Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
Printable Version

Omnibus Survey
Household Survey Results
Marginal Frequency Distributions
March 2001

Questionnaire Item Count Percentage (Standard Error) 
A1. During the past 30 days, have you used any of the following types of transportation for either personal or business travel?    
a. Public Transportation, for example local public bus, subway, or commuter rail    
Yes 25,774,257 13 (1.14) 
No 174,764,787 87 (1.14) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,539,044 100        
Don't Know 167,656  
Total 200,706,700  
A1x. On how many days did you use this type of transportation?    
a. Public Transportation, for example local public bus, subway, or commuter rail    
1-2 Days 11,604,784 45 (4.85) 
3-5 Days 4,076,292 16 (3.09) 
6-10 Days 1,845,429 7 (2.60) 
More than 10 Days 8,247,753 32 (4.50) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 25,774,257 100        
Appropriate Skip 174,932,443  
Total 200,706,700  
A1ya. In your own words, please tell me the main reason you did not use public transportation in the past 30 days.    
Have My Own Vehicle/More Convenient to Drive 96,082,410 55 (1.87) 
Public Transportation Not Available in My Area 44,304,117 25 (1.57) 
Doesn't Go Where I Need to Travel 9,231,083 5 (0.85) 
Location/Too Far to a Bus Stop or Subway Station 6,361,529 4 (0.68) 
Unreliable 1,480,383 1 (0.34) 
Too Complicated/Requires Too Many Transfers 993,623 1 (0.40) 
Public Transportation Takes Too Long/Schedules Not Convenient 5,213,624 3 (0.65) 
Health Condition or Disability 2,758,749 2 (0.49) 
Hard to Get Information on Schedules or Stops 890,128 1 (0.26) 
Don't Like Riding with Strangers 335,489 0 (0.12) 
Dirty/Not Clean 146,750 0 (0.08) 
Unsafe 1,014,133 1 (0.32) 
Other 5,952,770 3 (0.73) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 174,764,787 100        
Appropriate Skip 25,941,913  
Total 200,706,700  
A1. During the past 30 days, have you used any of the following types of transportation for either personal or business travel?    
b. Private vehicle in which you drive alone, such as a car, SUV, pickup truck, van, or motorcycle    
Yes 180,494,822 90 (1.04) 
No 20,044,222 10 (1.04) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,539,044 100        
Don't Know 167,656  
Total 200,706,700  
A1x. On how many days did you use this type of transportation?    
b. Private vehicle in which you drive alone, such as a car, SUV, pickup truck, van, or motorcycle    
1-2 Days 5,668,838 3 (0.66) 
3-5 Days 11,128,084 6 (0.90) 
6-10 Days 11,834,089 7 (0.90) 
More than 10 Days 151,863,811 84 (1.36) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 180,494,822 100        
Appropriate Skip 20,211,878  
Total 200,706,700  
A1. During the past 30 days, have you used any of the following types of transportation for either personal or business travel?    
c. Organized carpool or vanpool in which you travel with others    
Yes 20,970,180 10 (1.10) 
No 179,736,520 90 (1.10) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,706,700 100        
Total 200,706,700  
A1x. On how many days did you use this type of transportation?    
c. Organized carpool or vanpool in which you travel with others    
1-2 Days 5,215,303 25 (4.93) 
3-5 Days 4,534,646 22 (4.83) 
6-10 Days 3,235,433 15 (4.15) 
More than 10 Days 7,984,798 38 (5.18) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 20,970,180 100        
Appropriate Skip 179,736,520  
Total 200,706,700  
A1yc. In your own words, please tell me the main reason you did not use an organized carpool or vanpool in the past 30 days.    
Have Own Vehicle/More Convenient to Drive Self 68,825,720 38 (1.83) 
Not Applicable to Respondent's Situation/Does Not Commute 41,689,679 23 (1.61) 
Organized Car/Vanpools Not Available in My Area/Don't Know Where to Find One 23,323,691 13 (1.24) 
Hard to Find Car or Vanpools that Fit My Schedule 14,849,667 8 (0.95) 
Need Flexibility to Come and Go 7,358,180 4 (0.67) 
Need the Flexibility to Make Stops 666,546 0 (0.15) 
Use Public Transportation 2,188,638 1 (0.34) 
Commute Is Short 5,129,083 3 (0.67) 
Unreliable 314,658 0 (0.10) 
Health Condition/Disability 2,626,968 1 (0.37) 
Prefer Riding Alone 1,960,611 1 (0.36) 
Takes Too Long 819,461 0 (0.24) 
Don't Like Riding with Strangers 1,741,979 1 (0.45) 
Costs Too Much 682,947 0 (0.26) 
Other 7,014,899 4 (0.72) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 179,192,727 100        
Don't Know 543,792  
Appropriate Skip 20,970,180  
Total 200,706,700  
A1. During the past 30 days, have you used any of the following types of transportation for either personal or business travel?    
d. Private vehicle in which you travel with others    
Yes 124,493,927 62 (1.72) 
No 76,122,429 38 (1.72) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,616,356 100        
Refused 90,344  
Total 200,706,700  
A1x. On how many days did you use this type of transportation?    
d. Private vehicle in which you travel with others    
1-2 Days 19,320,384 16 (1.67) 
3-5 Days 29,200,551 23 (1.81) 
6-10 Days 20,029,459 16 (1.71) 
More than 10 Days 55,943,534 45 (2.23) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 124,493,927 100        
Appropriate Skip 76,212,773  
Total 200,706,700  
A1. During the past 30 days, have you used any of the following types of transportation for either personal or business travel?    
e. City to city bus, such as Greyhound or Charter    
Yes 5,005,273 2 (0.52) 
No 195,701,427 98 (0.52) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,706,700 100        
Total 200,706,700  
A1x. On how many days did you use this type of transportation?    
e. City to city bus, such as Greyhound or Charter    
1-2 Days 3,807,803 76 (9.15) 
3-5 Days 674,254 13 (7.70) 
More than 10 Days 523,216 10 (6.18) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 5,005,273 100        
Appropriate Skip 195,701,427  
Total 200,706,700  
A1. During the past 30 days, have you used any of the following types of transportation for either personal or business travel?    
f. City to City train, such as AMTRAK    
Yes 3,803,692 2 (0.43) 
No 196,903,008 98 (0.43) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,706,700 100        
Total 200,706,700  
A1x. On how many days did you use this type of transportation?    
f. City to City train, such as AMTRAK    
1-2 Days 2,022,315 53 (11.70) 
3-5 Days 1,492,500 39 (11.90) 
More than 10 Days 288,877 8  (5.33) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 3,803,692 100         
Appropriate Skip 196,903,008  
Total 200,706,700  
A1. During the past 30 days, have you used any of the following types of transportation for either personal or business travel?    
g. Taxi, Limousine, or shuttle service    
Yes 25,250,645 13 (1.15) 
No 175,456,055 87 (1.15) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,706,700 100        
Total 200,706,700  
A1x. On how many days did you use this type of transportation?    
g. Taxi, Limousine, or shuttle service    
1-2 Days 15,018,032 59 (4.82) 
3-5 Days 6,935,230 27 (4.50) 
6-10 Days 2,075,532 8 (2.66) 
More than 10 Days 1,221,851 5 (1.80) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 25,250,645 100        
Appropriate Skip 175,456,055  
Total 200,706,700  
A1. During the past 30 days, have you used any of the following types of transportation for either personal or business travel?    
h. Commercial airplane    
Yes 22,195,838 11 (1.05) 
No 178,510,862 89 (1.05) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,706,700 100        
Total 200,706,700  
A1x. On how many days did you use this type of transportation?    
h. Commercial airplane    
1-2 Days 15,790,084 71 (4.44) 
3-5 Days 4,509,542 20 (3.96) 
6-10 Days 1,107,221 5 (1.85) 
More than 10 Days 788,991 4 (1.85) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 22,195,838 100        
Appropriate Skip 178,510,862  
Total 200,706,700  
A1. During the past 30 days, have you used any of the following types of transportation for either personal or business travel?    
i. Private or charter airplane    
Yes 4,192,048 2 (0.56) 
No 196,514,652 98 (0.56) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,706,700 100        
Total 200,706,700  
A1x. On how many days did you use this type of transportation?    
i. Private or charter airplane    
1-2 Days 2,881,304 69 (12.80) 
3-5 Days 818,590 20 (11.70) 
6-10 Days 90,592 2 (2.20)  
More than 10 Days 401,562 10 (7.10)  
Subtotal Valid Responses 4,192,048 100         
Appropriate Skip 196,514,652  
Total 200,706,700  
A1. During the past 30 days, have you used any of the following types of transportation for either personal or business travel?    
j. Commercial boat, ship, or ferry    
Yes 4,021,197 2 (0.52) 
No 196,685,503 98 (0.52) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,706,700 100        
Total 200,706,700  
A1x. On how many days did you use this type of transportation?    
j. Commercial boat, ship, or ferry    
1-2 Days 2,142,865 53 (13.70) 
3-5 Days 1,325,854 33 (15.20) 
6-10 Days 363,313 9  (5.73) 
More than 10 Days 189,165 5  (3.56) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 4,021,197 100         
Appropriate Skip 196,685,503  
Total 200,706,700  
A1. During the past 30 days, have you used any of the following types of transportation for either personal or business travel?    
k. Recreational boat    
Yes 6,228,276 3 (0.57) 
No 194,478,424 97 (0.57) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,706,700 100        
Total 200,706,700  
A1x. On how many days did you use this type of transportation?    
k. Recreational boat    
1-2 Days 3,913,907 63 (9.12) 
3-5 Days 1,587,693 25 (8.60) 
6-10 Days 615,632 10 (5.22) 
More than 10 Days 111,044 2 (1.78) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 6,228,276 100        
Appropriate Skip 194,478,424  
Total 200,706,700  
A1ka. Altogether, how many hours did you spend on a recreational boat?    
1-6 Hours 3,978,864 64 (9.00) 
7-12 Hours 621,816 10 (4.86) 
13-20 Hours 1,007,745 16 (7.72) 
More than 20 Hours 619,851 10 (5.29) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 6,228,276 100        
Appropriate Skip 194,478,424  
Total 200,706,700  
A1. During the past 30 days, have you used any of the following types of transportation for either personal or business travel?    
l. Bicycle    
Yes 21,674,367 11 (1.09) 
No 179,032,333 89 (1.09) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,706,700 100        
Total 200,706,700  
A1x. On how many days did you use this type of transportation?    
l. Bicycle    
1-2 Days 7,494,355 35 (4.85) 
3-5 Days 7,455,292 34 (5.19) 
6-10 Days 2,479,674 11 (3.82) 
More than 10 Days 4,245,045 20 (4.77) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 21,674,367 100        
Appropriate Skip 179,032,333  
Total 200,706,700  
A1la. Did you use your bicycle primarily for. . .    
Commuting to Work 1,040,012 5 (1.78) 
Recreation 11,661,872 54 (5.38) 
Exercise 7,728,708 36 (5.11) 
Running Errands (Going to the Store, Post Office, etc.)  1,243,774 6 (2.27) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 21,674,367 100        
Appropriate Skip 179,032,333  
Total 200,706,700  
T1. Now I have a few questions about travel times and traffic congestion.    
Do you commute to work or school on a regular basis? ("regular" meaning 3 or more times a week)     
Yes 131,391,897 65 (1.69) 
No 69,314,803 35 (1.69) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,706,700 100        
Total 200,706,700  
T2a. Now I have a few questions about travel times and traffic congestion.    
On average, about how many minutes does your commute take from home?    
Less than Five Minutes 19,550,097 15 (1.63) 
5 - 10 Minutes 20,551,093 16 (1.56) 
11 - 20 Minutes 42,064,264 32 (2.10) 
21 - 30 Minutes 23,038,305 18 (1.61) 
31 - 60 Minutes 21,850,366 17 (1.53) 
More than 60 Minutes 4,210,503 3 (0.67) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 131,264,628 100        
Average (Arithmetic Mean)    23.4 (0.89)a
Don't Know 127,269  
Appropriate Skip 69,314,803  
Total 200,706,700  
T2b. Now I have a few questions about travel times and traffic congestion.    
And about how many minutes would it take if there were no traffic congestion?    
Less than Five Minutes 28,416,299 22 (1.88) 
5 - 10 Minutes 30,585,659 23 (1.89) 
11 - 20 Minutes 42,677,731 33 (1.98) 
21 - 30 Minutes 17,211,227 13 (1.42) 
31 - 60 Minutes 11,302,051 9 (1.19) 
More than 60 Minutes 955,452 1 (0.36) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 131,148,420 100        
Average (Arithmetic Mean)    16.8 (0.71)a
Don't Know 243,476  
Appropriate Skip 69,314,803  
Total 200,706,700  
T3a. Now I have a few questions about travel times and traffic congestion.    
On average, about how many minutes does your commute take to home?    
Less than Five Minutes 18,042,846 14 (1.54) 
5 - 10 Minutes 20,023,412 15 (1.62) 
11 - 20 Minutes 36,376,476 28 (1.96) 
21 - 30 Minutes 26,450,875 20 (1.79) 
31 - 60 Minutes 25,590,240 19 (1.63) 
More than 60 Minutes 4,780,779 4 (0.73) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 131,264,628 100        
Average (Arithmetic Mean)    24.7 (0.83)a
Don't Know 127,269  
Appropriate Skip 69,314,803  
Total 200,706,700  
T3b. Now I have a few questions about travel times and traffic congestion.    
And about how many minutes would it take if there were no traffic congestion?    
Less than Five Minutes 28,062,904 21 (1.85) 
5 - 10 Minutes 29,068,271 22 (1.87) 
11 - 20 Minutes 43,432,671 33 (2.02) 
21 - 30 Minutes 17,974,374 14 (1.44) 
31 - 60 Minutes 11,824,541 9 (1.21) 
More than 60 Minutes 785,660 1 (0.34) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 131,148,420 100        
Average (Arithmetic Mean)    16.7 (0.56)a
Don't Know 243,476  
Appropriate Skip 69,314,803  
Total 200,706,700  
T4. Now I have a few questions about travel times and traffic congestion.    
In your own words, what would you say is the main cause of delays or congestion you experience in your commute?    
High Volume of Vehicles on the Road 37,094,464 28 (1.90) 
My Schedule Requires that I Commute during "Rush Hours" 6,871,821 5 (0.97) 
Not Enough Highways/Road Lanes to Accommodate the Number of Vehicles 7,457,426 6 (1.04) 
Poorly Maintained Highways, Roads, Bridges 6,001,099 5 (0.92) 
Construction Zones 9,880,872 8 (1.24) 
Scheduling Delays or Cancellation of Public Transportation (Bus, Subway, Commuter Rail)  1,873,771 1 (0.44) 
Accidents 8,467,414 6 (1.07) 
Traffic Lights or Signs 13,838,824 11 (1.41) 
Toll Booths 797,486 1 (0.30) 
Mechanical Malfunctions with Public Transportation 1,141,936 1 (0.38) 
Other Drivers Slow Me Down 10,353,252 8 (1.31) 
I Do Not Experience Traffic Congestion in My Commute 12,304,819 9 (1.19) 
Other 14,914,336 11 (1.39) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 130,997,521 100        
Don't Know 337,543  
Refused 56,833  
Appropriate Skip 69,314,803  
Total 200,706,700  
C15. Please rate your level of concern about the following issues on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means you are very concerned and 5 means you are not at all concerned. Overall, how concerned are you about . . .    
a. US dependence on oil from the Middle East    
Very Concerned 81,707,880 42 (1.73) 
Somewhat Concerned 47,491,975 24 (1.55) 
Neutral 39,000,509 20 (1.49) 
Not Very Concerned 11,634,676 6 (0.82) 
Not at All Concerned 16,798,445 9 (1.04) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 196,633,485 100        
Don't Know 3,998,839  
Refused 74,376  
Total 200,706,700  
C15. Please rate your level of concern about the following issues on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means you are very concerned and 5 means you are not at all concerned. Overall, how concerned are you about . . .    
b. Keeping computerized systems like air traffic control secure from terrorism    
Very Concerned 122,431,712 62 (1.74) 
Somewhat Concerned 26,966,447 14 (1.16) 
Neutral 22,596,283 11 (1.21) 
Not Very Concerned 10,947,515 6 (0.92) 
Not at All Concerned 14,087,797 7 (0.90) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 197,029,753 100        
Don't Know 3,586,602  
Refused 90,344  
Total 200,706,700  
C15. Please rate your level of concern about the following issues on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means you are very concerned and 5 means you are not at all concerned. Overall, how concerned are you about . . .    
c. The risk of terrorism against American citizens traveling by air    
Very Concerned 107,687,450 54 (1.75) 
Somewhat Concerned 42,504,932 21 (1.43) 
Neutral 24,009,659 12 (1.17) 
Not Very Concerned 13,155,194 7 (0.91) 
Not at All Concerned 11,466,537 6 (0.83) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 198,823,773 100        
Don't Know 1,882,927  
Total 200,706,700  
C15. Please rate your level of concern about the following issues on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means you are very concerned and 5 means you are not at all concerned. Overall, how concerned are you about . . .    
d. The risk of terrorism against American citizens traveling on cruise ships    
Very Concerned 73,945,281 37 (1.73) 
Somewhat Concerned 39,848,072 20 (1.40) 
Neutral 40,023,222 20 (1.43) 
Not Very Concerned 25,472,155 13 (1.24) 
Not at All Concerned 19,286,883 10 (0.99) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 198,575,612 100        
Don't Know 1,991,957  
Refused 139,130  
Total 200,706,700  
C15. Please rate your level of concern about the following issues on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means you are very concerned and 5 means you are not at all concerned. Overall, how concerned are you about . . .    
e. The risk of terrorism against American citizens traveling by highway, train, or public transit    
Very Concerned 74,754,050 38 (1.72) 
Somewhat Concerned 34,955,580 18 (1.35) 
Neutral 37,483,186 19 (1.35) 
Not Very Concerned 26,757,016 13 (1.18) 
Not at All Concerned 25,211,442 13 (1.20) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 199,161,274 100        
Don't Know 1,342,937  
Refused 202,490  
Total 200,706,700  
C15. Please rate your level of concern about the following issues on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means you are very concerned and 5 means you are not at all concerned. Overall, how concerned are you about . . .    
f. Illegal immigration across US borders    
Very Concerned 71,463,099 36 (1.74) 
Somewhat Concerned 42,939,143 22 (1.42) 
Neutral 44,418,477 22 (1.47) 
Not Very Concerned 21,568,180 11 (1.09) 
Not at All Concerned 18,015,369 9 (0.99) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 198,404,268 100        
Don't Know 2,099,942  
Refused 202,490  
Total 200,706,700  
C15. Please rate your level of concern about the following issues on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means you are very concerned and 5 means you are not at all concerned. Overall, how concerned are you about . . .    
g. The transport of illegal drugs across US borders    
Very Concerned 139,647,123 70 (1.62) 
Somewhat Concerned 25,807,226 13 (1.13) 
Neutral 14,364,713 7 (0.95) 
Not Very Concerned 4,847,215 2 (0.50) 
Not at All Concerned 15,485,921 8 (1.01) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 200,152,198 100        
Don't Know 554,502  
Total 200,706,700  
C16. I just asked about your concern with various transportation issues. Now, please rate your level of satisfaction with what the US Department of Transportation is doing to address those issues on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means you are very dissatisfied and 5 means you are very satisfied. Overall, how satisfied are you about the U.S. DOT's efforts in . . .    
a. Reducing US dependence on oil from the Middle East    
Very Dissatisfied 39,833,037 21 (1.48) 
Somewhat Dissatisfied 44,588,304 24 (1.52) 
Neutral 73,234,603 39 (1.82) 
Somewhat Satisfied 17,874,530 10 (1.00) 
Very Satisfied 10,665,124 6 (0.93) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 186,195,598 100        
Don't Know 14,153,201  
Refused 357,901  
Total 200,706,700  
C16. I just asked about your concern with various transportation issues. Now, please rate your level of satisfaction with what the US Department of Transportation is doing to address those issues on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means you are very dissatisfied and 5 means you are very satisfied. Overall, how satisfied are you about the U.S. DOT's efforts in . . .    
b. Keeping computerized systems like air traffic control secure from terrorism    
Very Dissatisfied 23,811,921 13 (1.24) 
Somewhat Dissatisfied 28,653,857 15 (1.25) 
Neutral 55,089,417 29 (1.64) 
Somewhat Satisfied 51,893,903 28 (1.69) 
Very Satisfied 27,452,433 15 (1.33) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 186,901,531 100        
Don't Know 13,602,680  
Refused 202,490  
Total 200,706,700  
C16. I just asked about your concern with various transportation issues. Now, please rate your level of satisfaction with what the US Department of Transportation is doing to address those issues on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means you are very dissatisfied and 5 means you are very satisfied. Overall, how satisfied are you about the U.S. DOT's efforts in . . .    
c. Reducing the risk of terrorism against American citizens traveling by air    
Very Dissatisfied 23,690,163 12 (1.21) 
Somewhat Dissatisfied 31,877,084 17 (1.35) 
Neutral 49,675,708 26 (1.58) 
Somewhat Satisfied 51,296,991 27 (1.61) 
Very Satisfied 33,385,294 18 (1.41) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 189,925,240 100        
Don't Know 10,562,076  
Refused 219,385  
Total 200,706,700  
C16. I just asked about your concern with various transportation issues. Now, please rate your level of satisfaction with what the US Department of Transportation is doing to address those issues on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means you are very dissatisfied and 5 means you are very satisfied. Overall, how satisfied are you about the U.S. DOT's efforts in . . .    
d. Reducing the risk of terrorism against American citizens traveling on cruise ships    
Very Dissatisfied 15,791,047 9 (1.10) 
Somewhat Dissatisfied 20,902,573 12 (1.11) 
Neutral 65,397,359 36 (1.78) 
Somewhat Satisfied 46,094,905 26 (1.69) 
Very Satisfied 31,348,357 17 (1.50) 
Subtotal Valid Responses 179,534,241 100        
Don't Know 20,953,074