Download.pdf

Key points include:

- Travel demand is derived from economic and social activities, and transport usage is an indicator of economic activity.
- Provisional statistics show a decline in road traffic, with total road traffic down 1% and car traffic down 1.7% in the first quarter of 2009.
- Public transport trends show passenger numbers on the National Rail network grew by 3.4% in 2008/09, but growth is uneven, with London and South East operators recording only a 2.5% increase.
- The reduction in travel demand may lead to a reduction in revenue for operators and Transport for London, resulting in cost-cutting measures and potential fare increases.
- A reduction in disposable income may lead to changes in travel patterns, such as 'trading down' to cheaper modes of transport or utilizing modes with already sunk costs.
- The report concludes that while there has not been a major decline in peak hour usage, passenger numbers may increase when economic growth begins again, emphasizing the need to continue pursuing congestion and overcrowding relief schemes.