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• <br /> • <br /> III. STUDY APPROACH <br /> There are two major thrusts to the proposed study. The first of these <br /> is to examine alternative public transportation service and TSM strategies <br /> for the Research Triangle .region. The second is to explore the optional <br /> organizational structures that might be suitable for the Triangle area. <br /> Our approach in dealing with the transportation needs assessment is to <br /> emphasize the presentation of existing information rather than to collect <br /> new travel data. We shall rely on travel data that have already been <br /> collected by the N.C. Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions <br /> within the region. We shall not collect new travel data. Rather, we shall <br /> focus on developing effective formats for displaying these data. Relying on <br /> charts and graphs and high quality graphics, we shall attempt to portray the <br /> current transportation trends and the likely future problems facing <br /> travelers within the region. Our primary focus in doing so shall be on <br /> commuting travel , but we shall also provide information describing problems <br /> faced by non-commuters, such as persons without access to cars, students, <br /> the elderly, and the handicapped. <br /> We shall examine approximately six public transportation service <br /> options and various TSM-type actions and assess the ability of each to meet <br /> the needs of the region. We shall work closely with a steering committee <br /> established by NCDOT and comprised of local and state representatives. The <br /> steering committee shall assist us in identifying appropriate options and in <br /> reviewing the analysis. <br /> In examining the alternative organizational structures, we shall <br /> attempt to be creative in considering organization stuctures that do not now <br /> exist in North Carolina. Our approach here will be expansive and creative <br /> while at the same time realistic. We will attempt to encourage local <br /> officials to think about new ways to approach a regional problem. After the <br /> organizational structure options have been identified, we shall analyze each <br /> organizational option and evaluate its appropriateness for the Triangle <br /> area. We shall also examine the relation of each organizational option to <br /> the existing instituional arrangements for guiding development of our <br /> highway system. <br /> The key element in this portion will be ongoing, extensive liaison with <br /> local officials throughout the region. <br />