Unit 2 Research Paper 1: Experiment
Experiment: Drive time in traffic
1. Problem: How can I save time in rush hour traffic in Dallas, TX?
2. Solution: Using Toll Roads or Public transportation.
3. Course of Action: What is the cost variable for the options, Does it truly save time (is it efficient and practical)
4. Steps:
• Is it simple and more reliable by car?
• What is the average gas price vs price to ride public transportation?
• Does it truly save money either way?
• Which way is faster?
• http://wikitravel.org/en/Dallas

Daily individuals try to find ways to save drive time in rush hour traffic. We tried all types of things leave earlier but you lose family time, sleep or do other things to rearrange our daily life schedule. Well the cost option is for riding on the toll roads in gas, paying tolls or public transportation, what is the cost effective. I think the study would show that riding toll roads if the way to go. I say this because even if you ride public transportation it’s not available in every location, so you may still be in some type of traffic getting to your pick up location. Another reason I say toll roads is your can control the routes you go verses public transportation there may not be a direct route. You may have to do transfer from one stop to another and public transportation is only available doing certain hours. The cost may be cheaper for public transportation but, it is still possible you are putting wear and tear on your vehicle still requiring maintenance cost. Wiki Travel says in Dallas “The trains run every 10 minutes or so during rush hours, but slow down to as few as two trains per hour at other times. Buses will get you almost anywhere but will usually require multiple transfers and are a slow way to travel.” Based on previous studies it shows the traditional route preferred is buy car and toll roads are the new way. Wiki travel states “The simplest and most reliable way to get around Dallas is by car.” Why is this there are plenty of gas stations toll roads have less congestion. The North Texas Toll Authority of Dallas has done studies on toll roads they have consider to build. Below are some of the benefits they say for building toll roads:
• Air quality benefits: reduce approximately 84 tons of nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compound emission – a 10% reduction.
• Mobility Benefits: 1500 vehicle hours per day of reduced congestion delay, 4.2 million vehicle hours of reduced congestion delay per year.
• http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/

In conclusion yes there is cost either way, but gas is being used with either choice you make there will always be congestion but as you can see toll roads is the best to even think about saving time and efficient because you determine your route and public transportation is already pre planned and you have no control over it and they both can be cost effective case the cost for public transportation is cheaper but there are routes you can determine on toll roads that are cost effective too. I would chose toll roads to you total control of the outcome.