Commonly, transit researchers use random digit dial (RDD) telephone methodology to study origin-destination, customer satisfaction, mode choice and for planning purposes. This approach has come under-fire in recent years with concerns about a growing cell-phone only population. Estimates of a cell-phone only population sit at seven to nine percent, likely to grow larger in the coming years (Keeter, 2006). Survey researchers and the like want to offset RDD methodology’s decline with fresh sophisticated techniques. As Internet penetration increases and technological savvy improves among the US population, researchers from all disciplines have turned their attention to Web-based survey techniques. Web-based techniques put less strain on resources, afford the researcher more rigorous control of data collection, and can reach larger audiences with very little effort. As advantageous as Web-based surveying is, limited regulatory aspects of the Internet compromise the sampling and statistical rigor researchers seek. This presentation has four objectives: discuss the advantages/disadvantages of Web-based survey techniques; provide options transportation researchers have when moving toward a Web-based approach to data collection; presents two study areas the CTA has utilized Web-based techniques; and makes suggestions for broader transit application.

"TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 69: Web-Based Survey Techniques explores the current state of the practice for web-based surveys. The report examines successful practice, reviews the technologies necessary to conduct web-based surveys, and includes several case studies and profiles of transit agency use of web-based surveys. The report also focuses on the strengths and limitations of all survey methods"--Publisher's description

Identifies various challenges to the world community of transport survey specialists as well as the larger constituency of practitioners, planners, and decision-makers that it serves and provides potential solutions and recommendations for addressing them.

Web Survey Methodology guides the reader through the past fifteen years of research in web survey methodology. It both provides practical guidance on the latest techniques for collecting valid and reliable data and offers a comprehensive overview of research issues. Core topics from preparation to questionnaire design, recruitment testing to analysis and survey software are all covered in a systematic and insightful way. The reader will be exposed to key concepts and key findings in the literature, covering measurement, non-response, adjustments, paradata, and cost issues. The book also discusses the hottest research topics in survey research today, such as internet panels, virtual interviewing, mobile surveys and the integration with passive measurements, e-social sciences, mixed modes and business intelligence. The book is intended for students, practitioners, and researchers in fields such as survey and market research, psychological research, official statistics and customer satisfaction research.