Week 2 wrap up

As we conclude Week 2, we’ve explored the essential role of data in transport planning, delving into various data types and methods for collection and analysis.

This week was packed with insights from six expert interviews (SMEs), each shedding light on different aspects of transport data and its application in planning. We began by understanding the basics of transport planning data, distinguishing between primary vs. secondary data and supply vs. demand data.

We discussed the significance of both supply-side data, such as Open Street Maps (OSM) and GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification), and demand-side data, like Origin-Destination (OD) data. We also explored the technicalities of accessing and utilising GTFS data, focusing on the TUMI data portal.

The week also featured case studies highlighting how GTFS data is collected and applied. For instance, the Digital Matatu Project in Nairobi demonstrated the importance of mapping informal transport services using GTFS data, while in Phnom Penh, we learned how mobile-based apps support data collection. We further explored innovative OD data collection methods, such as mobile phone tracking and computer vision, for generating valuable datasets.

Throughout the week, our experts discussed the use of smart card data in optimising public transport operations, focusing on Hong Kong and the significance of gender mainstreaming in transport systems in cities across India and Colombia. Participants also had the opportunity to discover transport data portals and share insights on data availability in their cities.

Additionally, we introduced transport mapping through GIS tools like QGIS and ArcGIS, guiding participants through GTFS mapping and analysis. As we wrapped up Week 2, we also ventured into transport modelling, discussing different modelling tools, the data requirements for successful modelling, and how these models are applied in real-world systems like Ahmedabad’s BRT planning.

This week’s lessons have laid a solid foundation for the weeks ahead, setting the stage for deeper exploration into transport modelling and traffic simulation. We look forward to seeing how you apply this knowledge in the upcoming units!