Social Interpretation Study Exploring the Tolerance of the Traveling Public in Delaware for Increased Revenues and/or Taxes to Support Surface Transportation Needs.
详细信息
文摘
The choice between funding transportation infrastructure, improving the nation's education system, providing healthcare services to seniors and children, strengthening the economy or improving the environment has become a challenging and critically important decision. With the continued growth of the American population, there is interdependency on all of these services. The surface transportation system is a vital part of economic growth and stability. User satisfaction, funding levels and government regulations are serious issues facing transportation officials. This social interpretation study explored the tolerance for increased revenues and/or taxes to support surface transportation needs among Delawareans over the age of eighteen. Through the eyes of the user, this quantitative and qualitative study examined the relationship between user satisfaction, commute times, and demographics with the level of tolerance for increased taxes/revenues. Overall satisfaction was self disclosed by the respondents and tax/revenue alternatives were provided as they relate to tolerance. The study also explored the relationship between the demographics of survey respondents (including age, annual income, gender, political affiliation, county of residence and education level) to the level of tolerance for increased taxes/revenues to support the transportation system. These demographics were further compared to the top transportation priorities as rated by the respondent. The study allows the survey participants to voice their opinions about transportation funding options. The findings suggest that the citizens of Delaware have an interest in the tax structures that will impact their livelihood. The research results can be used to focus discussions around public interest as it relates to transportation and funding.