2007 transportation needs and issues survey : summary of statewide results.

Kirk, Alan R.; VanDerHyde, Vincent A. · 2007 · ROSA P / Oregon. Dept. of Transportation. Research Unit

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Summary

This report summarizes the findings of the 2007 Transportation Needs and Issues Survey, conducted by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to assess public perception of the state’s transportation system. The survey, administered by the Survey Research Center at Oregon State University in October and November 2006, utilized a random digit dialing telephone method to interview 1,013 adults across Oregon’s five administrative regions. The sample was stratified by region and weighted to account for population size, household characteristics, and demographic factors. The study aimed to evaluate satisfaction with ODOT services, identify transportation concerns, and gauge public opinion on funding and infrastructure priorities. The results indicate high overall satisfaction with ODOT, with approximately 74% of respondents rating the agency’s performance as good or excellent. Highest satisfaction levels were reported for roadside rest area maintenance, DMV services, and communication regarding freeway construction. Safety perceptions were also positive; over 80% of respondents felt safe traveling by automobile, and 70% of public transit users felt safe using those services. However, traffic flow in local communities generated the highest dissatisfaction, with about half of all respondents viewing congestion as a somewhat or very serious problem. Regional analysis revealed that residents in urban Region 1 (Portland Metro) were less satisfied with traffic flow and highway expansion efforts compared to those in more rural regions. Regarding infrastructure priorities, respondents generally favored maintaining existing highways, roads, and bridges over expanding them. Environmental protection was highly valued, with 80% considering the conservation of clean air and water very important. Similarly, 70% prioritized transportation services for the elderly and disadvantaged. Public opinion on funding was cautious; while respondents viewed the current gas tax as adequate and a good value, there was little support for raising the gas tax or implementing widespread tolling. Most respondents supported tolling only in specific, project-by-project situations. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of respondents supported exploring the expansion of passenger rail services beyond the existing Portland-Eugene corridor, though opinions were divided on creating dedicated funding sources for such expansion. The survey highlights a public that is largely satisfied with ODOT’s operational performance and safety measures but concerned about congestion and infrastructure maintenance. The findings suggest that while residents value environmental and social equity initiatives, they are resistant to new taxation or broad tolling measures. The data provides ODOT with critical insights for future planning, emphasizing the need to balance maintenance needs with public expectations for service accessibility and environmental stewardship without imposing significant new financial burdens on users.

Key finding

Approximately three-fourths of Oregon residents rated the Oregon Department of Transportation's overall performance as good or excellent, with the highest satisfaction levels associated with roadside rest area maintenance and DMV services.

Methodology

survey

Sample size: 1013

Provenance

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