AN ANALYSIS OF METHODS FOR COLLECTING AVERAGE VEHICLE OCCUPANCY DATA ON MULTI-LANE FREEWAYS IN UTAH

摘要

Average vehicle occupancy (AVO) data are useful for a variety of planning and operationalanalyses. Although AVO data are extremely useful, they are oftentimes difficult to obtain.The purpose of this paper is to summarize several methodologies available to collect AVOdata and to report the results and effectiveness of implementing the carousel method on amulti-lane freeway study in Utah. A cost comparison between methods is also provided toallow readers to identify which method may be best for their specific situation. The resultsof the research indicate that the carousel method allows for the most accurate vehicleoccupancy data to be collected on multi-lane freeways, when compared and contrastedwith other methods. Utilizing the power of a spreadsheet macro user generated form; thecarousel method has the capabilities to collect observation data, such as AVO data andvehicle type data, instantaneously. The summary included in this report, combined with thereferences provided for further information, provide a resource of information that will allowgovernment and research agencies to identify which method for collecting AVO data willbe best suited to their specific situation.