Decision Support Tools - Thematic Research Summary - Transport ...

Five sub-themes have been considered in this synthesis of findings from research projects.The main achievements in each sub-theme are as follows:In the sub-theme concerning transport planning tools, research has produced forecastsfor multi-modal passenger and freight using a combination of modelling tools, and hascarried out a foresight exercise on the influence of non-transport factors and policy onmobility and transport. Thematic networks to compare and analyse results on transportdemand forecasting and scenario building and to make advanced transport models moreaccessible to decision makers have been established, and investigations on how toimprove decision making processes through effective stakeholders’ engagement havebeen carried out. Research has also produced a model to assess the potential impacts ofe-Economy on future demand of passenger and freight transport. Possible futurescenarios for the transport system and energy supply have been developed, comparedand assessed, and scenarios for air transport and its emissions have been developed,quantified and tested.In the sub-theme relating to European transport information and assessment systems,research has completed the clusters of project for the development of the pilot EuropeanTransport Information System (ETIS) and has investigated ways of improvingcomparability and reliability of sources for statistical data. Information platforms to providepolicy makers with useful information on maritime transport, sustainable urban transportsystems, intermodal passenger transport, road safety, cycling policy, and policy supportand assessment tools have been established. Research has also made a contribution tothe definition of common good practice principles for national and regional transportmodelling to support model developers in new Member States, and has established astandardised approach for transport modelling in the European Union. An enhancedEuropean transport network model for passenger and freight transport has beendeveloped.In the sub-theme concerning project and policy evaluation methodologies, researchhas been concerned with issues on ex-post evaluation of large infrastructure projects andthe development of an approach to the funding of large transport infrastructureinvestments as well as a set of harmonised guidelines for project assessment andtransport costing at EU level. Research has also developed a common approach fortransport infrastructure development in the Mediterranean region, an approach andplanning methodology for the analysis of urban transportation problems, as well asmethodologies for ex-ante and ex-post assessment of transport policies and strategies.Research has also investigated the extent to which policy makers take into account qualityof life effects of implemented policies.Thematic Research Summary: “Decision Support Tools” Page: 6 of 74Transport Research Knowledge Centre