OKI’s Household Travel Survey (HTS) is essential in planning improvements to the region’s transportation infrastructure, says Dr. Liren Zhou, Ph.D., the agency’s manager of transportation modeling.
The survey gathered travel behavior of households including where people go, when they travel, what mode of transportation they use, and why they make these trips (e.g., work, shopping, recreation)The data was collected using various methods, such as phone interviews and travel diaries.
The results provide “crucial data used to calibrate and validate OKI’s travel demand model,” Zhou says.
The OKI travel demand model uses mathematical algorithms to simulate and estimate travel demands, forecast traffic volumes, speeds, and transit ridership on transit routes. It evaluates the performance of existing and proposed transportation systems.
“Transportation modeling helps improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, enhance safety, and promote sustainable transportation options,” Zhou says. “These contribute to a more efficient and reliable transportation system that supports economic growth and enhances quality of life.”
The survey data and, in turn, the travel demand model, is critical in transportation investment decision making and is particularly used in transit planning and regional planning efforts within the OKI region. It also plays an important role for ODOT and KYTC in statewide travel demand modeling and transportation planning.
“Detailed information on travel behavior helps these agencies develop more effective transportation policies, forecast future travel needs, and plan infrastructure improvements,” Zhou says.
The survey is conducted about every 10 years. The OKI’s most recent Household Travel Survey was conducted between October 2021 and May 2022. The survey successfully collected travel information from about 4200 households (about 0.5% of total households) in the OK region.
