Browsing by Author "Munnich, Lee"

Now showing 1 - 12 of 12
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    Benefit and Cost Analysis of the I-394 MnPASS Program
    (Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2012-02) Cao, Xinyu (Jason); Munnich, Lee; Liu, Henry; He, Xiaozheng (Sean); Xu, Zhiyi; Huang, Yan (Arthur)
    In this report, we explored the benefits and costs associated with converting the I-394 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes. The study focused on the I-394 corridor, with a 10-year timeframe from 2006 to 2015. The benefits included travel time savings, safety benefits, and vehicle operating cost savings, and the costs consisted of capital costs and annual operating costs. Where applicable, the implementation of this study followed the benefit-cost analysis guidance of MnDOT. This study considered the benefits of both travel time savings and travel time reliability and the valuations of travel time savings and reliability were derived from econometric models for individual drivers’ behavior. HOT lane users choose the lanes because of travel time savings and/or the reliability of the lanes whereas previous studies considered only travel time savings and exclusively relied on standardized economic value of travel time. This study estimated safety benefits from crash reduction using the Empirical Bayes method. Previous studies scarcely considered the benefits resulting from the conversion of HOV lanes to HOT lanes. This study also showed that “naïve” approaches tended to overstate safety benefits, which highlighted the importance of using a sound methodology.
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    Five-County Minnesota Case Study: Rural Roadway Fatal Crash Characteristics and Select Safety Improvement Programs
    (Center for Excellence in Rural Safety, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, 2008-12) Patterson, Tyler M.; Munnich, Lee
    This second in a series of CERS research reports summarizes the characteristics of the fatal rural roadway crashes within five Minnesota counties and describes some of the safety improvement programs or campaigns being used in this five-county area. Past research has shown that some of the many characteristics of fatal rural roadway crashes include younger drivers, alcohol involvement, lack of seat belt use, and speeding. The crash data summarized in this report were generally obtained from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Several recommendations have been proposed as a result of this case study project that focus on improving rural roadway safety data and analyses. Evaluations of safety improvement programs/campaigns are also proposed. Recommendations include: • Examine more rural roadway crash factors and combinations of factors for additional clarification. • Improve the metrics used to describe or define rural roadways in the United States. • Use the primary characteristics of rural roadway crashes as the basis for safety improvement measures and programs implemented in rural areas. • Include measures and strategies that improve driver decision-making as one of the focus or emphasis areas of a comprehensive safety program. • Fund projects that continue to help upgrade and apply GIS tools to plot and evaluate safety data with respect to driver behavior and roadway conditions. • Scientifically evaluate the impacts of the safety improvement programs described in this report.
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    From Fuel Taxes to Mileage-Based User Fees: Rationale, Technology, and Transitional Issues
    (Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2011-08) Coyle, David; Robinson, Ferrol; Zhao, Zhirong; Munnich, Lee; Lari, Adeel
    Two national commissions established by the U.S. Congress recommend replacing the current system of funding transportation based on fuel taxes with a new distance-based system of user fees. The State of Oregon has done a pilot project demonstrating a system for transitioning to mileage-based fees by paying the fees at the gas pump. The University of Iowa has conducted pilot tests around the country to determine how drivers respond to a mileage-based fee approach using GPS-based technology. The Puget Sound Regional Council has conducted a test of congestion tolling. Finally, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is testing an approach for collecting mileage-based user charges using commercially available smartphones with built-in GPS devices, in which the charge element is just one of the applications. While there have been discussions among many transportation leaders regarding why fuel taxes are no longer a good way of funding the transportation system, there is by no means a public understanding of why this is so. The public assumes that the taxes they pay at the pump are paying for the system, and that if funding problems exist, they are due to waste and inefficiency. This examination–of the rationale, technology, and transitional issues in shifting from a financing system for surface transportation based on fuel taxes to one that is based on a mileage-based user fee (MBUF) traveled or vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) fee–sets the stage for a policy discussion on transportation-related user fees and lays the groundwork for an extensive public outreach effort.
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    Identifying Issues Related to Deployment of Automated Speed Enforcement
    (Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2012-07) Douma, Frank; Munnich, Lee; Loveland, Joe; Garry, Thomas
    Automated speed enforcement (ASE) has been shown to be one of the most effective strategies for reducing speeding by vehicles and improving road safety. However, the perception that ASE is unpopular and controversial has limited its use by policymakers in the United States. This report investigates whether this perception is justified in Minnesota by conducting a public opinion survey of Minnesota residents about their views of ASE. In light of the survey results, the report then examines the legal and related political obstacles for deploying ASE in Minnesota, and outlines a strategy for moving forward with ASE in Minnesota in select areas.
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    Mileage-Based User Fee Policy Study: Supporting Technical Information
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, Research Services, 2012-04) Munnich, Lee; Doan, John; Schmit, Matt
    The Mileage-Based User Fee (MBUF) Policy Study Supporting Technical Information document is intended to offer necessary detail regarding the work performed and reviewed as part of the MBUF Policy Study. The document serves to complement the separate MBUF Policy Task Force Report; it summarizes activity within and inputs informing all phases of the MBUF Policy Study process, including findings from: Greater Minnesota listening sessions; 2011 MBUF Symposium in Breckenridge, CO; perspectives from national experts; national expert and transportation finance roundtable events; Internet panel survey of Minnesotans; and additional targeted outreach. The MBUF Policy Study was commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to identify and evaluate issues related to potential future implementation of an MBUF system in Minnesota. Under a potential MBUF system, drivers would be charged based on the number of miles they drive, regardless of the type of energy source used to propel the vehicle, instead of being charged by the gallon for fuel consumed in operating a vehicle. Over a period of approximately one year, the MBUF Project Management Team – comprised of individuals from MnDOT and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, as well as consultants – secured valuable quantitative and qualitative policy feedback, drove completion of several deliverables including development of potential MBUF business models, and staffed a Policy Task Force.
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    Minnesota Medical Device Industry Cluster: Development, Linkages, and Transportation
    (Transportation Policy and Economic Competitiveness Program, University of Minnesota, 2019-10-30) Munnich, Lee; Horan, Tom
    Minnesota’s medical device industry cluster is not only one of the biggest driving economic forces in the state, it is also a leader in global medical device arena. For this reason, the Transportation Policy and Economic Competitiveness (TPEC) program at University of Minnesota has undertaken a multi-phased analysis of the medical device industry, with particular attention to transportation implications. This analysis has featured both quantitative (e.g., spatial) analysis as well as qualitative (e.g., interviews) analysis. These analyses have addressed economic competitiveness, economic development, transportation implications, and research and data needs. These issues as well as transportation policy implications are summarized in this white paper.
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    Minnesota User Based Fee Demonstration
    (Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2021-12) Douma, Frank; Zhao, Jerry; Fonseca, Camila; Zeerak, Raihana; Lari, Adeel; Munnich, Lee; Benesh, Meredith; Loveland, Joe
    The Minnesota Department of Transportation conducted a 12-month Distance Based Fee (DBF) demonstration that utilizes existing technologies embedded within Shared Mobility (SM) fleet vehicles and connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) to automatically calculate and collect the fees. As part of the demonstration, researchers at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs discussed policy considerations and implications of DBFs on privacy, equity, and administration costs, as these are often raised as obstacles to the implementation of a DBF. Researchers also conducted financial analysis, and outreach and education efforts. Lastly, researchers conducted an evaluation of the demonstration based on the administrative and political feasibility, efficiency, adequacy, and equity of DBFs. This research identified the challenges that had to be overcome to implement DBFs and the potential to deploy this model on a broader scale.
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    Minnesota Value Pricing Project
    (2003-03-01) Munnich, Lee; Barnes, Gary
    The State and Local Policy Program (SLPP) of the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) and the Metropolitan Council, has studied value pricing since 1994. These partners were awarded a grant by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in Fall 1999 to continue this work. This project included major components of both national outreach and continuing efforts to develop political support for value pricing in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region. This report summarizes the major activities that took place as part of this project, and includes as appendices, the major documents that were produced. These include three papers that were presented at the Transportation Research Board (TRB), a major pilot project proposal, and some other documents that were used locally.
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    Options for Automated Speed Enforcement Pilot Projects in Minnesota Work and School Zones
    (Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2014-05) Douma, Frank; Munnich, Lee; Garry, Thomas
    Studies have shown that automated speed enforcement (ASE), when deployed in certain settings, increases roadway safety. Minnesota is one of the 36 states that do not use ASE. This is despite public opinion polling in Minnesota showing overwhelming public support for ASE in certain locations. This gap in Minnesota between (i) the safety benefits and strong public support for ASE in certain settings and (ii) state policy led to this study. The purpose of the study was to investigate scenarios for an ASE pilot project in Minnesota. Work and school zones were selected as the target deployment location given the polling showing strong public support for ASE there and the experiences in other states showing that ASE is effective in reducing speeding in these areas. The aim of this study was to develop a pilot project blueprint to inform policymakers about the potential for such a project. The study included data and legal analysis, a literature review, and stakeholder engagement.
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    Potential Viability of Automated Rapid Transit at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2011-05) Robinson, Ferrol O.; Schmit, Matt; Munnich, Lee
    This research project investigates the status of personal rapid transit (PRT) applications in airport environments, to understand the characteristics and attributes of these systems, to explore the viability of a PRT system in the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, and to prepare a synthesis report and presentation that document the project's findings.
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    Transportation Planning to Support Economic Development: An Exploratory Study of Competitive Industry Clusters and Transportation in Minnesota
    (Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2015-01) Munnich, Lee; Iacono, Michael Jr.; Dworin, Jonathan
    This project seeks to advance the state of knowledge of the relationship between transportation and economic development by investigating how firms in competitive industry clusters use transportation networks and what role the networks play in the formation and growth of these clusters. The approach combines quantitative and qualitative techniques to geographically identify competitive industry clusters and to investigate the role of transportation. The U.S. Cluster Mapping tool is used to identify competitive clusters by employment location quotients in 25 Minnesota metropolitan and micropolitan regions. Twelve competitive clusters were selected for further study, and in-depth interviews and site visits were conducted with businesses in each cluster to explore the competitive importance of different modes of transportation. These methods can yield valuable insights into how transportation functions as an input within competitive industry clusters and how it can inform economic development strategies tailored to certain locations and industries.
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    Transportation Technologies for Sustainable Communities
    (2002-04-01) Munnich, Lee; Douma, Frank
    This collection of studies addresses legal and institutional issues around applying telecommunication, wireless, and GPS technologies to transportation, with a focus on the development of sustainable communities. Telecommunications and Travel Behavior How Was Your Trip? Exploring the Relationship between Telecommunications and Travel Time Use Diaries help to capture the complex interrelationships of work, travel, telecommuting, and community. Implications of E-Commerce for the Surface Transportation Network The trend is toward smaller, more frequent shipments. The industry must find ways to become efficient and support the digital economy. Investigation of GPS and Wireless Technology Utilizing Transportation Technology to Support Strategic Management Initiatives. Discusses obstacles to adoption of GPS and wireless technologies and makes recommendations for successful implementation of these safety-enhancing technologies. Regulation of Safety and Privacy Issues in Wireless Communication Applications for Transportation Collecting personal data through cell phones has pros (safety) and cons (lack of privacy). These authors conclude that, at present, private regulation is best. GPS, Wireless, and Transportation: The Promise of GPS in Services-on-Demand Public Transportation Systems GPS technology can enhance flexible, demand-responsive transportation services, yet communication with customers and economies of scale present challenges for small providers. The most promising development is in areas not served by fixed-route systems. Monetized Benefits of a Zero-Death Scenario Authors estimate a monetary value for human lives and zero-death programs. Description of the Mobile GPS Devices Four GPS devices designed for pedestrians and bicyclists: Casio Pathfinder GPS Wristwatch, GARMIN GPSIII+, eTREX, and GARMIN's NavTalk. Sustainable Best Practices Transportation Demand Management for Inter-Regional Corridors Description and recommendations for applying Transit Oriented Development (TOD) principles (or Ahwahnee Principles) to Minnesota's Inter-Regional Corridor