Public Transport

The appraisal of public transport schemes is treated in a number of TAG Units. Key entry points are listed below.

Key Entry Points:

Introductory Material

In addition to the generic guidance, some TAG Units cover the conduct of studies of highway and public transport schemes, these are: Trunk Roads (TAG Unit 1.3) and Major Schemes in Local Transport Plans (TAG Unit 1.4).

Trunk Roads (TAG Unit 1.3) recognises that some potential solutions to road problems might involve public transport, or might require combined action by the Highways Agency and local highway authorities.

Major Schemes in Local Transport Plans (TAG Unit 1.4) sets out the procedures to be followed in the appraisal of major public transport and highway schemes (“major schemes”) bid for as part of the Local Transport Plan (LTP) process.

Guidance for the Project Manager

The flow diagram in The Overall Approach: The Steps in the Process (TAG Unit 2.1) is generally applicable to public transport schemes.

Objectives and Problems (TAG Unit 2.2) recognises that the security of public transport passengers increases with the provision of surveillance, design features which reduce the opportunities for attackers to surprise travellers and facilities for making emergency calls. It also notes the importance of public transport in achieving accessibility.

Policy instruments (TAG Unit 2.3) explains how various measures can provide for public transport. For example land-use measures such as increasing development densities can make public transport more viable.

GOMMMS Supplement 3 (TAG Unit 2.7.1) recognises that the zero VAT rating applied to public transport fares means that any option that affects public transport use also has an effect on indirect taxation. The NATA already takes account of indirect taxation impacts and no change is required.

Guidance for the Expert

Transport Models (TAG Unit 3.1.2) covers: The representation of public transport supply and the public transport passenger assignment model.

Data Sources (TAG Unit 3.1.5) covers: Public Transport Passenger Origin – Destination Data and Sources of Public Transport Supply Data.

The Journey Ambience Sub-Objective (TAG Unit 3.3.13) states that journey ambience for public transport users can be improved by the delivery of better public transport services, through ‘Quality Partnerships’ in relation to buses and the creation of the Strategic Rail Authority.

The Security Sub-Objective (TAG Unit 3.4.2) points out that for public transport passengers, the DETR Mobility Unit has produced best practice guidelines for railway stations and public transport operators (Mobility Unit, 1998f).

The Transport Economic Efficiency Sub-Objective (TAG Unit 3.5.2) includes a consideration of the costs of public transport, the cost of delays and the impact on other transport modes of changes in public transport usage.

Values of Time and Operating Costs (TAG Unit 3.5.6) points out that the time spent walking to/from and waiting for public transport services is commonly valued much more highly, by a factor of around two, than time spent actually travelling.

The Reliability Sub-Objective (TAG Unit 3.5.7) covers the measurement of public transport reliability.

The Option Values Sub-Objective (TAG Unit 3.6.1) is of particular relevance to public transport schemes. For example if the strategies or plans which are being appraised include measures which will substantially change the availability of transport services within the study area (e.g. the opening or closure of a rail service, or the introduction or withdrawal of weekend buses serving a particular rural area).

The Access to the Transport System Sub-Objective (TAG Unit 3.6.3) recognises that for those without a car, access to the public transport system is of crucial importance.

Treatment of 10 Year Plan Targets in Multi-Modal Study Recommendations (TAG Unit 3.8.2) recognises the target to reduce road congestion on the inter-urban network and in large urban areas in England below current levels by 2010 by promoting integrated transport solutions and investing in public transport and the road network.