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:
A good understanding of traveller behaviour underpins all policies which are effective in influencing travel behaviour to reduce congestion, increase activity levels, improve air quality and/or reduce carbon emissions. I...
Funded by: ESRC
Lead research organisation: University of the West of England
The project provides insights into multi-day traveller behaviour, which can inform sustainable transport policies and practices, addressing the impact of Covid-19 on sustainable travel behaviour.
This project addresses the urgent need for transport operators to be able to efficiently implement social distancing on their tram/rail services amid current COVID-19 restrictions and to optimally manage demand, access a...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Lead research organisation: ACCELOGRESS LIMITED
The project addresses the need for transport operators to implement social distancing on their services amid Covid-19 restrictions, but does not directly answer the question about the overall impact of Covid-19 on sustainable travel behaviour.
A safe and functioning transport system is vital to maintain economic activities in countries, developing or not. In most developing countries, the transport system is characterised by a crowded bus transit and micro-tra...
Funded by: GCRF
Lead research organisation: University of Leeds
The project aims to model the exposure risk tradeoff between public transit and private paratransit in the era of Covid-19, which is relevant to understanding the impact of Covid-19 on sustainable travel behaviour.