Travel surveys are conducted by government agencies or private polling companies to collect statistical data on travel activity. The data is used to influence government planning and policy, monitor transportation efficiency, measure the state of the economy, and determine consumer behavior and preferences. Urban planners use the data to improve transportation systems, while environmental groups use it to draw attention to pollution levels. Travel companies also use surveys to set prices and improve customer satisfaction.
A travel survey contains statistical data about travel activity. Typically, they are conducted by government agencies, and the results of these surveys have an influence on government planning and policy. A travel survey can track the travel habits of commuters, the transportation methods consumers use on a daily basis, or the travel patterns of people planning vacations or long trips.
Government polls are usually conducted by government employees or by private polling companies. In some cases, consumers are contacted by phone, email or post and asked to answer a variety of travel-related questions. On other occasions, travelers at airports, train stations or parking lots are asked travel questions by survey participants conducting face-to-face interviews. A survey normally refers to travel data during a particular point in time such as a specific month of the year or a particular period of time within a particular day. As a result, survey participants either collect data during these time periods or contact survey participants at a later date, but ask for information relating to the time period being monitored.
Urban planners use data from travel surveys to determine the number of commuters using particular modes of transportation on a daily basis. Government agencies may decide to add more railroad tracks, increase municipal bus services, or build new roads if travel survey data shows that too many people regularly use restricted travel routes. In some cases, government agencies are choosing to bring new modes of transportation such as high-speed rail links into the equation rather than simply expanding existing road and rail networks.
Many countries have laws limiting pollution and harmful emissions. Traffic congestion can contribute to pollution, so some environmental groups conduct travel surveys to draw attention to the level of traffic and pollution in certain areas. These groups sometimes use travel data as the basis for campaigns for government agencies and private companies to offer commuters alternative types of transportation that produce lower levels of emissions.
In addition to using travel data to monitor and improve the efficiency of transportation systems, government agencies and economists also use travel survey data to measure the state of the economy. During times or recessions, people often cut out discretionary spending like vacations and travel. If travel survey data reveals that sales of airline tickets or fuel purchases have declined, economists may consider that data when forecasting future performance for the economy as a whole.
Travel companies also conduct surveys to find out consumer behavior and traveler preferences. Many companies ask probing questions that compare the services available through different airlines and travel companies. Typically, travel agencies take this data into account when setting prices for vacation offers and airline tickets. Many companies also take steps to resolve issues raised during surveys, such as high levels of customer dissatisfaction.
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