Modal preference for ITS-enhanced ridesharing and paratransit services for disabled and elderly travelers

A series of studies including: lab experiments, Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI), and mailout- and-call-in surveys were developed as part of a market research project, administered in the Davis and Sacramento, CA areas from 1996 to 1997. The objective of the research was to examine the suitability of advanced transportation services and information systems to enhance the mobility of elderly and disabled travelers. The survey procedure was unique in the sense that it followed an evolutionary process. That is, each proceeding survey was developed based on the results of the previous surveys. The study began as a lab experiment and questionnaire to determine simple design preferences and developed into a stated preference survey evaluating the expected mode choice and intended use of an existing paratransit service compared to hypothetical services applying the stated design preferences. A wide variety of question structures were used throughout the surveys to obtain the most appropriate response for each question. System attribute, stated choice, stated preference, and rating scales were all employed to explore subjects demand for advanced transportation services and information systems.