REVIEW OF DATA COLLECTION METHODS FOR A CONTINUOUS SURVEY OF PERSONAL TRAVEL

Since 1971, the Transport Data Centre (TDC) has conducted personal travel surveys at ten-yearly intervals. In recognition of the ongoing need for the most up-to-date data possible, TDC intends to replace these large-scale ten-yearly surveys with a continuous survey, the Household Travel Survey (HTS). To ensure that the most suitable collection method is used for the continuous survey, TDC conducted a review of collection methods from June to July 1996. The review tested three collection methods: face to face personal interview method, mail out/mail back method and drop off/mail back method. The review also tested the performance of two types of diary (travel diary and activity diary) in the collection of detailed 24-hour travel data. Both diaries were used in each of the collection methods tested. The review concluded that the face to face personal interview method using a travel diary is the most suitable method for the HTS as this method provided the highest response level, data quality, and range of data items for a similar level of cost as the alternative methods tested. This paper will discuss the methodology used to test various collection methods and the findings from the review. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see IRRD abstract no. 890658.