Overview and background research

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Research forms an important part of the overall Programme. Pieces of research have been and will continue to be commissioned where necessary in order to support and direct development of the portal.

The role of research has been paramount in formulating the proposals for Transport Direct. 

  • A study by the Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT) on the key factors that influence potential travellers with a high propensity to consider modal shift showed that provision of information ranked fifth in the hierarchy of factors. The top four factors were punctuality, reliability, frequency and cost; however these are complex issues involving long-term and potentially structural changes to the industry. Information, on the other hand, is an area in which change can be effected in relatively quick time and at comparatively low cost. Please also refer to the 'Traveller Information Systems Research: A Review and Recommendations for Transport Direct' which was conducted by the Transportation Research Group.
  • Research into the extent to which users made well thought-out decisions regarding their choice of modes indicated that it was insufficient to merely present a choice in order to challenge the option habitually chosen. Only when the information was integrated and additional value-added data was added would the user feel inclined to make a decision using the full facts presented.  Cap Gemini were commissioned by the Department to validate the Government's proposals for Transport Direct.
  • The availability of travel information to the public has changed dramatically in recent years with the arrival of the Internet and mobile telephony and communications. Research has been an important aspect of the development of Transport Direct. In 2007 Transport Direct commissioned the University of West of England to review travel information research from 2001 to date and produce a Compendium of Research. Please see Strategic Review of Research (PDF, 258KB) and Strategic Review of Research Compendium (PDF, 888KB).

Transport Direct: An Audit of the Concept (PDF, 67kb)

It is suggested that the casual reader look at the Phase 1 overview report before reading reports MR01 - MR04.  This report summarises the outcomes of the first phase of Transport Direct's market research programme and A review of recommendations for Transport Direct (PDF, 289kb).