Data sourcing to understand the transport system and its users
Quality data and analytics are our core business. There are opportunities to understand gaps in our current data collection methods, depending on use cases, and identify ways to address these. We can also look at a system-level and across different data sources, to better understand the strengths and limitations of each source and how data can be combined to provide even more efficient and effective insights.
Safe use, storage and charging of eBikes and eRideables
Since they were legalised in WA in 2021, eRideables have increased in popularity due to their convenience for short-to-medium trips.
DoT led the work to amend the Road Traffic Code 2000 and continues to collaborate across Government to encourage responsible use of the devices as part of a sustainable mobility mix.
The use of private and hired eScooters has surged, with several metropolitan local governments and many large regional areas now hosting devices for hire.
eBikes and eRideables are used for many purposes, including commuting to work or places of study. This raises issues about safe storage and charging at destinations, given risks of battery fires.
DoT has collaborated with other agencies to examine options for employees who bring these devices to the office. This work has produced guidelines for safer storage and charging, which encourages eBike and eRideable use for commuting.
DoT, Portfolio partners and other agencies continue to monitor, assess and respond to new challenges for safer use, storage and charging of eBikes, eScooters and other eRideables.
Transport modelling and the Perth Transport Model
A transport model is a tool for understanding, assessing and predicting the likely impacts of changes, such as new infrastructure projects or demographics and land use shifts, on the transport system.
Transport Insights is playing a key role in developing the new Perth Transport Model (PTM). This model is an important tool for the State Government for understanding and assessing the likely effects of drivers of change in the transport sector, such as new technology, demographics and land use.
There are two other transport models currently used by the Western Australian Government:
- Strategic Transport Evaluation Model (STEM), managed by DoT
- Regional Operations Model 24 Hours (ROM24), managed by Main Roads WA.
The new PTM will supersede both STEM and ROM24, to become the single transport model used by the Transport Portfolio. The preliminary version of the new tool will be available to the Portfolio later in 2025.
Additionally, Transport Insights has commenced work on development of a WA vehicle fleet model, which will be the first its kind available for the Portfolio to use to forecast future fleet compositions under different conditions. The fleet model is being designed to integrate with our other forecasting tools, to provide more comprehensive insights about the future transport system.
Scenario testing
External factors, or factors outside of the Government’s control, present significant risks and uncertainties for the environment, economy and society. Risks and uncertainties can grow over time as factors change.
The Transport Portfolio recognises the importance of scenario planning for providing insight into possible future conditions for the transport system and its users, and informing investment decision-making, given the design life of the assets we invest in.
DoT is conducting an exploratory scenario testing project, evaluating the resilience and adaptive capacity of the surface transport system in Perth and Peel in 2041, under four different, but possible, scenarios. We are also looking at ways different measures could address challenges across scenarios, from a ‘what if?’ perspective.
Our work is informed by similar activities conducted elsewhere including New Zealand and the San Francisco Bay Area and resources including the UK Department of Transport’s Uncertainty Toolkit.
Transport emissions
Transport Insights informed development of the first Sectoral Emissions Reduction Strategy and provides ongoing capability to support future work on transport emissions reduction. We also continue to develop our modelling toolkit to improve the ways we can provide insights about potential futures in the transport sector because of changes to the movement of people and freight.
Transport system performance outcomes
Transport Insights is exploring different themes and indicators so that the Transport Portfolio can better understand how the transport system is performing and potential outcomes for its users. These themes and indicators can complement existing reporting frameworks serving specific purposes, like the Transport Portfolio’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework.
Better systems and user data will help us to make more informed decisions about transport planning and policy and enable improved tracking of key transport system outcomes.