UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 19, Page 1
February 10, 1994
New commuter survey to look at attitudes, options

     A Commute Alternatives Survey was sent this week to members of the
University community who responded to the initial U.D. Employee Commuter
Survey and who also indicated that they frequently travel to and from work
in a single occupancy vehicle (SOV).
     According to Douglas Tuttle, director of public safety, 2,008 copies
of the  second survey were distributed to determine what SOV drivers
consider to be barriers to modifying their current commuting style.
     The 14-question survey includes questions related to parking,
individual working hours, attitudes regarding public transit and other
modes of transportation, as well as interest in possible financial
incentives.
     The information will be analyzed to see if there are any areas
indicating general interest in an acceptable style of commuting and others
that may point out specific problems or concerns.
     For example, adding a shuttle to take individuals back and forth to
the gym at lunch time is something that the University might be able to
address, Tuttle said. However, he pointed out that it may be more difficult
to address the needs of those who arrive at work early or stay late.
     The statistical results of the attitudinal survey will be reviewed by
the Parking and Transit Advisory Committee and recommendations sent to
President David Roselle.
     Final decisions will take into consideration the University's needs
related to its internal objectives and the development of an institutional
plan, due in April, to comply with the standards of the federal Clean Air
Act Amendments.
     The first survey, Tuttle explained, was to find out how the
University's employees commuted to work and when they arrived. Those
statistics indicated that the University currently has an average occupancy
rate of approximately 1.2 persons per vehicle. The goal is to increase that
figure to 1.5.
     This second survy, Tuttle said, is to determine the attitudes of
faculty and staff and find out what changes they may find acceptable and
what incentives for changes might be provided.
     Employees who drive to work in single occupancy vehicles and who did
not receive a copy of the Commute Alternatives Survey should contact James
Grimes at 831-1186.
                                                  -Ed Okonowicz