Discussion / Com parison

Morning and Afternoon Travel Mode Comparison

Figure 51: Morning and Afternoon Travel Mode Comparison. Numbers above the bars show percentages of each mode.

DISCUSSION / COMPARISON

Results from both the parent surveys and student travel tallies are fairly comparable and, for the most part, did not contradict one another. The one small exception was that the switch from the family vehicle to the school bus in the afternoon was not seen in the parent survey. In fact, just the opposite was seen which is somewhat unusual. Walking and biking mode shares were higher in the parent survey, as well. Still, sample sizes in both surveys were smaller than optimal and more consistent results may have been possible if more people were surveyed. All things considered however, the similarities of the results between both data collection instruments reinforce the credibility and reliability of the final results.

While the results from the parent surveys and student travel tallies provide valuable baseline data, several limitations exist. The parent survey was self-reported information, which may self-select and bias the results to a socially-desirable response. Furthermore, the three-day time frame for student travel tally, taken only during one school week out of the entire year, limits the likelihood of collecting data in all weather conditions. Additional analysis, particularly a second student travel tally at a different time of the year, would be helpful to better understand student travel behaviors including the influences of weather.

Chapter 8: Standardized SRTS Survey Analysis | P a g e 111