2013/2014 IMTC Passenger Vehicle Survey

Project status: Completed

IMTC participants have identified the need to periodically evaluate trip details of passenger vehicle travelers crossing at the Cascade Gateway ports-of-entry. These surveys help inform regional investment strategies, and provide insight into travel trends.

This study conducted surveys of cross-border passenger vehicles at four land ports-of-entry between Western Washington State and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia – commonly referred to as the Cascade Gateway. The project was advanced by the International Mobility and Trade Corridor Program (IMTC). Surveys have been conducted roughly every five years, in 2000, in 2007/2008, and 2013/2014.

Location

In this round of surveys, interviews were conducted both directions at five land ports-of-entry between the Lower Mainland of British Columbia and Whatcom County, Washington (Peace Arch/Douglas, Pacific Highway, Lynden/Aldergrove, Sumas/Abbotsford-Huntingdon, and Pt. Roberts/Boundary By ports).

Why this project was needed

The main objective of the survey was to update regional travel characteristics with current trip purpose, origin-destination, and other traveler information, and to compare these data with results from previous years.

In addition to general questions asked in all prior and subsequent surveys, the 2013/2014 effort collected information relating to strategies for promoting the NEXUS trusted traveler program; strategies to promote other radio frequency identification programs (like Enhanced Drivers Licenses); an assessment of traveler usage of the real-time border information systems in place; and an assessment of changing attitudes about cross-border travel.

Results

The full report of the 2013/14 surveys is available, summarizing both the summer and winter wave data collected and comparisons with prior years. A complete database is available through WCOG.

Project funding

The cost of the project was $139,900 (USD). Funding was provided by the agencies listed below. Critical permissions, cooperative facilitation, and baseline traffic data were provided by U.S. Customs & Border Protection and Canada Border Services Agency.

• U.S. Federal Highway Administration

• B.C. Ministry of Transportation

• Border Policy Research Institute

• Whatcom Council of Governments

For more information

Contact Jaymes McClain, Senior Planner, Whatcom Council of Governments by email or phone (360-685-8381).