If public transport is to provide an attractive alternative to driving, it needs to work all the way from door to door. Just consider Bob's journey, below. Poor cycling provision, poor information and poor connections between transport modes meant that poor Bob had a miserable journey.
In 2011 we wrote a report tackling this issue: Seamless journeys from door to door.
If public transport is to be a real and attractive alternative to cars, it needs to offer the same kind of door-to-door service that cars do.
This is not impossible, as experience in some parts of the UK and in many other countries shows.
There are four main elements that are needed to integrate transport. These are:
- Giving people good information before and during their journeys
- Making sure that the interchanges between different public transport services don't act as a barrier (and that walking and cycling access and facilities are good)
- Getting transport services to connect with each other
- Having tickets that allow services to join up in a simple and transparent way
You can read the summary of our 2011 research here or download the whole report.
A new generation of interchanges
Good interchanges can greatly influence the travel choices people make. Depending on their location, capacity and design, a good interchange can offer:
- Links to a wide range of destinations employing several modes
- Integrated travel information for ease of use
- Access to good quality transport services with clear routes between modes
- Local benefits such a more attractive, visited and more accessible public realm.
Read our 2018 report, Integrated transport: A new generation of interchanges