Build confidence in the transport network as the country
recovers from Covid-19 and improve transport users’
experience, ensuring that the network is safe, reliable, and
inclusive
Context
We must put the needs and expectations of current and potential users at the heart
of the operation of the transport system, especially given the significant impact
Covid-19 has had on both usage and perceptions of public transport. Ensuring that
our infrastructure and the services which use it meet the varied needs of businesses
and the public, are attractive, affordable, sustainable and resilient is a crucial goal for
the department.
Key areas of focus are:
• Building confidence and improving the public transport experience
• Improving the experience for road users
• Building a transport network that works for everyone
• Continually improving the safety, security and resilience of the transport system
The research and evidence needs listed below are integral parts to help deliver our
key areas of focus and address how we make progress against initiatives such as the
National Bus Strategy, William-Shapps Plan for Rail, and the Inclusive Transport
Strategy. This is more important than ever as the risks from COVID-19 reduce,
people build the confidence to return to public transport and new travel patterns
emerge. Social and behavioural science and research is core to the delivery of all our
programmes, including R&D. This is critical to ensure the development and delivery
of policy includes the needs of all groups, especially those often marginalised.
Get in touch with BridgetoResearch@dft.gov.uk
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
Amongst the advantages that private transport is perceived to hold over public transport is that it is inherently safer in terms of supporting personal security in travel. This perception is linked to notions of public a...
Funded by: EPSRC
The project addresses the question fully and the authors have the necessary expertise.
The UK is currently experiencing severe disruption due to the Covid-19 lockdown, and ending the lockdown in a controlled way is vital to the UK's economic future. Public transport is critical to getting key workers to th...
Funded by: Innovate UK
The project focuses on real-time measurement of UK rail passengers to enable social distancing during a pandemic, directly addressing the question of deploying emerging technologies to enhance protective security and resilience of transport systems.
Official statistics from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) have revealed that rail passenger journeys across the UK fell to the lowest levels last seen in the mid-nineteenth century during mid-2020\. Working patterns are...
Funded by: Innovate UK
The project involves creating a Virtual Reality Simulation for Covid Secure Travel, which partially addresses the question by focusing on enhancing the public transport experience and building confidence in rail services during the pandemic.