It is important to recognise that actual and perceived problems or opportunities within the transport system must be the rationale for a STAG study.
Perceptions of problems or opportunities with the transport system as identified by users, operators, the public at large and politicians can be as equally important as problems that can be quantified through data analysis.
The analysis of problems should look beyond the immediate manifestation of problems on the transport system. The analysis should, instead, explore the root causes and consequences of problems. At this phase of the Pre-Appraisal process, opportunities for improvements to the transport system and the way it is used should be thoroughly explored.
Practitioners should ensure that an appropriate analysis of data has been undertaken to provide an evidence base.
