|
SURVEY SHOWS DRIVERS CHOOSE THE TOLL ROADS TO SAVE GAS, TIME
Rising fuel costs and desire to save time cited as reasons Southern Californians drive the Toll Roads
IRVINE, Calif. (May 21, 2008) – A recent survey of commuters who drive the Orange County Toll Roads (State Routes 73, 133, 241 and 261) shows many choose the routes to save gas. Known for free-flowing traffic, Orange County’s 51 miles of Toll Roads allow more efficient gas consumption and the option to avoid congested traffic on the 91, 405 and 5 Freeways.
Orange County gas prices recently set record-highs; some analysts predict the cost of fuel will reach $5 per gallon in California by the end of the year. Gas prices have drained $65 billion from consumer spending nationwide so far this year, as reported in an economic forecast study published by California State University, Fullerton.
According to the National Motorists Association (NMA), less fuel is consumed in free-flowing conditions by driving at a steady speed and avoiding complete stops. In fact, maintaining speeds between 45-60 miles per hour is shown to be most fuel-efficient. The Toll Roads exhibit free-flowing conditions during off-peak times and very little congestion during peak driving hours. In addition to wasting valuable time and gas, traffic congestion also increases air pollution.
Between April 3 and April 30, TCA conducted an electronic customer survey. The survey was posted on www.thetollroads.com, advertised on signs in the cash lanes at the toll plazas and included in email communications with customers. More than 28,000 people responded to the survey. About 86 percent of respondents rated TCA’s customer service either “outstanding” or “good” and about 88 percent ranked their overall experience using the Toll Roads as “outstanding” or “good.” The survey data will help TCA improve customer service and operations.
All of the survey respondents were eligible to win $500 in free tolls. Winner Jo Pierce, a Poway resident, commutes daily to Santa Ana and relies on the 73 Toll Road when she needs to be sure she arrives at work on time or to hurry home. Pierce estimates that opting to take the 73 Toll Road saves her between 10 and 30 minutes and also eliminates the stress of sitting in freeway congestion. She often stays later at her office to avoid traffic but choosing to take the Toll Road allows her to leave work sooner and get home earlier.
ABOUT TCA
More than 300,000 trips are taken on The Toll Roads every weekday. The Toll Roads are operated by the Transportation Corridor Agencies, two joint powers authorities formed to plan, finance, construct, and operate Orange County's 67-mile public toll road system. Fifty-one miles of the system are complete, including the 15-mile San Joaquin Hills Toll Road from Newport Beach to San Juan Capistrano; and the 36-mile Foothill/Eastern Toll Road system from the 91 Freeway to south Orange County. More info: www.thetollroads.com.
|
