Evaluating Sustainable Transport Measures in the North Fringe A DfT case study

1. Evaluating Sustainable Transport Measures in the North Fringe A DfT case study North Bristol SusCom meeting 19 September 2013 Kiron Chatterjee kiron.chatterjee@uwe.ac.uk Caroline Bartle caroline.bartle@uwe.ac.uk

2. The Local Sustainable Transport Fund • Primary Objectives • Facilitate economic development • Reduce carbon emissions ‘Stimulating Growth in Priority Areas’ is main focus in West of England Employer organisations play a vital role, but how is the LSTF helping? Lack of firm evidence!

3. DfTCase Studies Carbon impacts and congestion relief Rural economy and tourism Town centres and high streets Strategic Employment Sites Case Studies (4 projects) Extra funding for detailed evaluation. Large projects (WEST project is one of 12) Small projects (84 in total) In-depth evaluation in four thematic areas, where evidence is weakest.

4. Strategic employment sites case study Strategic Employment Sites and Business Parks Hertfordshire County Council University of Hertfordshire Slough Borough Council Atkins West of England Councils UWE Maylands Business Park Hertfordshire North Fringe and Emersons Green Slough Portside

5. Why has the North Fringe been selected? Mix of employers in sectors of strategic importance to the regional and national economy. Existing collaboration on transport (SusCom) – example of good practice. About 80,000 employees (and 30,000 students) – more than other 3 case study areas combined.

6. Purpose • Assess the impact of LSTF and associated measures on commuter travel behaviour and business performance in the North Fringe, e.g. - Land use/car-parking • Staff wellbeing, recruitment and retention • Business operations • Business growth decisions • Understand the value of collaborative employer networks • Produce findings which can inform planning and funding decisions, regionally and nationally.

7. Research overview - sample The North Fringe and Emersons Green 10 to 15 companies/organisations. Selected according to a number of criteria to obtain a range of perspectives. Criteria include: size, industry sector and engagement with LSTF UWE will work closely with SusCom and the LSTF South Glos Business Engagement Officer.

8. Research overview -methods Employer interviews and survey To be undertaken in 2013 and 2015 with a senior representative of each participating Employer. On-board bus passenger survey Conducted soon after an LSTF- supported service is introduced. Employee panel survey A sub-group of respondents will be asked to complete a short survey every 3 months until 2015, to track changes in travel behaviour and attitudes over time. Employee travel survey Baseline in 2013 and follow up in 2015 Cordon count Manual counts of car users, bus users, cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists/scooters at employer sites on ‘neutral days’ in 2013 and 2015. Employee focus groups 2 to be conducted in 2013/14 and 2 more in 2015.

9. Benefits for participants Better understanding of the impact of sustainable transport measures on the performance of your business. Publicising good practice to a national audience. Contributing to a national debate and ensuring that employers’ voices are heard in future decision-making. Influencing future government spending decisions. Informing the transport agenda of the LEPs.