2001 Oakland Industrial Park Transportation Needs Assessment Study Sponsored by

2001 Oakland Industrial Park Transportation Needs Assessment Study

• Sponsored by

Study Area

About the Study Area

• Heavy manufacturing.

• Few local services (restaurants, shops, etc.).

• Large Wal-Mart Distribution Center 2.5 miles from Park.

Overall Study Objective

• To help

• reduce traffic congestion

• to and from

• Oakland Industrial Park.

Specific Objectives

• Determine the perceived impact of area traffic on congestion.

• Identify current transportation modes used.

• Determine parking concerns.

• Measure how willing employers and employees are to adopt and implement alternate transportation programs.

Study Components

• Employer Commuter Interviews Surveys

Methodology

• Commuter Surveys

• 402 completed surveys

• Conducted March to April

• Self-administered

Participating Employers

• 101-499 employees

• Opton, Inc.

• Evercel

• Kinyo Virginia, Inc.

• Pepsi Bottling Group

• Wal-Mart Distribution Center

• 500+ employees

• AAFES (Dan Daniels Distribution Center)

About the participating employers

• Many are manufacturers.

• Most have:

• daily truck deliveries to their business site.
• adequate parking for employees.
• work in 8/9 or 12-hour shifts.

• Majority of employees live in the Newport News area.

Employer Interviews

Key Finding #1

Currently, employers do not perceive traffic as a problem.

• Traffic is only a problem in the evening (3:30-4:00 p.m.).

• Currently causes few problems for their business.

• Parking is not a problem.

• However, there is concern for the future.

Employers point out problem areas during peak travel times.

Key Finding #2:

• Most employers feel some responsibility to help employees with their work commute.

• Most are willing to take action.

What are businesses willing to do?

• Stagger shift schedules and offer flextime

• Promote alternate modes

• Offer transit subsidies

• Work together with area businesses

Employers are beginning to act.

Many of the commuters surveyed hold production or warehouse positions.

The vast majority of area commuters live in Newport News.

Place of residence

Commuter Surveys

Key Finding #3

• Currently, single-occupant vehicle (SOV) usage is average compared to other areas, but willingness to occasionally use alternate modes is higher.

Current Commute Mode

• Drive alone 85%

• Carpool 10

• Bus 3

• Combination 2

Willingness to occasionally rideshare

SOV commuters interested in ridesharing

• Begin work between 6:00-7:00 a.m.
• Have previous rideshare experience.
• Be more influenced by employer-sponsored incentives.
• Be more willing to ride the bus to and from work.

Most of the the SOV commuters interested in ridesharing live in Newport News.

Employer transit subsidies and vanpool most interest commuters.

Key Finding #4

• There is interest in improved and expanded bus service.

• More stops within the Park (and at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center)
• More frequent service

Of these, 22% have taken the bus regularly for their work commute.

• Of these, 22% have taken the bus regularly for their work commute.

Current Morning Bus

• 6:35 Bus

4:10 Bus

• 4:10 Bus

Willingness to Ride the Bus

• 12% SOV commuters say they would be willing to take a bus for work commute.

Recommendations

• Focus employer outreach on larger area businesses.

• Iceland (have already re-established contact)
• AAFES (DOD Transit Reimbursement Program recently implemented; interest in bus)

• Consider expanding bus service.

• Examine current ridership.
• Meet with AAFES and Wal-Mart to determine needs (stop locations and times of operation) and their demand potential.
• Advertise current bus stops and times.

Accomplishments to Date

• Re-established contact with Iceland and AAFES.

• AAFES is offering DoD transit reimbursement program.

• Fort Eustis has requested full study.

• TRAFFIX is working with Newport News City Planning and area employers to discuss:

• Sidewalks, bike paths, light signals, parking improvements

2001 Oakland Industrial Park Transportation Needs Assessment Study

• Sponsored by