ANALYSIS OF TRAVEL BEHAVIOR USING 3-PARAMETER DATA LOGGERS

Data loggers were used in Atlanta to measure vehicle velocity, engine revolutions per minute, and manifold absolute pressure on 77 vehicles. The in-vehicle data loggers measured the characteristics of more than 4,600 trips generated by these drivers. The resulting database provid es a rich source of information on travel patterns, trip speed, trip d uration, and maximum velocity. The use of data loggers that actually m easure engine performance presents a unique opportunity to infer trave l behavior from a nontraditional source. In a sample application, the database was refined and analyzed to measure urban and suburban trip-c haining behavior. While this application is for a small number of trav elers, it is useful in demonstrating the benefits of recording travel behavior through the use of data loggers. The findings outline the pot ential of this method in investigating travel behavior in urban areas. Many findings from the sample application are consistent with expecta tions with the notable exception of urban chained trips, which general ly had longer trip durations than suburban chained trips.