Travel Surveys

Travel surveys provide information on behavior characteristics that are essential for the development of travel demand models and in the transportation planning process. The surveys are used to gather information suitable for gaining an in-depth understanding of travel behavior in the region, including individuals within households and regional establishments, their travel activities, demographics and other factors that affect travel in the New York metropolitan area. Travel survey activity also takes place nationally.

Generally, New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) has utilized a decennially deployed Regional Household Travel Survey (RHTS) for use in the development of its New York Best Practices Model (NYBPM), an activity-based travel demand model. This process is rather costly to deploy and process. In preparation of its next RHTS, NYMTC is researching and evaluating opportunities to enhance and supplement the RHTS.




 Smartphone Survey Pilot Study (2021)
Smartphone Survey Pilot Study (2021)

This research presents best practices and recommendations for the next RHTS based on the Smartphone Pilot Study.

September 11 Scholar Research Report – The Future of Travel Surveys (2021)
September 11 Scholar Research Report – The Future of Travel Surveys (2021)

This study evaluates emerging methodologies to collect travel data to complement/supplement traditional survey methods.

Innovative Data Collection Recommendations (2016)
Innovative Data Collection Recommendations (2016)

This study describes rapidly emerging new methods of personal travel data collection in the development of travel models. 


Regional Establishment Survey (RES) (2015/16)
Regional Establishment Survey (RES) (2015/16)

The RES complements the 2010/11 RHTS and provides data on customers and visitors in the region.

Regional Household Travel Survey (RHTS) (2010/2011)
Regional Household Travel Survey (RHTS) (2010/2011)

From 2010 through 2011, travel data was collected from 28 counties in NY, NJ and CT.


Other Travel Surveys Image
NYC Mobility Report

Includes links to other regional and national travel surveys and studies



National Household Travel Survey
National Household Travel Survey (NHTS)

The National Household Travel Survey (NHTS formerly NPTS), is the nation’s inventory of daily and long- distance travel

Census Transportation
Census Transportation Planning Package (CTPP)

The Census Transportation Planning Package (CTPP) provides organizations with accurate and comprehensive data to make informed decisions.