Date of Award

9-2015

Degree Name

Master of City and Regional Planning/MS in Engineering (Transportation Planning Specialization)

Department/Program

City and Regional Planning

Advisor

Cornelius Nuworsoo

Abstract

The Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) Freeway Service Patrol’s highway motorist response service is reporting a reduction in their service levels. We analyze the relationship between the reduction in the Bay Area Freeway Service Patrol’s (FSP) motorist assists and changes in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported incidents, and cover research on the impact of new and old vehicle fleet turnover. VMT and CHP incidents have differential effects on FSP assists. Although incidents occurring on freeways with high traffic flows tend to cause more congestion, the trend in local VMT along Bay Area freeway corridors does not share a strong correlation with FSP assists. Through a chi-square test, bivariate correlation and cross tabulation, we can see a relationship and pattern between FSP assists, incidents and VMT. Further analysis into the dispersion of assists, incidents and VMT show that the distribution of the FSP assists over CHP reported incidents is not perfectly equal. By analyzing VMT, CHP reported incidents and research around new vehicle fleet turnover affecting FSP assisted-incidents, Metropolitan Transportation Commission staff can systematically improve the FSP operational model; strategize ways to improve service on needier freeway corridors, while reducing unnecessary service in other regions.

Share

COinS