| Telecommunications and Technology
This research helps policymakers understand
how investments in telecommunications and information infrastructure
can influence the travel choices that people make. It also provides
tools for evaluating public policies related to information technology.
New telecommunications technologies can lead to improved options
for society, such as telecommuting rather than driving to work,
and reducing emergency response times.
Some examples of the types of infrastructure that can make these
benefits possible are:
- Fiber optic telephone lines
- Global positioning systems (GPS)
- Wireless telecommunications equipment
- Mayday and other emergency systems
Project description
The primary focus of this research recently has been the potential
travel behavior impacts of telecommuting, and the implications for
community development and planning. This research has taken a variety
of approaches to the problem, including one-time surveys, qualitative
interview questions, time use diaries and daily surveys.
This work has been done in conjunction with faculty at Claremont
Graduate University (CA). It has also involved joint efforts with
the TISP (Telecommunication and Information Society Policy) Forum
to hold public events raising awareness and promoting public discussion
on these issues.
Major accomplishments
- Project Stride
- Presented telecommuting papers at TRB annual meetings (2000-2002)
- "Telecommuting Implications for Travel Behavior: Case
Studies from Minnesota," published in Transportation Research
Record 1752 (2001)
- Policy advice in developing and deploying telecommunications
technology and telecommuting given to Mn/DOT and other public
and private employers
- Engaged hundreds of telecommunications practitioners in discussing
need and extent for improving telecommunications infrastructure
in Minnesota
History
The efforts and interests of Congressman Martin Olav Sabo have
supported this research. It began in 1997 in conjunction with Mn/DOT
interest in telecommunications as an "alternative" transportation
mode.
The first element was a scoping study, followed by case studies
of one public and one private employer. These studies used one-time
surveys and qualitative interviews. More recent efforts have focused
on developing time-use diaries and examining the impact of telecommunications
on household activity choices.
Vital stats
This work is primarily sponsored by Mn/DOT through the Guidestar
program. There are several individual projects, funded annually.
Contact:
Frank Douma, 612-
626-9865, douma002@umn.edu
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