Summary

Methodology

Task 1: Theoretical Framework. In this task, we will build a theoretical framework for understanding the travel behavior of immigrant groups, drawing on economic and other theories. The standard model of travel behavior, based on economic theory that assumes that individuals seek to maximize their utility, has limited usefulness for explaining the travel behavior of selected population groups and for explaining the use of modes other than the automobile. Behavioral theories from other disciplines offer potentially useful concepts for such a framework. The framework developed in this task will guide work in subsequent tasks.

Task 2: Analytical Literature Review. In this task, we will conduct an extensive review and analysis of the travel behavior literature to summarize and assess the extent of current knowledge of the travel behavior of immigrant groups, cross-cutting demographic groups (e.g. youth, elderly), and other selected demographic groups (e.g. Native Americans) relative to the framework defined in Task 1. This literature review will guide the development of questions for the focus groups to be conducted in Task 5.

Task 3: California Demographics. We will review and synthesize the available information on demographic patterns in California. We will use the 2000 U.S. Census data to provide maps of the current geographic distribution of immigrant groups and other key demographic groups across the state and to map areas in California with high concentrations of particular groups at a more detailed level. These maps will complement the analysis of population groups completed in Tasks 4 and 5 and will be used in the guidebooks produced as part of Task 7.

Task 4: Selection of Demographic Groups for Further Study In this task, we will meet with staff from the Planning Division at Caltrans to present and discuss the results from the first three tasks. The purpose of this meeting is to decide upon immigrant groups and possibly other selected demographic groups to study in more depth in subsequent tasks.

Task 5: Understanding Travel: Demographic Characteristics. The focus of this task is to use existing census, housing, and transportation survey data to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the trip making of immigrant groups selected in Task 4. There is no single data set perfectly suited for analyzing the trip making of demographic groups in California, we will use a variety of sources of this task, including the Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) of the U.S. Census, the American Housing Survey (2002), Metropolitan Travel Surveys, and the 2001 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS).

Task 6: Understanding Travel: Beyond Demographic Characteristics. In this task, we will use focus groups to explore in more depth the nature of transportation demand for the selected immigrant groups and to identify factors beyond demographic characteristics that help to explain travel behavior. We will recruit small samples of individuals from these groups to participate in facilitated group discussions. The discussions will focus on transportation needs, constraints, attitudes and preferences (psychographics), choices, and outcomes. These discussions will also address questions such as trip chaining, generational differences, and the transition to automobile ownership.

Task 7: Implications for Transportation Planning. In this task, we will consider the implications for transportation planning of the knowledge generated by previous tasks. Where possible, we will identify specific strategies to better meet the needs of the selected immigrant groups and to increase the flexibility of their choices (e.g., through technology and outreach/education), and we will suggest agencies in the state that should consider these strategies. A panel of transportation planners from state and local agencies will be convened to provide input into our analyses, suggestions for applying this understanding to a range of populations, and ideas for the guidebooks and other products that could aid them in better serving a diverse population.

Task 8: Guidebooks or Other Products. In this task, we will compile the results of Tasks 5, 6, and 7 in the form of guidebooks or other media, written and designed in an easily accessible style for use by transportation planners throughout the state, as described below.

Task 9: Presentations. We will complete a series of presentations on the results of the research for transportation organizations (e.g. CalCOG, California Transit Association, California Association for Coordinated Transportation) and for staff and upper management at Caltrans.

Task 10: Research Agenda. Based on the results of tasks 1-9, we will develop an agenda for further research on this topic.

Task 11: Final Report. We will complete a final report that summarizes the literature review, describes research methodologies and findings, and articulates questions for further research.

Deliverables The project will produce a series of guidebooks or other media written and designed in an easily accessible style for use by transportation planners throughout the state. Each guidebook will focus on an immigrant group highlighted in this study, providing information on geographic distribution, socio-economic characteristics, current travel patterns, and travel needs, constraints, attitudes, preferences, choices, and outcomes, and providing specific recommendations for transportation planners. The guidebooks will be distributed within Caltrans and to other transportation planning agencies in the state. Planners in these agencies may draw on the strategies suggested in these guidebooks in designing transportation systems and services for the demographic groups in their regions. In addition, the results of the study will be disseminated to transportation planners in the state through a series of presentations to transportation organizations and to Caltrans staff and upper management. We will also consider other methods for disseminating the results of the study, e.g. through a website.