Assignment Prompt
Lab 8 – We “Auto” Drive Less: Instructions
The student will be conducting surveys to determine people’s opinions about a number of transportation-related questions. After you collect your data, you will graph the data collected.
When you ask somebody your survey question, you should first be sure that:
a. You understand the question and how to record answers.
b. The person has not already answered the survey question for another team.
c. The person tells you his or her age.
When you record the responses, be careful to record them in the correct column.
After someone answers your question, be sure to thank the person.
Survey I: People Per Car (to be Done by All Teams)
Select a safe place along a busy street. Observe the automobiles that pass, noting the number of people in each car, including the driver. Tally your information below. Count the people in the first twenty-five cars that pass. Do not count commercial vehicles such as delivery trucks, buses, taxis, and so forth.
Location surveyed:_ Dallas TX__date:__14th Sep 2023_____time:______2____ P.M.
Number of People in the Car, Including the Driver
1 2 3 4 5 More than 5
1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1
1 1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
Survey II: How Much to Change?
Be sure to record the response of the person in the appropriate age column. Ask at least twelve people, including three from each age group.
Question: How much of a reduction in the amount you drive would the following increases in the price of a gallon of gasoline cause you?
Age Group
16-20 21-30 31-40 41+
Price Increase Reduction Reduction Reduction Reduction
No Some Major No Some Major No Some Major No Some Major
$.20/gal. 3 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 3 1 2 2
$.50/gal. 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 0 3 2
$1.00/gal. 1 0 4 0 2 3 1 0 4 0 2 3
$ 2.00/gal. 0 1 4 0 2 3 0 1 4 0 0 5
$3.00/gal. 0 2 3 1 0 4 0 1 5 0 0 5
Survey III: The Lone Driver!
Be sure to record the response of the person in the appropriate age column. Ask at least twelve people, including three from each age group, if possible.
Question: When you drive to work or school, do you usually drive alone?
Ages Yes No
16-20 2 3
21-30 1 4
31-40 3 2
41 + 4 1
Survey IV: Difficult Choices
Be sure to record the response of the person in the appropriate age column. Ask at least twelve people, including three from each age group.
Question: If gasoline consumption in the United States absolutely had to be reduced by 25 percent, which of the following measures would you support?
Age Group
Action 16-20 21-30 31-40 41 +
Agree Disagree Agree Disagree Agree Disagree Agree Disagree
1. Triple the price of gas and use the money to develop alternative energy sources 3 2 2 3 2 2 4 1
2. Ration gas. Issue coupons. Unused coupons could be sold, traded, or given away. 0 5 1 4 0 5 0 5
3. Increase the minimum age for a driver’s license to 21 years. 0 5 2 3 3 2 2 3
4. Lower air pollution standards so more coal and less oil would be burned by industry. 2 3 0 5 1 4 0 5
5. Ban students from driving to school if a bus is available. 0 5 3 2 1 4 0 5
6. Ban the driving of cars with even-numbered licenses two days a week, and ban odd-numbered cars two other days. 0 5 3 2 4 1 4 1
7. Use military action to obtain oil from other countries. 0 5 1 4 0 5 0 5
8. Require that all new cars get 30% more miles per gallon. 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5
Lab 8 – We “Auto” Drive Less: Questions
1. In your survey, was raising the price of gas a small amount a very effective way to discourage private automobile use? Was the effect equal in all groups? Discuss.
In the survey, raising the gas price by a small amount ($.20/gal.) was somewhat effective in discouraging private automobile use across all age groups. However, the effectiveness varied between age groups. Notable trends showed that for the 16-20 age group, a reduction in driving was observed for some individuals with a price increase of $.20/gal., indicating some sensitivity to price changes, but it wasn't a major deterrent. In the 41+ age group, there was a notable reluctance to reduce driving even with a small price increase. Mixed results were obtained from the other two groups.
2. In Europe, gasoline costs about two to three times as much as it does here. Would it be a good idea to triple the price of gas and use the extra money to build or promote an effective public transit system? Discuss.
Yes. Significant oil price increase is a major deterrent for private vehicles. Europe has increased the railway channels and terminals should accompany the price change to support the shift. Europeans use public transport more even though they have high incomes.
3. What are the disadvantages of public transit systems?
First, they might not access certain routes. Second, they might not fit in with given schedules. Third, they are overcrowded and often target sites for terrorist attacks. Fourth, they are less reliable. Fifth, they have limited utility in case of an emergency. Finally, cleanliness standards might be subpar.
4. What are the advantages of public transit systems?
First, they are cost-saving. Second, they are good social settings for engagement. Third, they are energy efficient. Fourth, significantly less emissions. Fifth, reduced traffic congestion. Finally, reduced demand for healthcare.
5. What are your personal attitudes about public transit?
I have reservations about public transport due to cleanliness issues, overcrowding and inconvenience. However, I like balancing the pros and cons, leading to the conclusion that the well-being of the many cannot be outweighed by my comfort. I, therefore, use public transport inaccessible areas and when I do not have time constraints.
6. How could cities be built to encourage, rather than discourage, public transit?
First, increasing access to transit stations by increasing them and developing sheltered corridors would encourage all-weather public transit. Second, making public transit more affordable while simultaneously charging more for private transport. Third, creating transit lanes for bicycles and walking. Fifth, creating sheltered and guarded facilities of bicycle storage.