Transportation

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT): Value Pricing/ Variable Rate Tolling Research

Multi-stage research approach that balanced a mix of quantitative and qualitative research to provide a deeper understanding of the public's commuting habits and explore how residents think about transportation funding, value pricing, and solutions for traffic congestion. Findings were used to build the framework for an effective education and engagement campaign to support value pricing implementation in the face of uncertainty over specific policy details.

Washington State Transportation Commission: Washington State Road Usage Charge Pilot

Multiphase research program to assess public perceptions of transportation funding and a potential road usage charge to develop strategy and communications for the Washington Road Usage Charge Project that launched in fall of 2017.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT): Autonomous Vehicle Research

Qualitative and quantitative research with Oregonians to provide insight into resident perceptions to inform transportation planning, policymaking and regulation.

Mileage-Based User Fee (MBUF): Pilot Project Phase 1

Multiphase research study for the I-95 Corridor Coalition to enhance the current education and outreach efforts to increase the public’s understanding of user-based alternative revenue mechanisms for funding transportation (including long-term issues with the gas tax) in a multi-state environment. The Coalition includes all the Departments of Transportation and the major toll and turnpike agencies in the I-95 Corridor region.

City of Bend: Transportation Funding Research

Survey and focus group research to assess residents’ perceptions about Bend’s transportation system, evaluate their preferences for potential improvements, and gain insight into their willingness to pay for such improvements.

Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT): E-scooter Pilot Program Evaluation Survey

As part of PBOT’s e-scooter pilot program evaluation report, DHM conducted a survey of Portland residents to inform the City’s recommendations and frame public education messaging.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans): Road Use Charge Pilot Project

Qualitative and quantitative research with residents in five California communities to inform the design of the state’s road usage charge pilot project. The research established a baseline understanding of Californians’ values around transportation funding, as well as their attitudes toward the road usage charge, an alternative to the fuel tax in which drivers are charged for each mile traveled. The findings were instrumental to the pilot project design and implementation, and a road usage charge is expected to be implemented in California after 2025.

Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT): Transportation Needs Assessments

Multiple studies of registered voters in Portland, Oregon to assess perceptions of the city’s transportation needs. The research has allowed PBOT to prioritize future transportation projects, including street maintenance, safety at intersections, neighborhood traffic speed reduction, more frequent bus service, and safer bike routes.

Metro: Active Transportation Research

Panel study asking Portland-area residents about walking, biking, and public transit infrastructure in the region. Findings from this survey informed Metro’s regional plan for active transportation. Metro is the Portland metro area’s regional government.

Metro: Regional Travel Options (RTO) Program Research

Ongoing qualitative and quantitative research to support marketing and outreach efforts by Metro and partners, governmental (cities, counties, TriMet, SMART) and non-governmental organizations. The research tracks residents’ travel choices and trip purposes, assesses awareness of Metro area programs and services related to multi-modal transportation, and determines interest in changing travel behavior and tests messaging to prompt change. Findings inform the RTO Strategy and Transportation System Management and Operations plan, as well as various other efforts within Metro's Planning and Development Department.

RUC West: Road Charge Program Privacy Research

Focus groups with residents of Portland, Oregon; Sacramento; and Denver about privacy concerns in future road usage charge programs. Road usage charges are an alternative to the fuel tax in which drivers are charged for each mile traveled. The research identified public knowledge gaps, potential solutions, and next steps. RUC West is collaborative of 14 state transportation agencies who share resources about road usage charging. They continue to use findings from this study to inform policy implementation strategies and best practices, and to develop communications and outreach tool kits.

TriMet: Attitudes and Awareness Survey Research

Ongoing annual survey of residents of the TriMet service district in the Portland, Oregon metro area. This ongoing project tracks public mood and regional approval of the agency’s safety, services, new projects, and ridership. Findings have identified improvement opportunities and evaluated new TriMet programs.

Electric Vehicle (EV): Online Survey

Online survey to better understand what everyday commuters think of electric vehicles, assess residents knowledge levels for EV issues including financial (cost, rebates, tax-incentives), infrastructure (power sources, requirements, and charging stations), and features (reliability, power supply options). Data was used to guide decision-making on the deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure and public outreach activities.