Hammersmith Intervention Study

Transport for London Innovation Fund award: 2009-2010.

The study involved the design and implementation of a theoretical based awareness intervention using a randomised controlled trial design which aimed to influence the travel decisions of car drivers visiting Hammersmith, UK. The aim of the project is to help inform the design of future travel awareness raising interventions and how understanding of the underlying processes of behavioural change can increase their effectiveness.

Reports:

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Scottish Intermodal Gateway Network (SIGN)

A Scottish Initiative within the Dryport project

The Transport Research Institute, and SEStran, are the Scottish partners in the European Dryport consortium. The €4.8 million European

project is part funded through the Interreg IVb North Sea Region Programme and examines the critical role that dryports can play in maximising the capacity and efficiency of sea ports, while also shifting traffic off the roads and on to rail or inland waterway.

For TRI and SEStran, Scottish involvement in the Dryport Project is a natural extension of the Regional Transport Strategy, focusing on developing sustainable and integrated freight movement to, within and from the South East of Scotland. The Dryport project will bring focus to the important existing maritime gateway ports of Grangemouth and Rosyth and improve their effectiveness and attraction for direct imports and exports by bringing about the improvements required at the Gateway ‘interface’ and to hinterland road and rail transport service and infrastructure.

KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE ON PUBLIC POLICY

funded by the Scottish Funding Council

Duration: January 2009 to February 2010.

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INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN SHORT AND LONG-DISTANCE TRANSPORT NETWORKS

funded by the EU 7th Framwork Programme

Duration: June 2009 to June 2011.

Contact: Christiane Bielefeldt

TRANSPORT RESEARCH INSTITUTE CONSORTIUM AWARDED £380,000

The Transport Research Institute (TRI) has been awarded a significant project by the Technology Strategy Board and EPSRC to undertake a review of rural transport systems.

TRI, in a consortium with the University of Aberdeen, Mobisoft and Quotient Associates, has been awarded £380,000 to develop a Demand Responsive Transport Management Portal. The funding was awarded as part of the Strategy Board’s Informed Personal Travel Competition, which aims to develop innovative solutions for providing reliable, accurate and credible information for people to manage journeys. Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) is the use of shared door to door public transport, such as buses and taxis, where service provision is influenced by user demand. DRT is especially valuable for people living in rural areas or for those with disabilities; who have little or no access to fixed public transport.

Dr James Cooper, TRI Knowledge Transfer Coordinator said: “The DRT sector isn’t sufficiently serviced by transport planning and information tools. At best a passenger will receive information on where services exist, but this falls far short of actually offering real time booking of trips. In addition any technology that is in use is only available to large operators and varies across the UK, making it incredibly difficult for passengers to plan and book their trips”.

The proposal developed between TRI and its consortium recognises the opportunity to match transport provision with passenger need in a seamless manner. The DRT Management Portal will provide transport operators with access to modern digital map based planning and dispatching tools not previously available. This in turn will open up new markets, increasing profitability for operators and boosting the overall economy. Such a system will be of particular benefit to those living in rural areas where there is a strong need for more flexible transport solutions to fill gaps in provision.

“From a passenger perspective the benefits of our approach include access to a wide variety of flexible, low cost, shared transport, giving them a real alternative to their cars. The advantages of such a system are numerous, ranging from financial to environmental” said James.

The proposal for this funding was developed with assistance from 2kT who provide academic staff with advice and guidance on aspects of knowledge transfer such as the current market, developing a business case and satisfying funder requirements. The Transport Research Institute has an established and growing record in delivering timely research as part of its Knowledge Transfer activities.

For further information contact the TRI KT Coordinator:

Dr James Cooper

Tel: +44 (0)131 208 1055