Multi-Modal Studies are intended to be investigations of problems on or with all modes of transport. The initial Government programme of Multi-Modal Studies was identified in the course of the 1998 Roads Review to address specific problems on the trunk road network. In practice, it was expected that the studies would major on problems on the road, rail and bus systems, including access to ports and airports. It was envisaged, though, that the studies could also include analysis of problems of air transport, coastal shipping and inland waterways.

Transport problems within a study area vary in severity and in terms of the number of people affected. The Government's Multi-Modal Studies were principally intended to address the most severe strategic transport problems rather than isolated local transport problems. For example, area-wide congestion which might be best addressed by an area-wide policy could be considered in a Multi-Modal Study, whereas an isolated safety problem which might be best tackled by a localised measure was not likely to be regarded as a suitable subject for a Multi-Modal Study. Collections of localised problems or apparently isolated problems, however, could have been regarded as legitimate consideration for a Multi-Modal Study.

The Government's Guidance on the Methodology for Multi-Modal Studies (DETR, 2000) provided an overview and guidance on the whole study process and more detailed guidance on some specific aspects of the Studies. The Guidance also provided a 'gateway' to more detailed advice on individual aspects of the study, where appropriate advice is readily available elsewhere.

At the time of publication GOMMMS was the primary guidance document on the multi-modal New Approach To Appraisal (NATA), and so was applicable to other types of study. In order to facilitate its wider use in transport appraisal, GOMMMS and some key supporting documents have been restructured and reissued as Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG). TAG will be a web-based product, available from this web site.

Key Entry Points:

Introductory Material

An Introduction to Transport Analysis, (TAG Unit 1.1) provides a brief guide to the appraisal process for transport facilities.

Multi-Modal Studies: Introduction to GOMMMS (TAG Unit 1.2) introduces the background to the Multi-Modal Studies. This document is intended for the following audiences:

• the organisations who commission and steer Studies;
• the consultants commissioned to undertake the Studies; and
• other participants in the Studies, such as the statutory bodies and interest groups

who should all be familiar with its contents before proceeding to later units.

Guidance for the Project Manager

The Overall Approach: Steps in the Process (TAG Unit 2.1) provides an overview of the study process and provides a starting point for subsequent Units on Objectives and Problems, Policy Instruments, Modelling and The Appraisal Process.

Guidance for the Expert

Modelling (TAG Unit 3.1) and Appraisal (TAG Unit 3.2) introduce the specialist advice that the expert user will follow in Multi-Modal Studies. This guidance is primarily aimed at the consultants commissioned to undertake the studies.

A full list of TAG Units is available on the Documents page.

Further information:

The policy background to the development of the New Approach to Appraisal and the Multi-Modal Studies is set out in more detail in A New Deal for Transport, The Government's White Paper on the future of transport (DETR, 1998) and A New Deal for Trunk Roads (“The Roads Review”) (DETR, 1998). These documents are available on the DfT website - see Transport Policy Links.

Many Multi-Modal Studies have project websites to assist with the consultation process and the dissemination of reports. A list of MMS websites currently known to us is available under Multi-Modal Studies Links.