Trip-generating characteristics of limited service/economy motels

This research attempted to develop a data base on trip-generating characteristics of limited service/economy motels. Currently, this land use is not explicitly presented in the 5th edition of the ITE Trip Generation manual. Trip generation models based on number of occupied rooms and employees were derived from data collected from 16 representative motel sites in suburban and rural highway locations of Tennessee and compared to those defined for motels in the ITE manual. In addition, a questionnaire study was conducted to evaluate trip rate variations for similar motel sites. Results of the trip generation analysis for limited service/economy motels differed from those currently provided by the ITE Trip Generation manual. Interpretation or use of the current ITE rates for motels could result in errors when estimating site generated traffic for limited service/economy motels which could lead to unnecessary public concern and substantial development fees. The results of the questionnaire study showed that factors such as guest characteristics and proximity to other land uses such as restaurants can strongly affect trip-generating characteristics of similar motel sites.