Carried out by the PTV Group, a provider of software and consulting for traffic, transport logistics and geomarketing, in the last quarter of 2012, the “Perspective – Public Transport” white paper surveyed around 300 people of which over 200 were from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Four different groups were interviewed – transport operators, associations as well as consulting and engineering offices – and were asked whether globalisation, liberalisation, scarcity of resources or demographic change moves the sector.

The majority (81%) listed fewer resources and climate change as the largest industry driver. Moreover, 80% believe that demographic change is a strong driver.

The four different groups evaluated both topics differently. For example, transport operators and consulting and engineering offices placed major emphasis on "Green Concepts": Over half of those surveyed (72%) are working on more efficient vehicle utilisation. Optimised schedules came in second place (61%). The use of environmentally friendly vehicles, such as solar buses or hybrid vehicles, came in third place (58%).

Some transport operators are also focusing on green electricity and the production of renewable energies on platform roofs. Those surveyed also emphasise that they are dealing intensively with networking various transport modes, and with the help of modern and mobile services, are reducing the access barriers for potential public transport customers. Intensive dialogue marketing and creating interfaces between public transport and urban mobility, e.g. car and bike sharing, were stated repeatedly here.

As well as looking at the issue of changing demographics, the research also covers the question of what must be regulated by statutory and financial authorities? The survey participants make it clear that they are intensively considering the ability to finance the public transport system and are demanding improvements to transport policy. So the majority of those surveyed (73%) would like a clear definition and financing for the basic supply. Around half (45%) express an interest in upgrading the local trans- port plan as an effective control instrument. 41% demand greater transparency in terms of tasks and responsibilities of the organisation as well as financing. They believe that the existing town/network/state structures should be tested.

Overall those surveyed would like to have more options for innovative approaches. So there should be clear political support for appropriate environmentally-friendly systems such as “Personal Rapid Transit“ (PRT) and legal protection for car sharing schemes as an integral part of the local transport offering.

The study can be found at: http://vision-traffic.ptvgroup.com/en-uk/lp/ptv-visum/white-paper/