Innovative Methods for Collecting Data and for Modeling Travel Related to Special Events

Abstract

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is the designated metropolitan planning organization for the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area. In collaboration with local transit agencies and local jurisdictions, MAG developed a successful proposal to compete for FTA Alternatives Analysis Discretionary Program Section 5339 funds. The proposal included development of the special events model and special events data collection. The importance of this task was highlighted by the success of the introduction of light rail transit in the region. The need for better understanding and forecasting of transit markets required in-depth study and modeling of planned special events in the region. Special events patrons constituted a significant portion of light rail ridership and overall regional travel demand. This paper focuses on the first results of this effort, including the completed special events data collection and some preliminary data analysis results. The special events surveys used advanced data collection techniques that allowed better data expansion and processing and ultimately will facilitate development of advanced special events travel demand forecasting models. The paper discusses survey design, survey instruments, counting and interviewing processes, organizational issues, and data expansion procedures.