Utilizing Parking Permit Records to Estimate Commuter Habits and Impacts

Nadeesha ThewarapperumaDr. Michael Lizotte

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

• UW Oshkosh is surrounded by residential areas, Fox River

• Parking on campus is limited

• Study to select best alternative options for commuter staff and students.

METHODOLOGY

Data Collection

• Parking permit application cards– Home Address– Vehicle Information

• Samples were taken from– Commuter Student– Staff

Sample Permit Application Card

Calculating the Distance Travelled

• Address is entered into Google Maps

• Route with the shortest time selected

Sample Permit Application Card

Calculating Fuel Efficiency

• Calculated using www.fueleconomy.gov

• Assumptions

– Least expensive model selected

– Automatic transmission

– Combined figure for city and highway mileage selected

Fuel Efficiency for a Toyota Prius

RESULTS

Results for Fuel Efficiency

• Three Priuses were included in staff sample– Skewed the mean

• Students drive more fuel-efficient vehicles compared to staff

Staff Commuter Student

Mean (mpg) 19.6 19.7

Mean without Priuses 18.4

Median (mpg) 19 19.5

Sample Size 173 70

Fuel Efficiency for Staff and Student Commuters

Results for Distance TravelledStaff Student Commuters

Mean (miles) 15 21

Median 4.4 19.75

Peak Areas (3 – 5) (3 – 5)

(15 – 28) (21 – 28)

Sample size 173 70

• Most commuters are within a 5 mile range of campus

• The rest are clustered in the nearby cities

Distance Travelled for Staff and Student Commuters

Cluster Map of Student and Staff Commuters

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations• Car Pools– ZimRide introduced in Fall 2010

• Van Pools– Employees who work 8am to 4:30pm– Oshkosh suburb area, Appleton, Neenah/Menasha area

• Expand bus routes, frequency

• Bikes and bike lanes– Reconstruction of Elmwood Ave

CURRENT STUDIES

Current Studies

• Estimate the Cost of Operating a Van Pool– Utilize AAA estimates– “Your Driving Costs 2010”

• Conduct Surveys to Gain Commuter Input– Surveys will capture commuters who use

alternatives, non-permit holders

“Your Driving Costs – 2010” AAA