SUMO - Eltis

7. Drawing up indicators and methods for
the different analysis levels
7.1 INDICATORS THAT ASSIST UNDERSTANDING
It is often difficult in practice to directly measure travel habits and the impact on traffic
for different measures. Indicators can be used instead. Indicators are data that are
easy to measure and have been chosen or compiled to illustrate changes that cannot be
measured directly.
Indicators are specified for each planned service and target group and for each of the
analysis levels. Indicators are chosen to be consistent with the defined targets. For some
levels and targets it is sufficient to register or measure numbers, while for others it may
be better to describe indicators in terms of a percentage. The method or methods used
to collect data is to be stated for each indicator.
It is not possible only to focus on quantifying changes, such as the number of motorised
kilometres. It is also important to study why these changes have taken place. This
means the list of indicators should also include reasons for the changes in behaviour.
Indicators used are slightly different for city-wide and site-specific projects.
7.2 METHODS FOR COLLECTING DATA
A large amount of different types of data can be interesting to study. However, data
collection requires extensive effort and is often expensive. It is therefore important to
carefully identify which data are necessary for monitoring and evaluation of the project
for the chosen indicators. Before starting a project, one should carefully think through
which behavioural measurements are required before the project begins. This is
necessary to compare and measure the effects of implemented measures.
In principle, data collection should be carried out regularly (each year, month, week
etc.) in order to monitor changes in user situation and behaviour, increased programme
efficiency and the impact of this on the transport system. While planning the project
one should decide how often data collection should take place. For the Test Traveller
project, it is suitable to measure travel behaviour before the test period, during the test
period, and 6 and 12 months afterwards. Documentation of useful achievements
should be carried out continuously.
INDICATORS AND METHODS
sumo – System for Evaluation of Mobility Projects 25