NS743: Beyond Commuting, Everyday Carpooling
Problem
Since the ABC Ramps were built in the late 1980’s/early 90s, the purpose of the ramps has been to promote alternatives to driving alone, thereby reducing congestion and contributing to the vibrancy and health of the region. The 2017-2019 Transportation Options report completed by CTS looked at ABC Ramps programs, including carpooling, to make suggestions to improve transportation options at the ABC Ramps and in downtown Minneapolis. At the time the report was written, the ABC Ramps were full of commuters on a daily basis. Since the pandemic, daily parking has recovered to about 40% and carpoolers have been slow to return and seem unlikely to do so, as many former commuters telework or continue to work hybrid schedules and seek greater flexibility. However, since 2022, event attendance and parking demand in downtown Minneapolis has steadily increased. Events are now one of the primary reasons many metro-area residents visit downtown, since they no longer commute to an office on a regular basis. In 2023, Event Parking revenue accounted for 53% of the total revenues ($14.7M) at the ABC Ramps.
There is interest from multiple Transportation Management Organizations (TMOs) to promote multimodal transportation to events (Twins, Timberwolves, etc.). One idea is for sports season ticket holders be allowed to register for carpools since they are driving to sporting events at Target Field or Target Center frequently. MnDOT is interested in updating the 2019 carpool program and developing other recommendations to reflect these changes now that our customer base has switched from primarily commuters to more residential/neighborhood visitors and event customers.
Objective
Carpooling has always been a key program of the ABC Ramps. MnDOT believes the work done on this topic prior to the pandemic merits a fresh look, especially since multiple Transportation Management Organizations (TMO's) are thinking about this topic as they too adjust their work post-pandemic. The object of the proposed research seeks to address the following questions:
- How can the ABC Ramps promote carpooling and/or other multimodal transportation options for event attendees and visitors?
- Are there other examples nationally of event-based Travel Demand Management TDM efforts?
- Are there other opportunities to connect existing commuter carpool programs with new event visitor carpool programs?
- Will less expensive Event parking cause more attendees to drive into downtown and decrease the transit ridership?
- What criteria would be used to qualify a vehicle for the carpool-to-event program?
- Revenue and Expense analysis for implementing the program? Cost/Benefit.
Previous research
The ABC Parking Ramps in Minneapolis: A Unique Past. A Visionary Future. Ongoing monthly data collection available including:
- Daily parking counts, by ramp
- Event parking counts, by ramp
- Contract parking, carpool registrations, other programs – active.
ABC Ramps website with details about programs offered: ABC Ramps Mobility Hub - Parking in Minneapolis (abc-ramps.com)
Other research
- Flex Pass Study
- 2024 ULI Report on the Warehouse District (neighborhood where ABC Ramps are located)
Expected outcomes
- New or improved business practices, procedure, or process
Expected benefits
The numbers 1 and 2 indicate whether the source of the benefit measurement is from:
- A specific research task in your project that supports measuring this particular benefit, or
- Implementation of the research findings (anticipating positive results)
- Environmental Aspect: (2) Reduce single occupancy vehicle trips and VMT with carpooling.
- Safety: (2) Potential to reduce congestion with fewer single occupancy vehicles.
- User Benefits: (2) Potential financial benefit of discounted rate for carpooling.
Technical advisory panel
- Caroline Miller, MnDOT
- Ronnie Toledo, City of Minneapolis
- Mike Clough, City of Minneapolis
- MnDOT Metro District Representative
- Representative from Move Minneapolis