INEXPENSIVE TRAVEL DEMAND TECHNIQUES. FINAL REPORT

The report examines the applicability of simplified travel demand models suitable for small urban areas. The scope of the research is limited to simplified travel demand forecasting techniques that make use of routinely collected traffic ground counts. A total of thirteen methods are examined, of which four are discussed in detail, by applying them in a common setting. Their input requirements and usability are examined. Contacts with selected MPOs, COGs, Planning Commissions in the State of Washington reveal that such methods will be useful in small urban areas considering the staff, expertise, and budget limitation available. Currently, these small urban areas use unproven heuristic methods. The use of methods described in the report will considerably help small urban areas to forecast travel demands using traffic ground counts and socio-economic data.