America THINKS 2018 Survey Compilation AMERICANS VIEWS ON U.S. TRANSPORTATION ISSUES AMERICANS ARE WILLING TO PAY TOLLS TO AVOID CONGESTION AND HAVE PREDICTABLE TRAVEL TIMES, EVEN WHEN FREE ALTERNATIVES ARE AVAILABLE. 79% Likely 21% Unlikely AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES ARE COMING OUR WAY 70% Within the next 15 years 20% In more than 15 years 10% Never
Understanding Americans concerns and priorities about critical transportation infrastructure challenges leads to innovative solutions. Americans value mobility and understand that a high-quality, reliable and sustainable transportation system is needed for economic prosperity and a desirable quality of life. There is consensus about the need to invest in our transportation infrastructure along with the willingness to fund that investment through higher taxes and tolls. However, a consistent long-term source of funding continues to be a source of debate among Congress. With funding at the federal level continuing to remain scarce, Americans and their elected officials around the nation are taking matters into their own hands by approving state and local ballot initiatives to create mechanisms that generate needed revenue for transportation projects. Traditional methods of travel we use today car, train, bus, air are evolving and changing; however, the need for reliable and sustainable funding sources for infrastructure repair and creation remains an ongoing challenge. For example, while Americans still prefer to use private automobiles for travel to and from airports, the use of ride-sharing services for these trips is rapidly growing, with significant impacts on airport operators. Most Americans believe automated vehicles will become commonplace on our streets and highways within 15 years and recognize the potential benefits these vehicles offer. Great value is placed on our public transportation system, and people believe government should play a role in funding these options. Americans continue to believe traffic congestion is increasing and are willing to pay higher taxes and tolls if they are assured those funds will be used to improve mobility. As we learn more about these concerns, HNTB Corporation will continue to encourage discussion among industry professionals, elected and appointed officials, and the American people by asking What do you think? as part of its award-winning America THINKS survey series. During 2018, HNTB conducted four national public opinion surveys (and one regional survey) examining issues associated with how people travel to and from airports; the advent and potential impacts of automated vehicles; the importance Americans place on public transportation and their views on governments role in funding this option; and increasing frustration with roadway congestion and potential sources of funding to help improve mobility. For more information about the findings of these surveys, contact David Fridling, dfridling@hntb.com. 2
HNTB infrastructure experts available for comment include: 2018 America THINKS Survey Results Tom O Grady, PE Corporate President (816) 527-2136; togrady@hntb.com Mike Sweeney, PE President, East Region (212) 594-9717; msweeney@hntb.com Michael Inabinet, PE President, West Region (703) 824-5100; minabinet@hntb.com Diana Mendes, AICP President, Mid-Atlantic Division (703) 253-5885; dmendes@hntb.com Phil Brake, PE President, Northeast Division (978) 905-4010; pbrake@hntb.com Charlie Herndon, PE President, Southeast Division (813) 498-5121; cherndon@hntb.com Keith Hinkebein, PE President, Central Division (317) 917-5244; khinkebein@hntb.com Matt Hintze, PE President, Great Lakes Division (414) 359-2300; mhintze@hntb.com Art Hadnett President, West Division (213) 403-1000; ahadnett@hntb.com John Barton, PE National DOT Market Sector Leader (720) 651-4446; jbarton@hntb.com Laddie Irion National Aviation Market Sector Leader (813) 498-5125; lirion@hntb.com Jim Barbaresso Intelligent Transportation Systems National Practice Leader (248) 561-3552; jbarbaresso@hntb.com Kim Slaughter National Transit/Rail Market Sector Leader (312) 798-0385; kslaughter@hntb.com Kevin Hoeflich, PE Toll Services Chairman (407) 547-2922; khoeflich@hntb.com TABLE OF CONTENTS Airport operators around the nation face new challenges resulting from the rapidly increasing use of ride-sharing services for travel to and from airports (April)... 5 Airport operators in California are faced with the impacts of increased use of ride-sharing services for travel to and from airports (April)... 7 Self-driving vehicles are expected to be commonplace within 15 years (June)...9 Americans overwhelmingly believe government should financially support public transportation (September)...11 Continued frustration with increasing congestion has Americans willing to pay higher tolls and taxes for infrastructure improvements (October)...13 For expert bios and additional information, visit news.hntb.com. 3 4
America THINKS: Airport Terminals - 2018 America THINKS: Airport Terminals - 2018 RIDE-SHARING SERVICES INCREASINGLY USED FOR ACCESS TO AIRPORTS; EXPERIENCE AT AIRPORT TERMINALS SHOWING IMPROVEMENT Whether air travel is for business or pleasure, before ever boarding an airplane, the journey begins with the trip to the airport and the airport terminal experience. While multiple travel options are available in many parts of the country, American air travelers still prefer to begin their trip in a personal vehicle. However, the findings of a new HNTB America THINKS national survey identifies a rapidly emerging trend toward the use of ride-sharing services for that travel. The survey also found that within the past year, air travelers believe their travel experience has significantly improved. MORE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE AIRPORT EXPERIENCE ARE DESIRED Air travelers know the improvements they want to see. RAPIDLY INCREASING PREFERENCE FOR USE OF RIDE-SHARING SERVICES Within the past year, the use of ride-sharing services has tripled. And among those who use ride-sharing, there is a significant decrease in the use of personal vehicles. 42% within the past year 14% 65% 1-3 years ago On-demand/ ride-share companies Personal vehicles within the past year 80% 1-3 years ago 89% Amount of time spent waiting in lines 74% Movement within or among terminals 69% Access to and from terminals and on-site parking 69% Parking at the airport 68% Ground transportation to and from the airport 67% Signage or information within terminals 63% Accommodations for people with disabilities 50% Increase availability of amenities THE AIRPORT EXPERIENCE IS IMPROVING Air travelers who have flown within the past year are twice as likely to feel their travel experience has improved versus those who have flown in the past one-to-three years. 26% Improvement of overall travel experience within the past year vs. 13% Improvement of overall travel experience 1-3 years ago 66% Somewhat efficient EFFICIENT AIRPORTS Americans believe airports are efficiently designed. 13% 18% Somewhat inefficient 3% Extremely efficient Extremely inefficient 79% 21% However, airport terminals are viewed as stressful by more than six in ten (63 percent) of air travelers, with waiting in lines as the single most frustrating aspect of air travel, according to 57 percent of respondents. HNTB s America THINKS survey, Airport Terminals - 2018 polled a random nationwide sample of 1,020 Americans, ages 18+ between March 2 and March 6, 2018. It was conducted by Russell Research using an email-invitation and online survey. Quotas were set to ensure reliable representation of the entire U.S. population ages 18 and over. The margin of error is +/- 3.8 percent. For more information, visit www.hntb.com 5 or contact David Fridling (917) 438-0900; dfridling@hntb.com. 6 2018 HNTB Companies. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. HC334 04/18
America THINKS: Airport Terminals in California - 2018 America THINKS: Airport Terminals in California - 2018 RIDE-SHARING SERVICES INCREASINGLY USED FOR ACCESS TO AIRPORTS Whether air travel is for business or pleasure, before ever boarding an airplane, the journey begins with the trip to the airport and the airport terminal experience. While multiple travel options are available, air travelers in California still prefer to begin their trip in a personal vehicle. However, the findings of a new HNTB America THINKS survey of California air travelers identifies a rapidly emerging trend toward the use of ride-sharing services for that travel. The survey also found that Californians feel their airports operate efficiently. RAPIDLY INCREASING PREFERENCE FOR USE OF RIDE-SHARING SERVICES Within the past year, the use of ride-sharing services has more than doubled. And among those who use ride-sharing, there is a significant decrease in the use of personal vehicles. 63% Somewhat efficient EFFICIENT AIRPORTS More than seven in 10 (72 percent) California air travelers believe airports, including terminals, are efficiently designed. 57% within the past year On-demand/ ride-share companies Personal vehicles 70% 1-3 years ago 23% Somewhat inefficient 26% 63% 1-3 years ago within the past year 9% Extremely efficient 5% Extremely inefficient 72% 28% HNTB s America THINKS survey, Airport Terminals in California - 2018 polled a random nationwide sample of 515 Californians, ages 18+ between March 9 and March 13, 2018. It was conducted by Russell Research using an email-invitation and online survey. The margin of error is +/- 4.3 percent. For more information, visit www.hntb.com or contact David Fridling (917) 438-0900; dfridling@hntb.com. 2018 HNTB Companies. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. HC335 04/18 7 8
America THINKS: The Road to Autonomous Vehicles - 2018 America THINKS: The Road to Autonomous Vehicles - 2018 AMERICANS EXPECT SELF-DRIVING VEHICLES TO BE COMMONPLACE WITHIN 15 YEARS Within the next 15 years, autonomous vehicles will routinely travel American streets and highways, according to the findings of the latest HNTB America THINKS national public opinion survey. The survey also identifies expected benefits and uses of these vehicles, and further highlights the importance of new, advanced infrastructure that must be implemented to make this technology a reality. AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES ARE COMING OUR WAY Seven in 10 Americans expect self-driving vehicles in the foreseeable future. OVERALL, AMERICANS EXPECT AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES TO SERVE A WIDE ARRAY OF USES. 37% Travel between transit/train stations and terminals or airports 34% Ride-hailing services (e.g. taxi service) 33% Travel around campuses, business parks and residential developments 70% Within Within the the next next 15 15 years years 20% 10% In Within more than Never Never more 15 years than 15 years 32% Local package delivery 30% Personal ownership and use 25% Transit service in or between cities 18% Long-haul trucking of goods 51% Increase mobility for non-drivers 41% Reduce accidents and increase safety AMERICANS GENERALLY BELIEVE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES WILL PROVIDE IMPORTANT BENEFITS, ESPECIALLY NEW-FOUND MOBILITY, INCREASED SAFETY AND REDUCED CONGESTION. 23% Improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists 22% Reduce congestion 21% No benefits from autonomous vehicles 20% Increase the ability of existing highways to handle more traffic 18% Improve the environment Compared to other age groups, seniors believe the most important uses of autonomous vehicles will be for first-/last-mile travel (52 percent), mobility within defined areas (46 percent) and local package delivery (46 percent). A MAJORITY OF AMERICANS BELIEVE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES ARE NOT AS SAFE AS VEHICLES OPERATED BY PEOPLE. 59% 41% NO YES Millennials have different expectations with reduced accidents and increased safety (49 percent), improved safety for pedestrians and bicyclists (33 percent), and reduced congestion (27 percent) to be among the most significant benefits of autonomous vehicles. Millennials disagree with every other age group, with 54 percent who believe self-driving vehicles are safer. HNTB s America THINKS survey, The Road to Autonomous Vehicles 2018 polled a random nationwide sample of 1,010 adults 18 years of age or older from April 27 through April 30, 2018. Quotas were set to ensure reliable representation of the entire U.S. population ages 18 and over. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percent. For more information, visit www.hntb.com or contact David Fridling (917) 438-0900; dfridling@hntb.com. 9 2018 HNTB Companies. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. HC 337 06/18 10
America THINKS: Public Transportation in the U.S. - 2018 America THINKS: Public Transportation in the U.S. - 2018 AMERICANS WANT GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR FUNDING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Overwhelmingly, Americans believe the government should help fund public transportation. In fact, according to HNTB Corporation s newest America THINKS survey, this support extends across every region of the nation, every type of community and every age group. The HNTB survey also found that among the benefits provided by public transportation, the most important is helping those who cannot drive. AMONG THE MANY BENEFITS OFFERED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, AMERICANS BELIEVE HELPING THOSE WHO CANNOT DRIVE THEMSELVES IS MOST IMPORTANT ALMOST 9 IN 10 (86 PERCENT) AMERICANS WANT GOVERNMENT TO HELP FUND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AMERICANS THROUGHOUT THE NATION SUPPORT GOVERNMENT FUNDING OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Northeast 87% West 88% Midwest 83% GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS SUPPORTED BY AMERICANS OF EVERY AGE GROUP 93% Millennials 85% Gen X 80% Boomers 61% Seniors South 85% SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FUNDING BY GOVERNMENT INCLUDES AMERICANS LIVING IN URBAN, SUBURBAN AND RURAL COMMUNITIES Urban 92% Suburban 85% Rural 78% 52% 32% 31% 27% 25% 17% 9% 8% A safer way Cleaner to travel air Help those who cannot drive More convenient access to amenities that would otherwise not be available A relaxing way to travel Create jobs and/or provide access to jobs Encourage investment in the local community HNTB s America THINKS Public Transportation in the U.S. - 2018 survey polled a random nationwide sample of 1,019 Americans, ages 18 and older, between August 10 and August 13, 2018. Quotas were set to ensure reliable representation of the entire U.S. population ages 18 and over. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percent. For more information, visit www.hntb.com or contact David Fridling (917) 438-0900; dfridling@hntb.com 2018 HNTB Companies. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. HC 338 09/18 None of the above 11 12
America THINKS: Funding Congestion Solutions 2018 America THINKS: Funding Congestion Solutions 2018 FRUSTRATED WITH INCREASING CONGESTION, AMERICANS ARE WILLING TO PAY HIGHER TAXES AND TOLLS TO FUND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS Congestion on America s roads and highways continues to grow. In fact, according to the latest HNTB Corporation America THINKS public opinion survey, Americans report congestion is noticeably worse today than just one year ago. They know improvements to our transportation infrastructure will help reduce congestion. They know funding is needed to pay for those improvements. And, they are willing to pay higher taxes and tolls to build and maintain a high quality, reliable and sustainable transportation system. TO GET THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM THEY NEED AND WANT, AMERICANS ARE WILLING TO PAY HIGHER TAXES AND TOLLS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS. 73% Willing to pay more MORE THAN SIX IN 10 AMERICANS BELIEVE CONGESTION HAS INCREASED IN JUST THE PAST YEAR. TAX 46% Tolls and other fees paid only by the users of those specific roads, bridges or tunnels 27% Higher taxes paid by everyone 27% Not willing to pay anything more 61% More congested 37% About the same 2% Less congested AMERICANS ARE WILLING TO PAY TOLLS TO AVOID CONGESTION AND HAVE PREDICTABLE TRAVEL TIMES, EVEN WHEN FREE ALTERNATIVES ARE AVAILABLE. AMERICANS BELIEVE PRICED MANAGED LANES CAN HELP MANAGE OR REDUCE HIGHWAY CONGESTION. 36% Can not help manage/reduce highway congestion 64% Can help manage/reduce highway congestion 79% Likely 21% Unlikely HNTB s America THINKS survey, Funding Congestion Solutions 2018, polled a random nationwide sample of 1,011 Americans, ages 18 and older, between September 14 and September 16, 2018. Quotas were set to ensure reliable representation of the entire U.S. population ages 18 and over. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percent. For more information, visit www.hntb.com or contact David Fridling (917) 438-0900; dfridling@hntb.com. 13 2018 HNTB Companies. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. HC 339 10/18 14
Additional resources American Public Transportation Association www.apta.com American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials www.transportation.org Intelligent Transportation Society of America www.itsa.org The American Road & Transportation Builders Association www.artba.org International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association www.ibtta.org Federal Highway Administration www.fhwa.dot.gov Voices for Public Transit www.voicesforpublictransit.org For more information on the America THINKS survey series, visit www.hntb.com/americathinks or contact David Fridling, (917) 438-0900, dfridling@hntb.com. 2018 HNTB Companies. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. HC340 11/18 15
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