A report based on preliminary analysis of the 2016 Berkeley Lab Commute Survey is now available. The commute survey, which was conducted in late May and early June 2016, builds on a previous commute survey that the Lab completed in August 2014. This year, the survey was expanded to better inform options to help mitigate parking shortfalls due to construction of the Integrative Genomics Building (IGB) at the Bevatron Lot that begins this fall.
The survey consisted of a total of 87 questions covering general employee information, current commute patterns, barriers to using alternative commute modes, awareness and utilization of existing Laboratory transportation resources, and interest in telecommuting and alternative commute modes. Each respondent answered a subset of the 87 questions based on answers to various branching questions. The survey received 1,929 responses for an overall response rate of 28%.
The survey was developed, tested, deployed, and analyzed by Vehicle Access and Alternative Transportation Advisory Group (VAATAG) members Allison Huey, Anna Scodel, and Jonah Weber. As part of the survey development, they gathered and incorporated feedback from many others from the Laboratory community.
Key findings include:
- The most popular commute mode is driving alone.
- There are some people who use a mix of commute modes each week.
- Shorter commute time is the most significant reason why people drive.
- Carpool scheduling and BART and shuttle access are the greatest barriers to drivers using these alternative commute modes.
- Exercise and reduced emissions are the main reasons why people use alternative commute modes.
- Increased telecommuting offers the highest potential for reducing driving to the main site.
- Expanded shuttle service is the second-most promising policy change for reducing driving to the main site.
VAATAG is still working on summarizing comments collected through the survey and may also undertake additional analysis as described on the last page of the report. For questions or suggestions, contact Amit Kothari.