What is the Origin-Destination Onboard Survey?Washington State Ferries (WSF) conducts origin-destination (O&D) surveys every six to seven years as a way to accurately capture and measure the travel patterns of ferry passengers. The last survey was conducted in 1999. The surveys asked passengers about their typical routes, how they get to and from the ferry terminal, and the purpose of their trips.
What are the results and key findings?
Learn more about the systemwide highlights and key findings for each travel corridor:
How was the survey conducted?
- WSF conducted the surveys onboard more than 300 sailings around the ferry system between October 14 and November 4, 2006.
- The 2006 O&D survey was a comprehensive survey. It evaluated topics such as when people were traveling, what mode of transportation they used, travel origins and destinations.
- From the 31,663 surveys distributed to ferry passengers, WSF received 13,801 survey responses—a significant return rate of over 43 percent.
What do the results tell WSF?
WSF planners can learn a lot by hearing directly from ferry passengers. By volunteering their time to take the survey, passengers provided answers to some of these important questions that affect WSF’s future planning and services:
- Where are passengers traveling to?
- What additional transit options would ferry riders like to see?
- What percentage of passengers drive, bike or walk to or from the ferry?
- How far away do people travel to get to or from a specific ferry run?
- What type of fare do people pay to ride the ferry?
- How many passengers telecommute, and if so, how many days per week?
How does WSF use the results of the survey?
After WSF collects and analyzes passenger responses to the O&D surveys, the results are used by the agency and decision-makers in a number of ways:
- Matching ferry service with customer needs
- Running an efficient ferry operation
- Informing WSF’s long-range service planning
- Providing input to capital improvement needs
- Working with communities on managing local traffic impacts
For more information on the 1999 and 2003 Travel Surveys:
Questions or comments?
Hadley Greene—Communications Manager
Washington State Ferries
Communications Department
2901 Third Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
wsfplanning@wsdot.wa.gov
Phone: (206) 515-3913
Fax: (206) 515-3408