Bay Area Fastrak's Impact On Bay Area Traffic: The Data Speaks

Challenges, more than 65% of bay area commuters drive to work alone, a statistic that has remained fairly constant since the early 1980s (see figure 1. 1 in the appendix). We utilized forecasting, marketing, and operations research models to make recommendations and collaborate with transportation authorities to increase fastrak usage during peak hours (5 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 7 pm) as a way of addressing traffic congestion. A solution to ensure smooth vehicle throughput at toll plazas is the widespread adoption of the electronic toll collection system called fastrak.

Read also: Autumn NL: 7 Mistakes You're Making (And How To Fix Them)

However, the fastrak system has experienced low usage rates since its inception relative to other toll collection systems in the country. Bata also instituted a carpool toll of $2. 50 (previously carpools crossed for free) payable by fastrak electronic toll collection tag only. To estimate the number of cars on the road and the number of passengers riding public transit, below are charts that show how many vehicles used bay area bridges, how many trips were taken in the bart system, and how many clipper cards were used each month, starting in january 2019.

Don't miss: 5 Untold Stories From The Jailyne Ojeda Leak: A Deep Dive Investigation.

Related: Unseen DD Blanchard Crime Scene Photos: The Untold Story