The TRICS Multi-Modal Survey MethodologyKEVIN TRAVERS, HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

The TRICS Multi-Modal Survey Methodology Background (TRICS data collection and SAM)

Methodology Overview (the process of survey preparation)

Undertaking a TRICS multi-modal site visit

Production of TRICS multi-modal survey specifications

Background TRICS has been engaged in data collection since it was launched in 1989.

Multi-modal (people counts) surveys were introduced in 2000.

Annual data collection programme of both Level 1 (traffic) and Level 2 (multi-modal surveys) across 17 regions of the UK and Ireland.

Standardised Assessment Methodology (SAM) for monitoring travel plans introduced in 2005.

A detailed methodology document was introduced to assist organisations who wanted their surveys to be TRICS-compliant.

Methodology Overviewo Procedures in the document should be followed to ensure TRICS compatibility.

o Site visits should be undertaken with a number of checks and observations made, to establish the requirements for a multi-modal survey to take place.

o Survey specifications follow site visits, and are more detailed instructions as to how the survey should be undertaken, on an enumerator by enumerator basis, along with site access point photos.

o If the document is followed then surveys can be TRICS compliant, subject to data input and validation testing procedures.

Undertaking a Site Visit Prior to undertaking a multi-modal TRICS survey, a site visit, including its essential checks, is a fundamental requirement.

Site Visit Checks 1. Site boundary integrity.

2. On-site parking provision and use of site parking by non-site users.

3. Relevance and observation of off-site parking.

4. Local public transport provision.

5. Total number of access points.

6. Exclusion of through-trips.

Site Visit Checks 7. “Cross-over” trips from adjacent sites.

8. Exceptions for some “town centre” and “embedded” developments.

9. Avoidance of double-counting.

10. Type of survey required (Fully Observational, Part Observational, Full Interview).

11. Requirement of head counts.

Site Visit Checks 12. “Journey Purpose” counts form Employment SAM sites.

13. Additional surveys and count modes for Greater London sites.

14. Special survey conditions.

15. Total number of enumerator locations required at any one time.

16. Requirements of each enumerator location.

17. Site photographs.

Multi-Modal Survey Specifications

A multi-modal survey specification uses the information gathered in a site visit to provide detailed instructions on how a TRICS survey is to be undertaken. It is essential that data collection companies fully understand the specification, and that is why it is written in clear and precise detail.

Survey Specifications: Overview A TRICS multi-modal survey specification should contain all of the following:

A clear summary of when the survey should be undertaken and the resources required for it.

Detailed instructions on exactly what counts and interviews are to take place, and by whom.

Photographs to assist the overall understanding of the site and its access points.

Components of a Survey Spec 1. Identification of the site and its location.

2. Identification of the TRICS land use classification

3. Day of the week and survey duration required.

4. Total number of access points for all modes and vehicles.

5. Total number of enumerators required at any one time.

Components of a Survey Spec 6. Type of survey required.

7. Identification of special survey conditions required.

8. Individual enumerator requirements.

9. Site photographs with descriptive headings.

Individual Enumerator Requirements

These are the key things to consider when writing individual enumerator instructions.

o Where should the enumerator be positioned?

o What visual observations (counts) are to be undertaken by the enumerator?

o What interviews are necessary to be undertaken by the enumerator?

o Are there any special conditions that the enumerator needs to be aware of (and act on)?

TRICS Can Undertake YOUR Surveys TRICS can manage the whole process of preparing for and undertaking a multi-modal survey at any development.

Contact a member of the TRICS team for a “ballpark” estimate quote.

TRICS would manage the site visit and survey specification process, providing a full quote for undertaking all of the work up to the point of the data being fully validated and the TRICS outputs supplied.

Our own TRICS-approved data collection contractors would be appointed to undertake the survey count to our specification.

Survey would be “TRICS Compliant” upon data validation being completed.