Effectiveness of Disseminating Traveler Information on Travel Time Reliability: Implement Plan and Survey Results Report

APPENDIX C. NORTH HOUSTON TRANSPORTATION STUDY BASELINE SURVEY

Slide 1

TTR Study: Baseline Questionnaire
Houston – Round 3
September 2015

Slide 2

Baseline survey design goals/ considerations for reviewers

What are the primary goals of this survey?

• Screen regular travelers to determine who is qualified for this study
• Collect information about typical commuting behavior and non-work travel behavior in the corridor, including mode, route, and flexibility (ability to choose alternate times/routes/modes)
• Establish a baseline awareness of, comfort with and use of traveler information resources (including what sources they currently use, what kind of information they look for, and how it affects their travel choices)
• Collect basic demographic information to assess how travel behavior and information use vary for different types of corridor users
• Collect email address for continued study administration

The survey aims to balance the need for detail with the goal of minimizing respondent burden.

• This survey includes many detailed questions, some of which may be considered "extra" or "optional" questions that provide extra context but are not essential to the final analysis.
• Some survey questions ask for more detail than initially suggested as a way of reducing ambiguity and improving data quality.
  • For example, if a person uses travel apps once a month, they may be unsure of whether to answer yes or no about whether they typically use apps. Also, people who only use apps once/month may be significantly different than those who use apps daily.
• Some survey topics are broken into several smaller/ simpler questions to reduce ambiguity or make the questions easier to understand, and/or to improve data quality.
  • For example, rather than asking for open-ended route descriptions, the survey prompts respondents with route suggestions (e.g. North, Hardy Toll Road, or other) and then provides a list of entrances or exits in the corridor to choose from. This data is typically cleaner and more complete than open-ended descriptions.
• Some FAQs and survey questions intentionally use general language to try and avoid influencing how participants respond.
  • For example, information about who qualifies for the study says "regular" freeway users qualify, but does not specify how many days per week are required as this may encourage some people to simply provide an answer that allows them to continue.

Slide 3

Baseline survey overview: flow chart

Slide 4

Baseline questionnaire formatting overview

This document is designed to show question wording, answer choices, and survey flow logic.

A few tips and notes to keep in mind while reviewing this document:

• Each slide represents one page in the survey. Typically there is one question per page, though in some cases a few simple questions may be asked of respondents on a single page.
• In the comments section below each slide, each question or page name is shown between [ ] square brackets (e.g., [intro]) – use these page names to help provide feedback for the survey
• The comments section below each slide may also show additional notes or shorter lists of answer options
• Slides with a gray background (such as this one) include notes, instructions for programming the survey, or longer lists of answer choices, but are not shown to survey respondents. We try to "over provide" this information for reviewer convenience.
• Text written in (start red text) red (end red text) indicates survey logic (e.g., who should see which questions) and other notes for the programmers, and are not shown to survey respondents
• Hyperlinks for pop-up descriptions, survey information pages, etc. are only active during the conduct of the study
• Text between ‹ › angle brackets indicate information displayed dynamically for each respondent (e.g., a person's typical trip purpose)
• Exact layout and formatting are not displayed. Layout is approximate (for example, showing different question types and order of multiple questions on one page). However, it is not possible to display exact formatting in this document (for example, on some slides text is smaller in order to show all the questions and survey logic on one page)

Notable Differences from Round 1

• All corridor references changed from West Houston to North Houston
  • All freeway-related questions changed from Katy Freeway to North Freeway
  • All toll road-related questions changed from Westpark Tollway to Hardy Toll Road
• Participants were recruited through social media and advertisements
• Participants were assigned a password after completing the baseline (for use during the remaining tasks)
• The incentive offered changed; all relevant survey text and instructions were updated

Slide 5

Password Entry Page

Slide 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Study Overview

• What is the purpose of this study?
  The purpose of this study is to understand the experiences of Houston area drivers who regularly use the North Freeway, Hardy Toll Road, and other roads north of the city. We want to understand your experiences with busy travel conditions, including whether you use information to plan your trips and the decisions you make about how best to handle traffic congestion in the North Houston Study Corridor.
• What is the North Houston Study Corridor?
  The North Houston Study Corridor includes about 35 miles of the North Freeway (IH-45N), the Hardy Toll Road, and other roads between Conroe and downtown Houston.
• How do I participate in this study?
  This study involves four steps:
  
  STEP 1: Complete an initial survey about your typical experiences in the North Houston Study Corridor. This survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. To start this survey, use the unique password you received on your postcard to log into the secure survey website: https://surveyrsg.com/northhouston
  STEP 2: Install the study's mobile app on your smartphone to log your trips and complete daily mini-surveys about your travel in the corridor. After completing the initial survey, instructions on how to download and install this mobile app will be emailed to you. This part of the study will last 1-2 weeks and will involve less than 5 minutes of time per day.
  STEP 3: Continue using the mobile app and completing mini-surveys with access to customized trip planning resources. After the second part of the study is over, you will be given access to information about travel times on your routes in the corridor. Otherwise this part of the study is similar to Step 2, including using the mobile app to log your trips and completing daily mini-surveys for 1-2 weeks.
  STEP 4: Complete an exit survey about your experiences. After completing Steps 2 and 3, you will receive an email with a link to take the exit survey. This survey will take about 15 minutes to complete.
  
  To qualify for this study, participants must be regular drivers in the study corridor, age 18 or older, and must own and use an iPhone or an Android phone in order to install the mobile application and complete Steps 2 and 3.
• What will I get for participating?
  After completing all parts of the study including the exit survey, qualified participants will receive $100 in cash!

Slide 7

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

• Why should I participate?
  As one of a small number of travelers in the Houston area invited to participate, your response represents the views of many other travelers. We can better understand how to improve your travel experiences by understanding how travelers like you use the transportation system.
• How are my privacy and personal information protected?
  All of your responses during this study are strictly confidential and will only be analyzed with responses from all other study participants. Your contact information and other identifying information will not be linked to your responses in any analysis or reports and will be destroyed at the conclusion of the study. All information is stored in a secure database that will only be accessed by the study administrators.
  When you use the mobile application to log your trips, GPS data about where and when your vehicle travels will be captured automatically. However, to protect the privacy of your home, work, and other destinations, the first and last 30 seconds of each trip will be deleted.
  For more information about how we protect our privacy, please view our privacy policy or contact us.
• What if I change my mind about participating?
  This study is completely voluntary, and you may choose to stop participating at any time. If you decide not to participate or to stop participating, there will be no effect on your relationship with the study sponsors and partners or the study administrators.
• Who do I contact if I have questions or need help during the study?
  For help on how to complete the surveys or for general questions or feedback about the study, email houstonstudy@tti.tamu.edu..
  If you have questions or concerns about the study, you may also contact the Principal Investigator, Beverly Kuhn, at (979) 862-3558 or b-kuhn@tamu.edu.
  For questions about your rights as a participant or concerns about the research, you may contact the Texas A&M University Human Subjects Protection Program at (979) 458-4067 or irb@tamu.edu.
• Who is sponsoring this study?
  This study is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Battelle Memorial Institute, Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), and RSG are conducting the study on behalf of the US DOT and TxDOT.

Slide 8

Resource Systems Group, Inc. Privacy Statement

SUMMARY

© Resource Systems Group, Inc. 2015 is conducting this study for the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) in collaboration with Battelle Memorial Institute and Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI).

Resource Systems Group (RSG) will never sell, trade or otherwise share any personal information collected in its surveys with any third party.

RSG will never spam you, advertise to you or otherwise contact you outside of this survey without your explicit and direct permission.

Any and all information collected during this survey will only be presented to RSG's clients as part of an aggregate sample. At no time will individual responses be connected to survey takers' personal information.

During the study, we need your name and contact information in order to reach you, but at the conclusion of the study, this information will be destroyed. Your survey responses will never be sold or shared.

PRIVACY STATEMENT IN DEPTH

We are committed to your privacy and we take it very seriously. This statement is intended to provide you with information and understanding about how Resource Systems Group (RSG) collects and safeguards personal information that is used as part of the firm's market research studies.

ABOUT RSG'S MARKET RESEARCH WORK

RSG conducts market research on behalf of both public and private sector clients using Internet, stand-alone computer, and other data collection means. Ultimately, this research allows our clients to provide you with better products and services that you use on a daily basis. These products and services range from large infrastructure, like rail service and highways, to consumer products, like magazines and cell phones.

THE INFORMATION WE COLLECT AND WHAT WE DO WITH IT

Through independently commissioned surveys, RSG may collect information such as your email address, home or work location, and a variety of demographic information (e.g., gender, age, household income) that will allow us to qualify you for a current survey, tailor survey questions, or ensure we have collected a sample that provides representation across a variety of characteristics. Once you are qualified to participate in a survey, you may be asked to provide additional demographic data, express opinions, and register preferences. The information gathered is aggregated, analyzed, and summarized on behalf of RSG's clients. This information is always presented to clients in summary fashion and never contains any personally identifiable information. Participation in these surveys is completely voluntary, and you therefore have a choice whether or not to disclose this information requested.

Slide 9

INFORMATION COLLECTED TO MAKE YOUR SURVEY EXPERIENCE MORE PLEASANT

During the course of our surveys, we may passively collect information about your Internet browser and computer settings that makes your survey experience more pleasant. In addition to making your survey experience better, we use this information, which does not identify individual users, to analyze trends, to administer the site, and to track users' movements around the site.

CHANGING OR DELETING PERSONAL INFORMATION

If your personal information changes, if you no longer desire to participate in this study, or if you have inquiries or complaints, please contact us via email at houstonstudy@tti.tamu.edu.

SECURITY

We follow generally accepted industry standards to protect the personal information submitted to us, both during transmission and once we receive it. No method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage, is 100% secure, however. Therefore, while we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

CHANGES IN THIS PRIVACY STATEMENT

RSG reserves the right to change its privacy policy. These changes will be posted clearly on the firm's websites and other places we deem appropriate so that you are aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances, if any, we disclose it.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

We reserve the right to disclose your personally identifiable information as required by law, and when we believe that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights and/or to comply with a judicial proceeding, court order, or legal process served on our website.

CONTACT US

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at: Resource Systems Group, Inc.

41 North Rio Grande St, Suite 106
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Email: houstonstudy@tti.tamu.edu

Slide 10

Welcome and thank you for your participation!

The purpose of this study is to better understand Houston area residents' experiences while traveling on the North Freeway, Hardy Toll Road, and other freeways in the greater Houston area. The U.S. Department of Transportation wants to understand the decisions you make to handle traffic congestion and also wants your opinions on how to improve travel conditions.

You are one of a small number of travelers invited to take part in the study, so your responses will have a significant impact. Thank you again for your participation.

Your privacy will be protected. Please click here to view the privacy policy, or refer to the links at the bottom of the page for more information. You may also email houstonstudy@tti.tamu.edu with any questions or concerns.

Please click "Next" to continue.

Next button

Slide 11

Definition and description of the North Houston Study Corridor

For this study, the North Houston Corridor includes:

• About 35 miles of the North Freeway (IH-45N) between Conroe, TX and downtown Houston
• The Hardy Toll Road
• Other local/secondary roads near the North Freeway and Hardy Toll Road

Please click "Next" to continue.

Previous button   Next button

Slide 12

Tips for completing this survey

• To proceed through the survey and ensure that your responses are saved, please click the "Previous" and "Next" buttons at the bottom of the page. Do not use your browser's "back" and "forward" buttons as this may take you out of the survey without saving your answers.
• If you need to pause and come back later in the middle of the survey, your responses will be saved automatically and you will be able to continue from where you stopped.
• This survey may be completed on a mobile device (a smartphone or tablet computer) as well as a laptop or desktop computer.

Now, let's get started!

To begin the study, you may wish to review the study information in the FAQs. Please check the box below to confirm that you would like to continue.

• By checking this box, I confirm that I have read the study information and agree to participate.

Previous button   Next button

Slide 13

In a typical week, about how often do you drive on the North Freeway or on the Hardy Toll Road in the study area on weekdays?

What is the North Houston Transportation Study area?

(start red text) [popup repeats the study area definition from the "corridor" page (not including the heading "definition and description…")] (end red text)

How often do you typically drive on the North Freeway?

5 weekdays/week
4 weekdays/week
3 weekdays/week
2 weekdays/week
1 weekday/week
Weekends only
Less than weekly
Never
N/A (I do not drive or do not have a vehicle)

How often do you typically drive on the Hardy Toll Road?

5 weekdays/week
4 weekdays/week
3 weekdays/week
2 weekdays/week
1 weekday/week
Weekends only
Less than weekly
Never
N/A (I do not drive or do not have a vehicle)

(start red text) Terminate if less than 3 weekdays per week for both (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 14

How old are you?

This information will only be used to help us understand how well survey participants represent all travelers in the study area.

Under 18 (start red text) [terminate if selected] (end red text)
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75-84
85 or older

Previous button   Next button

Slide 15

What kind of smartphone do you own?

For the next part of this study (after this survey is complete), you will be asked to log information about your daily trips in the study area on your smartphone. Information about the type of smartphone you own will help us provide you with the correct resources to complete the study.

Apple iPhone
Android smartphone
   Click here to view examples of types of Android phones
Other type of smartphone (e.g., Windows phone, Blackberry, etc.) (start red text) [terminate if selected] (end red text)
I'm not sure (start red text) [terminate if selected] (end red text)
I do not own a smartphone (start red text) [terminate if selected] (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 16

Popup examples from previous slide

Examples of Android smartphones:

• Samsung Galaxy
• DROID RAZR
• HTC One
• Google Nexus

Slide 17

(start red text) Terminate if under 18, doesn't have an iPhone or Android, or travels less than 3 weekdays/week on the study freeways (end red text)

Thank you for your answers.

Unfortunately, we cannot ask you to continue as this study requires participants who:

• Regularly drive on the North Freeway or Hardy Toll Road in the study area;
• Are age 18 or older; and
• Own smartphones on which they can install and operate the mobile application for the second part of the study.

Thank you again for your interest! Please email houstonstudy@tti.tamu.edu if you have any questions or comments.

Slide 18

What is your primary employment status?

Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Self-employed (full-time or part-time)
Student, employed full-time
Student, employed part-time
Student, not employed
Homemaker
Retired
Not currently employed

(start red text) If not employed, skip to non-work travel questions (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 19

(start red text) If employed (employment ≤ 5) (end red text)

Thank you for your answers so far! The next few questions are about your work and typical work travel.

How often do you commute to your primary workplace in a typical week?

6-7 days/week
5 days/week
4 days/week
3 days/week
2 days/week
1 day/week
Never – I typically telecommute/ work from home
N/A – no primary workplace (I commute to multiple locations/job sites)

(start red text) If commute_freq is "Never" or "N/A", skip to drivejob (questions on non-commute work-related trips) (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 20

(start red text) If travels to a primary workplace (commute_freq ≤ 6) (end red text)

Please describe your typical commute to work.

Please describe how you travel to work most often. We understand your commute may vary.

Approximately what time do you typically start work? Select button
Approximately what time of day do you typically finish work? Select button
Do you always work the same days? Select button
What is the primary way you typically travel to work? Select button
Do you typically use the North Freeway or Hardy Toll Road as part of your primary route to work? Select button
(start red text) [if route=other] (end red text) What is your typical route to work?

Previous button   Next button

Slide 21

work_start, work_end

1. Between 6:00-10:00 AM
2. Between 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
3. Between 3:00-7:00 PM
4. Between 7:00 PM-6:00 AM
5. It varies

work_vary

1. Yes, I always work the same days
2. No, my schedule can vary from week to week

commute_mode

1. Drive alone
2. Carpool
3. Vanpool
4. Public transit (bus/light rail)
5. Other

commute_route

1. I typically use the North Freeway to get to work
2. I typically use the Hardy Toll Road to get to work
3. No, I typically use another route to get to work

Slide 22

(start red text) If travels to a primary workplace (commute_freq ≤ 6) (end red text)

How often do you commute to work another way?

	Frequently (a few times/ week)	Sometimes (a few times/ month)	Rarely (less than once/ month)	Never
Drive alone
Carpool
Vanpool
Public transit (bus/light rail)
Other

(start red text) Hide row that was selected as primary commute_mode (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 23

(start red text) If travels to a primary workplace (commute_freq ≤ 6) (end red text)

How often do you use alternate routes to get to work?

	Frequently (a few times/ week)	Sometimes (a few times/ month)	Rarely (less than once/ month)	Never
(start red text) [if not selected] (end red text) North Freeway
(start red text) [if not selected] (end red text) Hardy Toll Road
North Freeway frontage roads
US 59
Airline Drive
N Shepherd Drive
Other

(start red text) If "other" is selected "frequently" or "sometimes" (end red text)

Optional: What other routes to you use to get to work?

Previous button   Next button

Slide 24

(start red text) If typically uses North or Hardy for primary commute route. Fill in dynamic text with selected primary route (end red text)

Please describe your typical commute to work on the (start red text) ‹North Freeway/ Hardy Toll Road› (end red text).

(start red text) [if North Fwy] (end red text) Do you typically use the HOV lane for any part of your commute? Select button
What direction do you travel on your way to work? Select button
Where do you typically get ON the freeway? Select button
What time do you typically get ON the freeway? Select button
Where do you typically get OFF the freeway? Select button
What time do you typically get OFF the freeway? Select button
How much flexibility do you have in your arrival time at work? Select button

Previous button   Next button

Slide 25

commute_hov

1. Yes
2. No

direction

1. Southbound (towards downtown Houston)
2. Northbound (away from downtown Houston)

loc_on

• List of (start red text) North (end red text) freeway entrances (if North)
• List of (start red text) Hardy Toll Road (end red text) freeway entrances (if Hardy Toll Road)
• (start red text) Filter by direction (end red text)
• (See next slides)

time_on

• List of 15-minute intervals
• No filtering, show entire list, but start with 6am at top

loc_off

• List of (start red text) North (end red text) freeway entrances (if North)
• List of (start red text) Hardy Toll Road (end red text) freeway entrances (if Hardy Toll Road)
• (start red text) Filter by direction and entrance location (so can't select the same exit or an exit "behind" entrance) (i.e., if direction = 1, then only show loc_off › loc_on; if direction = 2, only show loc_off ‹ loc_on) (end red text)

time_off

• List of 15-minute intervals
• No filtering (same as time_on)

arrival_flex

1. I always arrive at work at the same time
2. My arrival time can vary up to 15 minutes
3. My arrival time can vary up to 30 minutes
4. My arrival time can vary up to 45 minutes
5. My arrival time can vary by an hour or more

Slide 26

Slide 27

Slide 28

(start red text) If primary commute route is North or Hardy Toll Road (end red text)

How long does your trip to work on the (start red text) ‹North / Hardy Toll Road› (end red text) typically take under different conditions?

Please describe your experiences for the portion of your trip on the freeway, not including time spent getting to and from the freeway.

At your usual time on a day with typical congestion: _____ minutes

At your usual time on a day with heavy congestion: _____ minutes

When there is little or no congestion (e.g. early Sunday morning): _____ minutes

(start red text) Numeric text entry 1-999.
Validate that typical time ≤ congested time.
Validate that freeflow time ≤ typical time. (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 29

(start red text) If travels to a primary workplace (commute_freq ≤ 6) (end red text)

Please indicate where your primary workplace is located.

This question is asked to help us understand where travelers frequently experience congestion. Your information will be protected. Please click here to view our privacy policy.

(start red text) ‹two buttons/ options› (end red text)

Locate by address button   Locate on the map button

(start red text) ‹if locate by address› (end red text)

To locate by address, please enter a street number or the nearest intersection – or you can enter a business name.

• Example: 1200 McKinney St, Houston, TX
• Example: McKinney St and Caroline St, Houston, TX
• Example: Houston Center, Houston, TX

(start red text) ‹if locate by map› (end red text)

Map instructions

1. Click on the map to zoom in.
2. When zoomed in close enough, clicking the map will place a ‘marker.'
3. Continue clicking until you have located the correct place.

Previous button   Next button

Slide 30

(start red text) If employed (end red text)

How often do you need to drive to familiar or unfamiliar places around town for your job during your workday?

Familiar work-related destinations may include regular meetings, regular customers on a sales route, or any work-related destinations that you regularly visit or feel comfortable finding without directions. This does not include commuting to your primary workplace.

Unfamiliar work-related destinations may include infrequent or new meetings, sales calls to new customers, deliveries, or other places you rarely visit or need directions or navigation assistance to find.

	One or more times/ day	A few times/ week	About once/ week	A few times/ month	About once/ month	Less than once/ month	Never	Not Applicable
Familiar locations (e.g. regular meetings)
Unfamiliar locations (e.g. deliveries)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 31

(start red text) All respondents (end red text)

How often do you travel on the North Freeway and Hardy Toll Road in the study area for personal trips to familiar locations?

For example, trips to familiar locations might include grocery shopping, regular errands (e.g. to the bank or the dentist), taking your kids to school, going to a friend's house, going to the gym, or any other personal destinations you regularly visit or feel comfortable finding without directions.

Familiar personal trips on the North Freeway

One or more times/ day
A few times/ week
About once/ week
A few times/ month
About once/ month
Less than once/ month
Never
Not applicable

Familiar personal trips on the Hardy Toll Road

One or more times/ day
A few times/ week
About once/ week
A few times/ month
About once/ month
Less than once/ month
Never
Not applicable

(start red text) Link the words "study area" to pop-up reminder of corridor definition (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 32

(start red text) Show page if North familiar freq is not never OR Hardy familiar freq is not never or n/a (nworkfreq_fam_north ≤6 OR nworkfreq_fam_hardy ≤6) (end red text)

How do you typically travel on the North Freeway or Hardy Toll Road when going to familiar destinations?

	Almost always	Frequently (a few times/ week)	Sometimes (a few times/ month)	Rarely (less than once/ month)	Never
Drive alone
Carpool
Vanpool
Public transit (bus/light rail)
Other

(start red text) Link the word "familiar" to pop-up reminder of familiar personal destination definition (from previous slide) (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 33

(start red text) All respondents (end red text)

How often do you travel on the North Freeway and Hardy Toll Road in the study area for personal trips to unfamiliar locations?

For example, trips to unfamiliar locations might include new or infrequent errands (e.g. to the airport or to a new doctor), trips to a new restaurant, infrequent trips to a recreational destination (e.g. a concert hall), or other destinations you rarely visit or need directions or navigation assistance to find.

Unfamiliar personal trips on the North Freeway

One or more times/ day
A few times/ week
About once/ week
A few times/ month
About once/ month
Less than once/ month
Never
Not applicable

Unfamiliar personal trips on the Hardy Toll Road

One or more times/ day
A few times/ week
About once/ week
A few times/ month
About once/ month
Less than once/ month
Never
Not applicable

(start red text) Link the words "study area" to pop-up reminder of corridor definition (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 34

(start red text) Show page if North UNFAMILIAR freq is not never OR Hardy UNFAMILIAR freq is not never or n/a (nworkfreq_unfam_north ≤6 OR nworkfreq_unfam_hardy ≤6) (end red text)

How do you typically travel on the North Freeway or Hardy Toll Road when going to unfamiliar destinations?

	Almost always	Frequently (a few times/ week)	Sometimes (a few times/ month)	Rarely (less than once/ month)	Never
Drive alone
Carpool
Vanpool
Public transit (bus/light rail)
Other

(start red text) Link the word "unfamiliar" to pop-up reminder of unfamiliar personal destination definition (from previous slide) (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 35

If you would like to provide any comments about your travel experiences on the North Freeway or Hardy Toll Road in the North Houston study area, please share them below.

Slide 36

Thank you for your answers so far!

The next few questions are about your familiarity with and use of communication devices and traveler information resources.

Traveler information resources may include TV or radio reports, electronic message signs on highways, websites, apps, alerts, telephone information services or other information sources that the traveling public can access to help plan trips in the region.

Previous button   Next button

Slide 37

In addition to your smartphone, which of the following communication and in-vehicle technologies do you own and regularly use for any purpose?

Please select all that apply.

• Desktop computer with Internet access
• Laptop computer with Internet access
• Tablet computer (e.g. Apple iPad, Google Nexus 9) with Internet access
• Cell phone that is NOT web enabled
• Landline phone
• Toll transponder (e.g. TxTag or EZ Tag) in your vehicle
• Built-in (factory/dealer installed) GPS or navigation device in your vehicle
• Portable GPS or navigation device (e.g. Garmin, TomTom)
• Other, please specify: _______
• None of the above

(start red text) Randomize (with "Other" and "None" anchored at the bottom) (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 38

In general, how often do you check the following sources for traveler information when planning trips to familiar destinations in the greater Houston area?

	Once/ day or more	A few days/ week	About one day per week	A few times/ month	Rarely (less than once/ month)	Never
Websites
Smartphone or tablet apps
Telephone information services
TV
Radio
(start red text) [if owns] (end red text) Built-in GPS or navigation device
(start red text) [if owns] (end red text) Portable GPS or navigation device
Other

(start red text) Randomize with "Other" anchored at the bottom (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 39

In general, how often do you check the following sources for traveler information when planning trips to unfamiliar destinations in the greater Houston area?

	Once/ day or more	A few days/ week	About one day per week	A few times/ month	Rarely (less than once/ month)	Never
Websites
Smartphone or tablet apps
Telephone information services
TV
Radio
(start red text) [if owns] (end red text) Built-in GPS or navigation device
(start red text) [if owns] (end red text) Portable GPS or navigation device
Other

(start red text) Randomize with "Other" anchored at the bottom (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 40

(start red text) If uses web 1+ days/week for familiar and/or unfamiliar trips (end red text)

What websites do you typically check for traveler information before a trip?

Please select all that apply.

• Any Texas DOT website (e.g., www.drivetexas.org)
• Houston TranStar
• Google Maps
• Bing Maps
• MapQuest
• Traffic.com
• Here.com
• TV or Radio station websites
• Other, please specify: ______

(start red text) Randomize with "Other" anchored at the bottom (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 41

(start red text) If uses apps 1+ days/week for familiar and/or unfamiliar trips (end red text)

What smartphone or tablet apps do you typically check for traveler information before a trip?

Please select all that apply.

• Houston TranStar
• Google Maps/Navigation
• Waze
• INRIX
• (start red text) [if smartphone=Apple] (end red text) Apple iPhone Maps
• Other, please specify: ______

(start red text) Randomize with "Other" anchored at the bottom (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 42

(start red text) If uses phone 1+ days/week for familiar and/or unfamiliar trips (end red text)

What telephone numbers do you typically check for traveler information before a trip?

Please select all that apply.

• Texas DOT (1-800-452-9292)
• Other, please specify: ______

(start red text) Randomize with "Other" anchored at the bottom (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 43

(start red text) If uses "other" source 1+ days/week for familiar and/or unfamiliar trips (end red text)

What other information sources do you typically check for traveler information before a trip?

Please enter text below.

Previous button   Next button

Slide 44

(start red text) If uses any info for familiar trips (infosources_familiar are not "never" for all options) (end red text)

What kind of information do you typically look for when you are planning trips to familiar destinations in the greater Houston area?

Please select all that apply.

• Directions to my destination
• Alternate routes to my destination
• Travel time to my destination
• Locations of general congestion
• Amount of delay from general congestion
• Location of traffic incidents or construction
• Duration of traffic incidents
• Travel speeds along my route
• Other, please specify: ______

(start red text) Randomize with "Other" anchored at the bottom (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 45

(start red text) If uses info for unfamiliar trips (infosources_unfamiliar are not "never" for all options) (end red text)

What kind of information do you typically look for when you are planning trips to unfamiliar destinations in the greater Houston area?

Please select all that apply.

• Directions to my destination
• Alternate routes to my destination
• Travel time to my destination
• Locations of general congestion
• Amount of delay from general congestion
• Location of traffic incidents or construction
• Duration of traffic incidents
• Travel speeds along my route
• Other, please specify: ______

(start red text) Randomize with "Other" anchored at the bottom (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 46

(start red text) If infosource_familiar is not "Never" for all options (end red text)

How often do you change your travel plans to familiar destinations if you learn about congestion on your typical route?

	Frequently (a few times/ week)	Sometimes (a few times/ month)	Rarely (less than once/ month)	Never	Not Applicable
Start my trip earlier
Start my trip later
Make minor changes to my route
Change to a toll road
Completely change my planned route
Change to public transit
Cancel trip or postpone to a later day
Decide to telecommute

Previous button   Next button

Slide 47

(start red text) If infosource_unfamiliar is not "Never" for all options (end red text)

How often do you change your travel plans to unfamiliar destinations if you learn about congestion on your typical route?

	Frequently (a few times/ week)	Sometimes (a few times/ month)	Rarely (less than once/ month)	Never	Not Applicable
Start my trip earlier
Start my trip later
Make minor changes to my route
Change to a toll road
Completely change my planned route
Change to public transit
Cancel trip or postpone to a later day
Decide to telecommute

Previous button   Next button

Slide 48

(start red text) If infosources_familiar OR infosources_unfamiliar are not "never" for all options (i.e., ONLY skip page if both familiar and unfamiliar are "never" (or null) for all options) (end red text)

In general, how satisfied are you with the following aspects of the traveler information you receive?

	Very Dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Somewhat Dissatisfied	Neutral	Somewhat Satisfied	Satisfied	Very Satisfied	Not Applicable
Travel time or speed
Incident or construction location
Incident or construction duration
Directions or alternate route

(start red text) Randomize statements (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 49

(start red text) If infosources_familiar OR infosources_unfamiliar are not "never" for all options (i.e., ONLY skip page if both familiar and unfamiliar are "never" (or null) for all options) (end red text)

For the travel information you receive, how strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Somewhat Disagree	Neutral	Somewhat Agree	Agree	Strongly Agree	Not Applicable
Information sources I use are easy to understand
The information I receive is reliable
The information I use reduces the stress of my trips
Information helps me plan my trips
The information I use does NOT reduce the amount of time I plan for my trips
Overall the information I receive is useful

(start red text) Randomize statements (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 50

(start red text) If never uses info (infosource_fam and infosource_unfam are "never" for all options) (end red text)

Can you tell us why you do not use information for your trips in the greater Houston area?

Please select all that apply.

• The information does not seem reliable
• My schedule is generally flexible (I do not need to arrive at my destinations at a specific time)
• I am familiar with most or all of the greater Houston area and do not need directions
• I am familiar with traffic conditions/travel times for most or all of the routes I generally use
• I do not know where to find information
• I do not have time to look for information
• Accessing information is difficult or inconvenient
• The information is not detailed enough
• No information is available for my routes or destinations
• Other, please specify: _____

(start red text) Randomize statements (end red text)

Previous button   Next button

Slide 51

Thank you for your responses so far – you are almost done!

The last few questions are about you and your household to ensure that we have a representative sample of travelers in the Houston area.

Please tell us about yourself.

Gender   Select button

Education   Select button

Previous button   Next button

Slide 52

gender

1. Male
2. Female

education

1. Less than high school
2. High school graduate/GED
3. Some college
4. Vocational/technical training
5. Associates degree
6. Bachelors degree
7. Graduate degree (MA, PhD)
8. Professional degree (MBA, JD, MD)

Slide 53

Please tell us about your household.

How many adults (other than yourself) live in your household?

0 (I am the only adult)
1 other adult
2 other adults
3 other adults
4 other adults
5 or more other adults

How many children live in your household?

0 (no children)
1 child
2 children
3 children
4 children
5 or more children

Previous button   Next button

Slide 54

Please tell us about your current home (the residence where you received the invitation to the study or where you live the majority of the time).

How long have you lived in your current residence?

Less than one year
1-2 years
2-5 years
5-10 years
10-20 years
More than 20 years

Do you own or rent your home?

Own
Rent
Provided by job
Other

Previous button   Next button

Slide 55

Where is your home located?

This helps us understand where you frequently travel and ensures that we have a representative sample from the Houston area. The details of your information will be protected. Please click here to view our privacy policy.

(start red text) ‹two buttons/ options› (end red text)

Locate by address button   Locate on the map button

(start red text) ‹if locate by address› (end red text)

To locate by address, please enter a street number or the nearest intersection.

• Example: 1200 McKinney St, Houston, TX
• Example: McKinney St and Caroline St, Houston, TX

(start red text) ‹if locate by map› (end red text)

Map instructions

1. Click on the map to zoom in.
2. When zoomed in close enough, clicking the map will place a ‘marker.'
3. Continue clicking until you have located the correct place.

Previous button   Next button

Slide 56

In 2014, what was your household's total annual income (from all sources) before taxes or other deductions from pay?

This information is only used to ensure that we have a representative sample of Houston residents. Please click here to view the privacy policy.

Under $10,000
$10,000-$24,999
$25,000-$34,999
$35,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
150,000-$199,999
$200,000-$249,999
$250,000 or more
Prefer not to answer

Previous button   Next button

Slide 57

Please enter your email address below.

We will only use this address to provide information about this study. We will also send the $25 Amazon.com gift card via email after you complete all parts of the study.

You will only be contacted for this study and your information will never be shared or sold. Please click here to view the privacy policy.

Previous button   Finish button

Slide 58

Thank you! Your responses have been successfully submitted.

In a few days, we will contact you with more information about participating in the West Houston Transportation Study.

In the meantime, please email houstonstudy@tti.tamu.edu if you have any questions or comments.