Transport
Scotland’s National Transport Strategy identifies the important role an efficient transport system has in promoting economic growth and contributing to wider outcomes such as health improvement, social inclusion and regeneration. The strategy sets out three guiding principles for transport policy at national, regional and local level, and these are:
• improve journey times and connections
• reduce emissions
• improve the quality, accessibility and affordability of public transport
At Ipsos MORI, we work with a wide range of clients to provide insight into transport issues. We specialise in large scale quantitative surveys as well as qualitative techniques such as focus groups and depth interviews enabling us to design research that truly reflects our transport clients’ needs. Our work in this field can be divided into three main areas:
Understanding the travel patterns and behaviour of individuals
We are at the forefront of collecting data on the travel patterns of individuals having managed the Scottish Household Survey (SHS) since 1998 which includes a Travel Diary section. Through the SHS Travel Diary, we have been providing the Scottish Government with robust data on:
• which sections of the Scottish population travel most often
• which modes of transport people use
• why people travel
• when journeys are made
• what problems people encounter when travelling
Our expertise also extends to providing clients with an insight into the reasons underpinning specific types of travel behaviour – for example driving under the influence of illicit drugs and choosing to drive rather than use public transport. Our goal is to always provide our clients with a valuable evidence base to inform the development of transport policy.
Perceptions of transport infrastructure and services
We have a wealth of experience in helping our clients understand public perceptions of transport infrastructure and services. Most notably, we have worked in partnership with Atkins to develop and deliver Transport Scotland’s programme of research on levels of satisfaction with the trunk road network. Other examples of our work in this field include examining Edinburgh residents’ views of the service provided by Lothian buses and exploring views among Scottish businesses on the provision of transport infrastructure.
Public attitudes to transport policy proposals
At Ipsos MORI, we offer robust techniques to help our clients gauge levels of support with high profile, and often controversial, transport policy initiatives such as the re-introduction of trams in Edinburgh. As well as examining levels of support for proposals, we utilise qualitative techniques to provide clients with an in-depth analysis of the underlying reasons the public support or reject a specific proposal.
For more information, please contact Steven Hope
Current Projects
Road users’ perceptions of the trunk road network in Scotland
Ipsos MORI has been commissioned by Transport Scotland to undertake a survey of trunk road users, having previously conducted similar research in 2010, 2009 and 2007.
As in previous years, the main objective of the survey is to explore in detail road users’ satisfaction with the trunk road network in Scotland. The main themes covered in the survey questionnaire are:
• road conditions and defects
• road works and winter maintenance
• road lighting, markings and signage
• cycle lanes and footways
• traffic information
Ipsos MORI will interview 2,000 trunk road users over two survey waves. The first wave will take place between February and April 2011, and the second between June and July 2011.
For more information, please contact Vanessa Chan on 0131 220 5699
Scottish Household Survey
The Scottish Household Survey provides the Scottish Government with robust, up-to-date information about the characteristics, attitudes and behaviour of Scottish households and individuals on a wide range of issues.
The survey now involves 14,000 interviews with households all over Scotland and Ipsos MORI works in partnership with TNS-BMRB to track issues such as internet access, smoking, experiences of anti-social behaviour, transport use, volunteering and perceptions of local councils.
As well as being used by the Scottish Government, the data from the survey is made available to other public bodies and academics for secondary analysis. The latest key findings, together with further information, can be found at the Scottish Government’s Scottish Household Survey website.
Ipsos MORI contact: Steven Hope