Planning and analysis of a ridesharing evaluation study

We present a case discussion of the development of surveys for evaluating a metropolitan ridesharing project. We trace the conceptual development of an “ideal” survey design, the problems encountered in actual implementation, and finally the design of a low-cost narrow-range survey which focuses on specific information used to assess program benefits. We feel that this discussion can assist other ridesharing agencies, particularly those in the initial stages of formation, in determining costs and outcomes of specific survey techniques.