The cornerstone of effective urban planning includes informed decisions from research insights and the ongoing operation of mobility systems and infrastructure with input from communities and the patterns of human behavior. EurekaFacts has the expertise to develop and execute studies that help to solve today’s transportation problems. We accomplish these important research objectives by using high-quality data collection, analysis of primary and secondary data, and delivering insightful information to help transportation modelers design and expand efficient infrastructure at the state and local levels.

How does EurekaFacts use a social science perspective in transportation research?

Our team has expertise in transportation research methodologies including:

• Conducting in-person interviews with the public on board bus or rail 
• Administering intercept interviews at transit hubs 
• Fielding focus groups to test messaging and gather input and perceptions for a wide range of urban planning and communication issues 
• Conducting usability testing for all points of the transit journey
• Analyzing mobility patterns using GPS data or OD data 
• Conducting stated preference studies that model citizen choices (e.g. use of curbsides, rate structure for dynamic toll pricing) 
  
• Conducting cognitive testing for all steps of the transit experience

Transportation Research Highlights

We have conducted a wealth of studies working directly for transportation and transit agencies and as part of a broader team of transportation/urban planners, engineering firms, communications agencies, and large research companies. Some of our previous work includes: 

• Ridership surveys – Informed rider experience of users and identified barriers or potential nudges among non-users. Rider satisfaction studies are essential to keep the pulse on potential issues and the opportunities available to enhance the experience. 
• Origin and destination studies – Provided input to the planning and recalibration of routes and transportation systems. Shared the points of origin and destination of commuters with a client which served as the basis for effective transportation planning. WMATA Transit Ridership Habits Study
• Highway safety and distracted driving – Studied various aspects of distracted driver behaviors. Examined behaviors considered safe or unsafe by drivers, tested messaging to encourage safe driving and measured their incidence.  Collaboration with Maryland Transportation Institute
•  Pedestrian safety – Evaluated communications campaigns to examine the impact of messaging and other interventions. Identified successes and needed refinements.  
• Service demand estimation for public infrastructure – Estimated stated preference for various services including a survey of the stated preference on express toll lanes under a range of conditions. Also estimated likely demand at various price-points for toll fees. 
• Stated preferences and needs on the use of public spaces – Studied attitudes and preferences of city residents toward several policies for use of the curbside to inform the parking policy in a way that balanced public needs with resident parking. Measured commuter modes and the messaging which can be used to influence preferences for public transit. 
• Transportation security – Tested various messages in public and air transportation. 
• Safe solutions for cyclist- and pedestrian-friendly cities – Conducted various studies on messaging and barriers towards walkable and bike-friendly communities. Safer Solutions for Cyclist- and Pedestrian-Friendly Cities and Photovoice to Study Biking and Walking Barriers
• Branding of transit and transportation – Conducted several studies to support the development and optimization of branding on a wide range of transportation-related initiatives such as express commuter routes, electronic toll-paying web sites and apps, and the communications tools used. EurekaFacts tested the brand value of using “spokesbirds” (Spike N’ Otis Seagull) to convey traffic information for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland. 
• Usability Testing of Transit Apps – Tested the usability of a transit agency web site and public-facing apps to enhance the experience and minimize error. 

EurekaFacts’ transportation research abilities are supported by our quality and safety assurances

• Federal Wide Assurance (FWA00022062 and IRB00009628) registered with the HHS Office of Human Research Protections. 
• Physical and Information Security at FISMA, Moderate Level. 
• ISO Certified 20252, Standard for Social Research and Analytics. 
• Privacy Shield Program participant for compliance with privacy laws and regulations for EU, Switzerland, UK, and other jurisdictions using the GDPR privacy framework. 

Our transportation and infrastructure team

Our expert data collection team includes intercept/rider teams, internal telephone research (CATI) call center, methodologists specialized in transportation research, statisticians, analysts, and human factors/industrial engineering experts. Our data collection team is bilingual to meet the cultural and linguistic demands of diverse communities across the US. 

We are a diverse and small business with big capabilities

For agencies and forms seeking diverse teams, our small business status and certification as a DBE and MBE nationally and in ten states across the US is the final touch that makes inclusion in your teamwork well with your inclusion and minority/small business subcontracting goals. 

Recent Client List