Checking the Validity of the ITE Trip Generation Models for Brazilian Shopping Centers

Abstract

The number of shopping centers in Brazil has grown significantly in the past 20 years. Unfortunately, there is no Brazilian equivalent of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) that systematically updates trip generation rates and models for use in impact studies before development projects are approved. Although ITE trip generation characteristics are often used in Brazil, there are some important differences between Brazil and North America and their shopping centers that may make these numbers inaccurate. This paper examines the statistical behavior of the vehicle volume attracted by shopping centers in Rio de Janeiro and compares this volume with estimates using ITE rates and equations. Data on daily car volume, characteristics of parking facilities, peak days, and size of mall were obtained through questionnaires sent to shopping center administrators and then aggregated. Comparisons of the results of this study with ITE figures show few similarities and many differences. The statistical correlation between gross leasable area (GLA) and volumes of vehicles attracted was the only point in common. The shape of the curve formed by the estimation equation and the magnitude of weekday trips generated per GLA differed significantly between the ITE data and the Brazil data. Part of this difference can be explained by modal split, since almost 100% of U.S. shopping center trips are by car, while in Brazil, the average is only about 50%. Shopping centers in Brazil also tend to be much smaller than their U.S. counterparts. These smaller shopping centers serve more local areas, which enables more people to walk and use public transportation than is possible with larger shopping centers. The findings from this study suggest the need for gathering information that permits development of trip generation models and rates that specifically reflect the unique characteristics of Brazil.

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