30%
Being able to take advantage of income tax
11% 19%
credit for transit pass holders
Received more information about this
10%11%
travel option
B20. To what extent have any of the following influenced this change in how you commute?
Base: Those who made changes, n=113
18
47%
12%
54%
70%
79%
6. Changes in Commute
6.3
Switch to another transportation mode in the future
40% of commuters in the survey say they may/probably/definitely change their route and 39%
may/probably/definitely travel at a different time.
Definitely +
Probably
Definitely
+ Probably
+ Maybe
17%
40%
11% 3%
14%
39%
10% 4%
14%
34%
6% 2%
8%
26%
Likelihood of changing commute in the future
Don’t know / Not sure
Definitely not
Probably not
Maybe
Change my route 3%
27%
30%
Travel at a different time 3%
27%
31%
Try alternative work
arrangements (flex hours, 5%
working from home etc)
Try a new mode of
3%
transportation
35%
33%
Probably
Definitely
13% 4%
23%
25%
26%
37%
21%
18%
Among those who definitely or probably will try a new mode of transportation, 26% say they will try driving
alone, 25% say they will take public transit and 22% they will try carpooling as a passenger.
B25. In the foreseeable future, how likely are you to change your commute ?
Base: All commuters, n=925
B26.. What mode of transportation do you expect to change to from your current one?
Base: Those who definitely or probably will try a new mode of transportation ,n=72
19
6. Changes in Commute
6.4
Reasons for not changing aspects of commute
Main reasons for not wanting to change one or more aspects of their daily commute are two-fold: either
there is no perceived need/reason to do this (19%) or there is a lack of another option that will replace the
current commuting mode (18%). 13% say they are satisfied with how their commute currently is. Efficiency
(11%) and convenience (8%) are also cited as reasons.
Reasons for not changing aspects of commute
(coded open-ended frequencies)
No need/no reason
19%
No other option/availability (general)
18%
Satisfied with the way it is now (general)
13%
Time/faster efficient (general)
11%
Convenience/is easier (general)
8%
Lack of/poor public transit
7%
Affordability/cost (general)
4%
Need to have vehicle during work
4%
Work hours/schedule
4%
Because of my job (unspecified)
3%
Distance
1%
Inconvenience
1%
Don't own/no access to a motor vehicle
1%
B27. Why are you unlikely to change how you currently commute?
Base: Those who select Definitely not or Probably not for, any option n=797
20
7. Public Transit Commuters
7.1
Reasons for taking public transit
52% of public transit commuters in the survey say they take public transit to get to their commitments
because it is the most affordable option, and for 46% it is the most convenient option. For 29% taking
transit is the only option.
75% of public transit users in the survey report either owning a car or having access to one.
Reasons for taking public transit
I believe it is the most affordable option
52%
It is the most convenient option
46%
It is the only option to get to my destination
29%
It is the quickest option
21%
Environmental reasons
20%
I have no one to carpool with
It is the most reliable option
9%
It allows me to be flexible
9%
It is the most comfortable option
7.2
10%
4%
How got to transit stop
Most (75%) walked to their transit stop. 10% drove alone to the stop. 7% were dropped off and 6% took
local transit.
7.3
Current average commute time and maximum time seen as acceptable for commute
by transit
On average, primary transit commuters in the survey find 49.3 minutes of commute by transit time
acceptable. This number drops to 47 minutes when taking into account those who use public transit as
their secondary mode*. Currently the average commute time for public transit commuters is 52.4 minutes.
B10. What are your main reasons for [primary commute mode]? Please select up to 3 reasons.
B5. How did you usually get to the transit stop?
Enew. Regardless of where you live or work, what is the maximum time in minutes for a one way trip that you would find acceptable if commuting by public transit?
B2. On average, how long does your commute take? Please make your estimate in minutes based on a one-way trip.
Base: Primary public transit mode commuters, n=269
* Secondary transit users are defined as those commuters for whom public transit is an alternative commuting mode.
21
7. Public Transit Commuters
7.4
Importance of ability to purchase / obtain transit route, tickets / information
Over half of public transit commuters in the survey want to be able to buy transit fare (56%) or get transit
information (54%) near their commitment (work, school, volunteer commitment).
Importance of obtaining transit fare/passes near work or school by
region
Very + Somewhat Important
Important to be able to purchase ticket / passes at or near place of work / school
Total
Toronto
York
Durham
Peel
Halton
E1 and E2:. How important is it for you to be able to….
Base: Primary and secondary* public transit mode commuters, n=480
* Secondary transit users are defined as those commuters for whom public transit is an alternative commuting mode.
22
59%
63%
56%
44%
60%
64%
68%
63%
34%
41%
55%
57%
54%
56%
Important to be able to obtain transit route information at or near place of work / school
Hamilton
7. Public Transit Commuters
7.5
Why public transit is ideal for commuting
23% of all respondents picked public transit as their ideal commuting mode.
Half (54%) find it ideal because it is less costly than alternatives. 41% say it is better for the environment
and 38% say it is less stressful than alternatives.
Why public transit is ideal for commuting
(Those who picked public transit as their ideal mode (23% of
total sample))
It is less costly than alternatives
54%
It is better for the environment
41%
It is less stressful than alternatives
38%
It is faster than alternatives
15%
It is more convenient than alternatives
13%
It offers flexibility
11%
It is easier / fewer hassles
10%
It is more reliable than alternatives
8%
It is comfortable
7%
I get to exercise
6%
I like not being dependent on others
5%
B22. Why would this be your ideal commuting method?
Base: Those who selected public transit as their ideal commute mode, n=215
23
8. Lone Drivers
8.1
Reasons for driving alone to commitment
Having no one to carpool with prompts 45% of lone drivers in the survey to drive alone. Four in ten say it
is the quickest (41%) and most convenient (40%) option and allows them to be flexible (39%). Perceived
inconvenience of public transit is a reason for 24%.
Reasons for driving alone
I have no one to carpool with
45%
It is the quickest option
41%
It is the most convenient option
40%
It allows me to be flexible
39%
Public transit is not convenient/reliable
24%
It is the only option to get to my…
8.2
23%
It is the most reliable option
11%
It is the most comfortable option
11%
Current average commute time and maximum time seen as acceptable by driving
alone
On average , lone drivers find 38.4 minutes of a one-way commute trip by car acceptable. When taking
into account secondary lone drivers*, the average acceptable time is 39 minutes. Currently the average
commute time for lone drivers in the survey is 32.3 minutes.
B10. What are your main reasons for [primary commute mode]? Please select up to 3 reasons.
G1. Regardless of where you live or work, what is the maximum time in minutes for a one way trip that you would find acceptable if driving
alone? B2. On average, how long does your commute take? Please make your estimate in minutes based on a one-way trip.
Base: Primary lone drivers, n=513
* Secondary lone drivers are defined as those commuters for whom driving alone is an alternative commuting mode.
24
8. Lone Drivers
8.3
Other people in vehicle
Lone drivers sometimes (17%) or rarely (37%) have someone else with them in their vehicles. Usually it is
a coworker or a household member.
Other people in vehicle
People in vehicle
%
16%
47%
36%
Sometimes
8.4
Rarely
Coworker
45%
Other household members
37%
Children
17%
Other people
19%
Never
Parking
23% of lone drivers in the survey pay to park and on average pay $103.50 per month.
8.5
If had to pay for parking
Among those who do not pay to park, 45% would continue to drive even if they had to pay for parking.
Two in ten (19%) would stop driving if they had to pay for parking. They would most likely take public
transit instead (47%) while some would carpool as a passenger (21%).
G3. When you drive to [commitment] do you have other people with you in the car? Base: Primary and secondary* lone drivers, n=630
G4. Who sometimes rides with you when you drive to [commitment]? Base: Those who sometimes or rarely have someone in the car with
them, n=330
G5. Do you pay to park where you [commitment]? Base: Primary and secondary lone drivers, n=630
G7. If you had to pay for parking, would you still drive to…? Base: Those who do not pay for parking, n=438
G8. How would you get to [commitment] if you had to pay for parking? Base: Those who will not pay for parking, n=87
* Secondary lone drivers are defined as those commuters for whom driving alone is an alternative commuting mode.
25
8. Lone Drivers
8.6
Likelihood to switch commute from driving alone if….
1.
Improved public transit would encourage 43% of lone drivers in the survey to switch from driving
alone.
2.
36% would consider carpooling if they found someone they enjoyed carpooling with.
3.
22% would carpool if they had assistance in finding a carpool partner.
Willingness to switch from driving alone at least one day a week
if….
Top2 Box
(Definitely +
Probably)
The public transit service became faster, more frequent or more reliable
43%
You could find someone you enjoy carpooling with
36%
There were public transit stops closer to you work
27%
There were public transit stops closer to where you live
26%
Gas prices rise
22%
You had assistance in finding convenient carpool partner(s)
22%
More carpool/ HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lanes were available
17%
There were more bicycle lanes or pathways
12%
I did not need to drive my child(ren) to school
11%
G12. How likely would you be to switch your commute from driving alone at least one day out of the week, if....
Base: Primary and secondary lone drivers, n=630
* Secondary lone drivers are defined as those commuters for whom driving alone is an alternative commuting mode.
26
8. Lone Drivers
8.8
Impact of employer provided options on the likeliness to switch commute from
driving alone
53% the lone drivers in this survey would consider working from home at least at least once a week and
33% definitely would if this option was offered to them by their employer. Having flexibility in terms of when
they can start and end their work day and a monetary incentive would encourage lone drivers to try
alternate commute modes like carpooling or public transit.
Likelihood of switching at least once a week if
employer…
Definitely
Definitely +
Probably
Allowed you to work from home up to 3 days a week
33%
53%
Offered flexible hours allowing you to choose when you
start and end your work day
20%
40%
Provided a monetary incentive, similar to the cost of a tank of gas, for every month you carpool, take transit, cycle or
walk. 18%
39%
Subsidized the cost of a monthly transit pass
15%
35%
Provided free parking for carpoolers
11%
26%
Provided a ride-matching program to help you find
convenient carpool partner(s)
7%
21%
Provided change and shower facilities
6%
14%
Provided secure bicycle parking facility
4%
10%
8.9
Opportunities currently offered by employer
Of lone drivers, working from home is not currently an option for 84% and 57% do not have flexible hours.
G14. How likely would you be to switch your commute from driving alone at least one day out of the week if your employer…. Base:
Employed primary and secondary lone drivers, n=548
G15. Does your employer currently allow you to…. Base: Employed primary and secondary lone drivers, n=412
* Secondary lone drivers are defined as those commuters for whom driving alone is an alternative commuting mode.
27
9. Carpoolers
9.1
Reasons for carpooling
44% of carpooling respondents carpool because it is convenient and for 34% it is the most affordable
option.
Reasons for carpooling
It is the most convenient option
44%
I believe it is the most affordable option
34%
Public transit is not convenient/reliable
25%
It is the quickest option
22%
It is the only option to get to my destination
It is the most comfortable option
It is the most reliable option
It allows me to be flexible
9.2
20%
15%
12%
10%
Current average commute time and maximum time seen as acceptable by carpooling
Carpool drivers find 37.6 minutes commute acceptable while carpool passengers find 44.3 minutes of
commute acceptable, on average. The average acceptable commute time increases to 41.4 minutes when
including secondary carpoolers**.
Currently the reported average commute time for carpool drivers in the survey is 32.9 minutes, and for
carpool passengers is 33.9 minutes.
B10. What are your main reasons for [primary commute mode]? Please select up to 3 reasons. Base: Primary carpoolers (includes both
driver and passenger), n=58
Fnew. Regardless of where you live or work, what is the maximum time in minutes for a one way trip that you would find acceptable if
carpooling?
B2. On average, how long does your commute take? Please make your estimate in minutes based on a one-way trip. Base: Primary carpool
mode drivers, n=31 and Primary carpool mode passengers, n=27*
*Caution: small base size, less than n=30
** Secondary carpoolers are defined as those commuters for whom carpooling is an alternative commuting mode.
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9. Carpoolers
9.3
People in the vehicle
47% of carpoolers carpool with coworkers. 36% carpool with household members. 12% carpool with their
neighbours/friends.
Carpool companions
5%
Co-workers
12%
Household members
47%
36%
Friends, acquaintances,
neighbours
Non-household relatives
9.4
Average number of people in vehicle
On average, there are about 2.2 people in a vehicle.
9.5
Maximum number of people would want in vehicle
On average, carpoolers would want a maximum of 3.6 people in a vehicle.
9.6
Use of a carpool ride matching service
6% used a carpool ride matching service to form their current carpool.
F1. With whom do you usually carpool?
F4. Including yourself, what is the total number of people usually in the vehicle?
F5. Including yourself and space permitting, what is the maximum number of people that you would want to car or vanpool with?
F2. Did you use a carpool ride matching service to form any part of your carpool? Base: Primary and secondary* carpoolers, n=143
* Secondary carpoolers are defined as those commuters for whom carpooling is an alternative commuting mode.
29
9. Carpoolers
9.7
Use facilities for carpools (preferential parking space, HOV lanes etc.)
63% of those who carpool do not use any kind of resources for carpools (carpool parking lot, preferential
parking space, HOV lanes).
Among those who do use such facilities, 25% use HOV lanes, and 6% use carpool parking lot and
preferential parking spots.
9.8
Minutes saved by using HOV lanes
Those who currently use HOV lanes feel they save on average 13.1 minutes on a one-way trip on their
commute.
9.9
Motivational factors to using HOV lanes
Of those carpoolers who do not use HOV lanes as part of their commute, half (50%) say they would use
them if they were available. Three in ten would use them if it meant saving time (34%) and money (32%)
by doing so.
9.10
Employer/school/volunteer work supplied carpool parking
9% of carpoolers in the survey say their employer/school provides preferential parking space for carpools.
For 87% this is not available.
F6. Do you use any facilities for car- / vanpools, such as a preferential parking space, carpool parking lot or High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)
lanes on your way to [commitment]? Base 1, n=143; Base 2, n=48
F15. How much time in minutes do you feel you save on a typical one-way trip to or from [commitment] by using the High Occupancy Vehicle
(HOV) lane? Base: Those who selected HOV lanes in F6, n=38
F16. What would make you more likely to use the HOV lanes? Base: Primary and secondary carpoolers who do not currently use HOV lanes
as part of their commute, n=105
F7. Does your school/work provide a more desirable or preferential parking space for carpools? Base: Primary and secondary* carpoolers,
n=143
* Secondary carpoolers are defined as those commuters for whom carpooling is an alternative commuting mode.
30
9. Carpoolers
9.11
Meet at a specific location vs. being picked up
53% of carpoolers are picked up from their homes while 31% meet at a specified location.
9.12
Travel on freeway/highways
For 46% of carpoolers, part of their commute involves traveling on a major highway.
9.13
Parking
20% of carpoolers pay to park and on average pay $121.10* per month.
9.14
If had to pay for parking
Of those carpoolers who do not pay to park, 43% would continue to drive even if they had to pay for
parking. 23% would not drive if they had to pay for parking.
Those who will not pay for parking would get dropped off (27%) or take public transit (15%).
F8. Do the members of your carpool meet at a specific location or are you picked up? Base: Primary and secondary carpoolers, n=143
F9. Does any part of your trip to [commitment] take place on a freeway or other major highways? Base: Primary and secondary carpoolers,
n=143
F10. Do you pay to park at [commitment]? Base: Primary and secondary carpoolers, n=143
F11. How much do you pay per month?
F12. If you had to pay for parking, would you still drive to…? Base: Those who do not pay for parking, n=112
F13. How would you get to [commitment] if you had to pay for parking? Base: Those who will not pay for parking, n=23**
* Parking payment range: $2 - $350
** Caution: small base size, less than n=30
31
10. Walkers/Joggers
10.1
Reasons for walking or jogging
58% of commuters who walk or jog as a way to commute do so because it is the most convenient option
for them. Health reasons are cited by 35%. 33% say it is the quickest option and 31% say it is the most
affordable option (31%).
53% of walkers/joggers (primary mode) either own a car or have access to a vehicle.
Reasons for walking/jogging
It is the most convenient option
58%
Health reasons
35%
It is the quickest option
33%
I believe it is the most affordable option
It is the only option to get to my destination
10.2
31%
15%
It allows me to be flexible
13%
It is the most comfortable option
12%
Environmental reasons
11%
It is the most reliable option
10%
Public transit is not convenient/reliable
10%
Current average commute time and maximum time seen as acceptable by
walking/jogging
On average walkers/joggers find 32.3 minutes of commute acceptable. The average acceptable commute
time is 32.6 minutes when including secondary walkers/joggers*. Currently the reported average commute
time for those who walk or jog to their work, school or volunteer commitment is 23.1 minutes.
B10. What are your main reasons for [primary commute mode]? Please select up to 3 reasons
C1. Regardless of where you live or work, what is the maximum time in minutes for a one way trip that you would find acceptable if walking/jogging?
B2. On average, how long does your commute take? Please make your estimate in minutes based on a one-way trip. Base: Primary walkers/joggers, n=39
* Secondary walkers/joggers are defined as those commuters for whom walking/jogging is an alternative commuting mode.
32
10. Walkers/Joggers
10.3
Shower or change room facility at work
27% of walkers/joggers have showers or change rooms at their work/commitment
10.4
Importance of shower or change room facilities in decision to walk or jog
Having adequate facilities such as showers or change rooms at work impacts 23% primary and secondary
walkers/joggers in their decision to walk or jog to work.
Among walkers/joggers who commute this way as their primary mode, having showers or change rooms
at work is important for 15%.
Importance of shower or change room facilities in decision to
walk/jog
1%
9%
23%
(Extremely + Very
important)
23%
14%
Extremely important
Very important
Somewhat important
21%
31%
Not very important
Not at all important
Don't know
C2. Are there adequate facilities such as showers or change rooms at [commitment[?
C3. How important of a factor are/would shower or change room facilities in your decision to walk/jog to [commitment]?
Base: Primary and secondary walkers/joggers, n=157
* Secondary walkers/joggers are defined as those commuters for whom walking/jogging is an alternative commuting mode.
33
11. Cycling
11.1
Reasons for cycling
Among those who primarily cycle to their work/school 55% say it is the quickest option and, 51% say it is
the most affordable option.
87% of cyclists (primary mode) either own a car or have access to a vehicle.
(Please note only 16* respondents in the survey cycle to their commitments as their primary mode of
commute. Caution is merited when interpreting the results)
Reasons for cycling
It is the quickest option
55%
I believe it is the most affordable option
51%
It is the most reliable option
38%
It allows me to be flexible
34%
Health reasons
29%
Public transit is not convenient/reliable
It is the most convenient option
Environmental reasons
11.2
27%
25%
20%
Current average commute time and maximum time seen as acceptable by
cycling
A maximum of 30.1 minutes of cycling to work/commitment is seen as acceptable. Taking secondary
cyclists** into account, the average acceptable time goes up to 34.3 minutes. Currently the reported
average commute time for cycling is 18.4 minutes.
B10. What are your main reasons for [primary commute mode]? Please select up to 3 reasons.
Dnew. What is the maximum time in minutes for a one way trip that you would find acceptable if cycling?
B2. On average, how long does your commute take? Please make your estimate in minutes based on a one-way trip. Base: Primary cyclists, n=16*
*Caution: small base size, less than n=30
** Secondary cyclists are defined as those commuters for whom cycling is an alternative commuting mode.
34
11. Cycling
11.3
Bicycle parking at work/commitment
For 67% of primary and secondary cyclists, adequate bicycle parking is available at their
work/commitment.
Among them, the most common type of bike parking is tying the bike to post/pole on the street (available
for 73%) and, outdoor bicycle racks (available for 69%). Few have covered racks (17%) or lockers (7%).
Bicycle parking at
work/commitment
Indoor
Bicycle
Post/pole
Outdoor
bicycle
cage /
on the
bicycle
parking / secure
sidewalk/
rack
parking parking
street
garage
area
Covered
bicycle
rack
Bicycle
locker
Available and use/would use this
57%
37%
28%
16%
14%
5%
Available and do not/will not use
this
12%
36%
8%
6%
3%
2%
Not available but would use this
26%
17%
63%
75%
79%
88%
Not available and would not use
this
4%
9%
1%
4%
4%
5%
D1. Is there adequate bicycle parking at [commitment]? Base: Primary and secondary cyclists, n=95
D2. Which of the following types of bicycle parking are available at [%S3_Pipe%] and which ones do/would you use?
Base: Those primary and secondary cyclists who have bicycle parking at their commitment, n=66
35
11. Cycling
11.4
Shower or change room facility at work
43% of cyclists have showers or change rooms at their work/commitment
11.5
Importance of shower or change room facilities in decision to cycle
Having adequate facilities such as showers or change rooms at work impact 44% of primary and
secondary cyclists in their decision to cycle to work.
For those who cycle as their primary mode, this number declines to 39%.
Importance of shower or change room facilities in
decision to cycle
13%
44%
(Extremely + Very
important)
18%
Extremely important
18%
Very important
26%
24%
Somewhat
important
Not very important
D3. Are there adequate facilities such as showers or change rooms at [commitment[?
D4. How important of a factor are/would shower or change room facilities in your decision to walk/jog to [commitment]?
Base: Primary and secondary cyclists, n=95
36
12. Teleworkers (5% of total sample)
12.1
Overall satisfaction with working from home
81% of teleworkers in the survey are satisfied with working from home and 59% say they are ‘very’
satisfied.
Overall satisfaction with working from home
Very +
Somewhat
satisfied
0%
1%
14%
22%
59%
81%
Very Dissatisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Very satisfied
12.2
Telework equipment supplied by employer
For 36% of teleworkers, their telework equipment is fully or partially supplied by their employer.
12.3
How would commute to work if not a teleworker
52% would most likely drive alone to work if they were not teleworkers, while 25% would likely take public
transit.
H4. And overall, how satisfied are you with working at home?
H3. Is your telework/telecommute equipment supplied by your employer?
H2. If you were not a teleworker/telecommuter, how would you most likely travel to work?
Base: Teleworkers, n=56
37
13. Survey Respondent Demographics
Age
Under 18
Education
0%
High school or less
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
65+
Some/Completed
College
17%
28%
Some/Completed
University
Some/Completed Post-
Graduate
12%
52%
Under $54000
48%
$75,000 to $99,000
$100,000 to $150,000
More than $150,000
Prefer not to answer
38
22%
Household Income
$55,000 to 74,000
Female
40%
16%
Gender
Male
27%
20%
45 to 54
55 to 64
11%
7%
19%
13%
16%
21%
12%
19%
13. Survey Respondent Demographics
People in Household
Adults (18+)
Children 4
and under
Children Children aged
aged 5-13
14-17
None
2%
91%
82%
85%
One
22%
7%
11%
11%
Two
52%
2%
7%
3%
Three
15%
0%
1%
0%
Four
7%
0%
0%
0%
Five or more
2%
0%
0%
0%
Vehicles in Household
Car
Bicycle
Motorcycle
Other
I own this
76%
51%
3%
2%
I have informal
access
12%
7%
2%
0%
3%
2%
1%
1%
11%
40%
94%
3%
I have formal
access
I do not own or
have access to
this
39
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