Return to Transportation Consumer Research  Transportation Consumer Research    Project Summary :: 1  2  3  4  5  6   Background The Chicago Department of Transportation, using CMAQ funding, retained Resource Systems Group to calculate the air quality effects of transit improvements. To find out the effects of these improvements, Resource Systems Group first needed to determine market preferences and demand for new transit station and access features. Once determined, increased demand could be estimated based on various system changes and improvements. The resulting air quality effects could then be estimated. Project Scope In order to estimate the effects of numerous attributes that can be affected by train station and access improvements, Resource Systems Group employed a hybrid conjoint approach using both Adaptive Conjoint Analysis and classic Stated Preference Choice-Based Conjoint analysis. These methods were built into a computer-based interview that was administered at central sites throughout the transit service area and over the Internet. Using both conjoint techniques, Resource Systems Group was able to determine utility value for 14 attributes each with up to five different levels. Project Results The study found that a modernized station provides an equivalent benefit of approximately $0.23 to $0.37/trip depending on the specific components included in the renovation. Perceived benefits of individual components such as landscaping, lighting, security, improved mezzanines and better weather protection were found to vary in value from $0.02 to $0.05/trip. Enclosed walkways for downtown stations have an overall value of about $0.11/trip but this value increases during inclement weather. These equivalent benefits can be used with travel forecasting models to evaluate the impacts of potential station improvements on rapid transit and auto use and the resulting air quality impacts, as described in a companion report.