What Is a Travel Survey?
A travel survey collects information about how people travel throughout our region, including where they go, how they get there, when they travel, and what influences their transportation choices. This information helps the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (FBRMPO) understand regional travel patterns, identify transportation needs, and plan for future improvements to roads, public transit, sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and other transportation options. By participating in a travel survey, you help ensure that transportation planning reflects the needs and experiences of the people who live, work, and travel in our region.
The Western North Carolina Travel Survey
The French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (FBRMPO) and Land of Sky Rural Planning Organization (LOSRPO) are launching a survey program called the Western North Carolina Travel Survey this fall to better understand the travel needs of residents and visitors in western North Carolina. The FBRMPO and LOSRPO are responsible for guiding transportation planning efforts and helping to coordinate regional growth and local land use considerations in Haywood, Madison, Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania counties. This survey program includes both a Visitor Survey getting underway this fall, as well as a Resident Survey launching in early 2027.
The goal of this survey is to better understand the needs of the residents and visitors while travelling in western North Carolina. As travel behaviors change and technologies evolve, transportation planners will use this survey data to guide future transportation investments and prioritize improvements.
At least 750 visitors are expected to complete the visitor survey this fall in western North Carolina. Visitor surveys will be conducted at several different locations throughout western North Carolina, using a simple online survey instrument. Visitors will be recruited to take the survey either by in-person intercepts or by scanning materials posted throughout the region with a QR-code inviting visitors into the survey.
At least 2,500 households are expected to participate in the resident survey this coming spring in western North Carolina. For the resident survey, households will be randomly selected to participate and will receive an invitation by U.S. mail. Residents will be able to complete the survey online, over the phone, or through a smartphone app (rMove™). Residents who receive an invitation are strongly encouraged to complete the survey to help western North Carolina plan for a transportation system that meets their needs.
For additional information, go to the WNC Travel Survey website.