Victoria, BC– Today, the Capital Regional District (CRD) Board received the 2022 Origin Destination Household Travel Survey results. The new data reveals a rise in active transportation with 29% of trips made by walking, cycling and transit use, up from the 2017 mode share of 26.6%. The regional target is 45% by 2038.
Survey data shows a 10% decrease in total personal trips, even amidst a 9% growth in population. This decline sees a shift from 1,104,300 trips in 2017 to 995,900 trips in 2022. The reduction in trips can be attributed to changing behaviours within the densely populated core, with distinct patterns emerging in the surrounding regions. The variations in travel behaviour shown by the data offer valuable insights into the potential influence of factors like the pandemic and show opportunities for more walking and biking in the future.
"The data provides helpful insights into our community mobility. Walking and biking within our neighbourhoods are gaining traction, and notably, there's a significant reduction in driving in the densely populated core,” said Colin Plant, CRD Board Chair. “It is also interesting to see that e-bikes make up 11% of all adult bikes but account for 30% of all bike trips.”
The 2022 survey gathered new data about e-bikes, e-micromobility and the availability of EV charging. Additional questions were asked about work location patterns, with the findings revealing significant changes in commuting and work-from-home behaviour. Also, questions asked on dwelling tenure and income may facilitate future equity analysis. This new information will support additional research including potential climate action and affordability analysis.
“This information can help us collaborate with local governments, agencies, and the province to develop effective transportation strategies that support the needs of our diverse communities. By assessing the data, we can track our progress toward regional transportation goals and gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping travel behaviours,” added Chair Plant.
Visit the website to view the survey results.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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Backgrounder
Origin Destination Household Travel Survey
Updated every five years, the Origin Destination Household Travel Survey data creates a comprehensive profile of travel patterns in the region on an average fall day including where residents travel, the purpose of trips and the modes of transportation used. The areas surveyed were the Regional Planning Area (RPA) of the CRD’s 13 municipalities and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, along with Salt Spring Island (SSI) which has been included in the survey both in 2017 and 2022. The Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area was not included in the survey as mode share is unlikely to change much over time given the limited transportation options and distance between destinations.
One of the notable aspects of the 2022 Survey is its unique context. Conducted after the pandemic beginning in 2020, which caused dramatic impacts on travel, this survey captures shifts in travel behaviour that are distinct from previous editions. The pandemic brought changes to resident behaviour including increased remote and flexible work and more delivery services.
Over the duration of the survey, 62,500 households were contacted, and 8,581 valid surveys were completed, exceeding the target of 7,650 surveys by 11%. This completion rate represents 4.6% of all households in the Regional Planning Area and Salt Spring Island combined, with most of the trips reported in the Regional Planning Area, including trips by Salt Spring Island residents travelling in our 13 municipalities and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area.
R.A. Malatest & Associates Ltd., a Victoria based research firm, surveyed on behalf of the CRD.