Trip Generation Rates of Correctional Facilities

Abstract

In the planning of a system of new regional jails in West Virginia, a general lack of trip generation data for correctional facilities was noted. Consequently, five regional jails and one federal correctional facility in West Virginia were studied. First, trip rates were calculated exclusively for the regional jails. Since the regional jails were a homogenous grouping of correctional facilities with respect to facility type and size, the trip rates calculated for the regional jails are believed to be reliable. Second, the regional jail data were synthesized with data from the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the federal correctional facility in West Virginia. These facilities were not homogenous with respect to size or facility type. It was determined that both the facility type (i.e., prisons versus jails) and size have a significant impact on the trip rate. Trip rates were calculated for the more generalized grouping of “correctional facilities” based on the synthesized database. However, users are cautioned to adjust the trip rates to reflect actual conditions with respect to facility type, size, and visitation policy.