Additional Information on Travel Plans
This section provides some more information for those who want to understand a bit more about Travel Plans.
Travel Planning can be represented by the Travel Plan pyramid. The foundation is the location of the site or development and the spatial relationship to sustainable transport services; urban centres are usually best. The design of the site can unlock the barriers to sustainable travel. The Travel Plan Coordinator is key to making it happen and need time and resource to undertake the necessary activities. The measures or services of the Travel Plan are important to achieve success. Communication and promotion is at the top to get people engaged in the process.
Research has identified the eight keys to achieving a successful Travel Plan. It is important to consider each of these in moving forward with the initiative.
01/ Building partnerships with the local authority and public transport operators;
02/ Identifying site opportunities and barriers;
03/ Encouraging progressive change;
04/ Gaining ownership of the plan;
05/ Raising the profile of travel initiatives;
06/ Reaching key groups;
07/ Influencing the travel culture; and
08/ A focus on results.
Research has demonstrated that Travel Plans work. We understand most about Workplace and School Travel Plans and Personal Travel Planning.
| Initiative | Typical/Average Modal Shift | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace Travel Plans | 18% reduction in car driver trips | Range from 10% to over 30% |
| Area Wide Travel Plans | 10–20% reduction | – |
| School Travel Plans | 8–15% reduction in car driver trips | High performing schools can be over 20% |
| Personal Travel Planning (PTP) | 10% reduction in car driver trips | Range from 7 to 15% |
| Residential Travel Plans | Not published | 10–15% reduction should be deliverable |
| Leisure/Visitor Travel Plan | Not published | – |
Modal shift away from single occupancy car travel is the key result we are seeking with Travel Plans. We do know that it can vary hugely possibly reflecting how well they are delivered. TRICS have also examined this matter.
TRICS research indicates that to achieve a modal shift of greater than 8% requires one or more of the following:
- Significant financial incentives
- Significant bus service improvements
- Parking restrictions
- Financial disincentives for parking
Professor Marcus Enoch from Loughborough University has written a book entitled Sustainable Transport, Mobility Management and Travel Plans published by Ashgate.