DCRP Alumnus Receives Young Researcher Award
Patrick McDonough (MRP 2004) has awarded the TDM Institute Young Researcher Award for his
Master's Project titled  “A Case-Based Reasoning Tool to Compare and Evaluate Employer-Based
Transit Pass Programs.”   In the attempts of planners to relieve urban traffic congestion, capacity
enhancement or “supply-side” mitigation strategies often take years to complete, cost hundreds
of millions of dollars to implement, and may exacerbate existing congested road segments.  
Employer-based transit pass programs that can be implemented in the short run and focus on
encouraging travelers to use transit instead of driving alone have proven effective in many metropolitan
areas in the U.S. and overseas.  These pass programs have been successful because they combat
the cost perception gap that makes auto use feel “free” and gives transit use an “out-of-pocket”
feeling when entering the vehicle... view the MP (PDF)

McDonough currently works as a Transit Service Planner at the Triangle Transit Authority’s
Commuter Resources Department.  Their mission is to inform the public of alternatives to
single occupant vehicles, to promote all of the Triangle Transit Authority’s services, and to
provide transit alternatives to residents of the Triangle and beyond.  

McDonough was a member of the Carolina Transportation Program at DCRP.  
The program is run by Asad Khattak and Daniel Rodríguez.