Market Analysis and Network Design
Market Analysis and Profiling
We have a strong track record in the delivery of practical, successful improvements at both service and network level in many different operating environments. Proven demand forecasting underpins this work, making use of a variety of data sources and techniques. Our success is based on a thorough understanding of the bus market and the key factors that influence the market for bus travel.
Our Market Analysis service for bus operators combines analysis of Electronic Ticket Machine (ETM) data with demographic data, allowing the accurate assessment of existing and potential demand for bus travel. Our QDATA ETM analysis software can handle information from virtually all electronic ticket machines and enables comprehensive and speedy processing of bulk information, providing reliable outcomes.
We have developed our 'TAS Profiler' model for over ten years to inform network design and market research projects around the UK. The model estimates bus use by successfully combining demographic information at Output Area level with National Travel Survey statistics to produce detailed outputs showing the demand for bus travel.
We recently launched the latest version of TAS Profiler for the UK Bus Market. At its core are 12 market segments to analyse the core adult passenger market by mode choice, employment, family and housing characteristics. Using Profiler allows network designers to:
- Learn in detail about the market composition of each individual route
- Analyse responses to marketing initiatives to determine suitable application elsewhere
Paul Turner, Associate Director said "TAS Profiler datasets can be linked to service corridors through a GIS interface and segmentation can be undertaken for 'walk in' catchment areas for each corridor - generally to 400m straight-line distances. Profiler is a most effective tool to allow bus operators to fully understand the characteristics of the market they are serving".
Network Reviews
We have undertaken network reviews for over 50 bus companies across the UK, analysing the existing demand using ETM data and calculating the potential market from demographic and other relevant data. Our efforts have proved to be the key to unlocking patronage growth in towns and cities as diverse as Blackpool, Nottingham, York, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield.
As well as planning and costing the new network, we undertake patronage and revenue forecasting, including modelling the effects of changes to key variables such as passenger walk times, journey times, frequency changes and fare levels. We have extensive experience in other aspects related to network modification, including crew and vehicle scheduling, preparation of service registrations and consultation with stakeholders.