Household travel surveys provide detailed demographic and daily trip making information that provide key inputs into current and future transportation planning investments. They answer questions about daily travel habits and provide insights into travel patterns. The data enables WCOG to continue producing a robust travel demand model that assists local planners and engineers evaluate the system, understand current and forecasted deficiencies, and seek opportunities and investments to improve travel for all our users.
The 2025 Whatcom Regional Transportation Study is underway
Be on the lookout for an invitation to participate in our county-wide transportation study that will provide us the most comprehensive understanding about our travel behaviors throughout our beautiful county.
For those who receive an invitation, information about how to participate is provided at https://whatcomrts.com/.
The study is being conducted from September 26th through November 23rd. There are two main elements of the survey: 1. gather demographic information about the invited household (similar to what you find in Census) and 2. record daily trip details for the members of the household. The data will then be prepared for reporting and for utilization in the countywide travel demand model. WCOG will also be developing a publicly available dashboard to illustrate the results of the study.
For further information about our study, how to complete the study, participant support, and your personal privacy protection, please visit https://whatcomrts.com/questions/.
2018 Study
The 2018 Whatcom Regional Transportation Study was conducted between January 2018 and April 2019. WCOG hired Resource Systems Group, Inc. to prepare the survey's instruments, conduct the survey, process the data, and provide reports and documentation.
The study was conducted as a two-part survey. Part one was a questionnaire that gathered basic demographic profile data and typical travel behaviors. Part two involved a travel diary where each household member specified their daily travel details.
This project was one of the first in the nation to deploy the use of smartphone app technology as the predominant tool used to track daily travel. The smartphone app, RSG’s rMove, accounted for over 60% of the households. Smartphone users were able to participate up to seven days of travel. The remainder of participants reported a single-day of travel through the website travel diary or call-in.
1,451 households completed the study, surpassing study goals by 45%.
Whatcom Regional Transportation Study_Analysis Report
Whatcom Regional Transportation Study_Methodology Report
For data files, please contact WCOG.
2008 Survey
The 2008 North Sound Travel Survey was conducted as a joint effort to study travel behavior in Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties. The survey documents demographics and 24-hour travel behavior characteristics of 1,500 total households (750 from Whatcom County).