This paper presents the results of a study that compared drivers’ assessments of the performance of urban streets with objective measures of performance, including level of service (LOS). The purpose of the study was to test the ability of LOS to predict drivers’ perceptions of service quality. Seventy-seven automobile drivers rated the service quality of half-mile segments of urban streets as depicted on videotaped scenes from the driver's perspective. Drivers rated 12 to 15 video segments on a six-point scale from very satisfactory to very unsatisfactory. After rating all segments, the drivers selected and ranked from a list of 36 factors the three factors that they considered the most important to quality. The results show that the mean driver rating had statistically significant correlations with operational and design characteristics and aesthetics, including the following variables: travel time, average travel speed, number of stops, delay, number of signals, lane width, the presence of trees, and the quality of the landscaping. LOS, calculated by the Highway Capacity Manual methodology, predicted 35% of the variance in mean driver rating. This finding suggests that LOS does not completely represent drivers’ assessments of performance because drivers perceive the quality of urban street segments in several dimensions, including travel efficiency, sense of safety, and aesthetics.
Focus groups were conducted in several cities throughout the United States and Canada between June 2002 and July 2003 to gain insight into the use of the newly released Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) 2000 and to understand better how professionals choose advanced modeling tools. Part I of the HCM 2000 was noted as being a good reference for both laypersons and those working with the HCM on a daily basis. Part V was noted as needing improvement to be useful to professionals, including more specific information regarding model strengths and weaknesses. In regard to the use of computer-based models, more than 80% of the participants use the HCM and the Highway Capacity Software to analyze operational performance and estimate capacity of highway systems. For advanced modeling techniques, 70% of those surveyed turn to SYNCHRO, but few participants could say why they had chosen a particular software package other than being directed by a sponsor agency to use it. It is noted that focus groups are a useful means to obtain qualitative and quantitative information regarding the use of the HCM 2000 and to identify areas of the manual that need improvement and further research. In addition, the information gleaned from this study points to the need for guidance regarding the selection and application of advanced transportation modeling tools. Finally, it is noted that additional focus groups should be held to include opinions from other user groups including planners, decision makers, and designers.
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