Improving Public Transport in Oxfordshire - Research Proposal Example

Improving Public Transport in Oxfordshire Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Executive summary 3 Problem ment 4 Objectives of the Scheme 6 Methodical Strategies of the Scheme 6 Infrastructural Improvement 6 Alternative Means of Commuting 7 Speed Cameras and Street Lighting 7 County Council Commuter Service 7 Subsidized Bus Service 8 Community car Ownership 8 Behavioral change 8 Challenges on Effective Implementation of the Strategies 9 Lack of economic engagements due to increased centralization 9 High Costs of Fuels and Transportation Cost 9 Insecurity 9 Insufficient or Unpredictable Funds 10 Environmental Pollution Concern 10 Methods of Implementing the Strategies 10 Communal sensitization 10 Regional Surveys 11 Feasibility Analysis 11 Survey Results and Data Analysis 12 Support on the Proposed Means of Transport Improvement 12 Other Forms of Application of the Scheme 13 Proposed Budget 13 Sources of funding for the scheme 16 Appendices 18 SWOT Analysis for the Project 18 The Proposed Public Transport Improvement Scheme To the Oxfordshire County Council Executive summary Rural access and connectivity is a pivotal contributor in the socio-economic advancement of the rural population by improving the access to facilities like education, health facilities, trade centers, and recreational services. Investment on rural transportation promotes establishment of countryside investments that helps in improving the standards of living for the rural community. In many regions, there is an apparent imbalance in infrastructural development. Some rural areas have cent percent cent connectivity while others lack the resources to catch up in rural connectivity (ELLIS, & MCCOLLOM, 2009 pp. 211-217). Oxfordshire countryside records evident little connections characterized by low-level support, no road upgrading. The provisional sustainable ease of access and assured road standard maintenance is absent. The significant limitations and constraints in providing connectivity in the Oxfordshire rural are insufficient funds from the local authorities for road network improvements. There is also the unpredictability of finances for rural road development (ELLIS, & MCCOLLOM, 2009 pp. 215-226). The little funding results in low road standard construction not sufficient for the mounting axial pressure on the low standard roads. The road layers processing remains at low quality exposing the layers to ease of degradation. The little road standard characterizes season in season out potholes, poor drainage on the roads. The poor road quality in the rural areas upsurges the cost of maintenance for the vehicle accessing such regions. The high cost of maintenance discourages the private investors from allowing their buses to access such areas (SCHIEFELBUSCH & DIENEL, 2009 pp. 126-137). The local communities also face the problem of owning private cars due to the high maintenance cost. The poor standard lowers the rate of traffic flow and encourages insecurity on the roads. The rural areas are also prone to road carnage. The project aims at providing a sustainable solution in improving the ease of transportation to the Oxfordshire community. It takes into account the slow road quality improvements and increasing need for transportation (SCHIEFELBUSCH & DIENEL, 2009 pp. 167-185). In addressing the problem with immediate action, the project seeks ways of providing alternative means of providing transportation to the Oxfordshire community. Problem Statement Public transport in many parts of the nation has enjoyed a resurgence in the past three decades. The main commendable renaissance in the public transport is in the urban centers but in the countryside the conditions remain patchy (LEÓN Y DE LEÓN & CUEVAS, 2008 pp. 175-198). The terms of transport infrastructure in many rural areas are not in good condition, and cases of road carnage are on the rise discouraging public transport from accessing the areas. The poor infrastructural conditions have led to infrequent transport services, like early evening finish for the buses and no runs during weekends (ELLIS, & MCCOLLOM, 2009 pp. 201-207). Due to inaccessibility the cost of fuels and vehicle maintenance is higher in such rural areas discouraging personal car ownership. Majority of the country’s population reside in the rural areas. Lack of decent transport network in the rural areas undermines the economies of the rural areas evident by the few industries in the rural areas. The diminutive industrialization results in many rural dwellers seeking employment in the urban centers but means of commuting remains a nightmare. The rural population is therefore subjects to hardship because majority of the households are low-income earners who cannot afford alternative transport (LEÓN Y DE LEÓN, & CUEVAS, 2008 pp. 182-205). The usual opinion is that everybody has a car nowadays, so there can’t be that ample of a problem. But around 4000 families in Oxfordshire donot own a car compleately in many more households, the ‘family’ car is never available during the day on week days. So despite the continual increase in car possession, there is still a prevalent need for reliable public transport in rural areas. Picture’s showing certain rural roads in Oxfordshire an illustration on the need for infrastructural development in different regions Poor road conditions and unclear walkaways hinder effective commuting across the countryside. Bushy paths encourage insecurity at late hours of the day. Objectives of the Scheme Improving the road infrastructural condition across the region, it aims at determining the best possible ways of providing reliable runaways The system ensures the provision of reliable means of transportation. The project aims at developing on the reliance of the available means and introduction of alternative ways to support the existing once. The project targets improvement in efficiency in transportation by ensuring the safety on the roads and laying down the best measures to ensure security on the roads. Methodical Strategies of the Scheme Infrastructural Improvement The proposed scheme is aiming at advising the county council to improve the infrastructural facilities in the rural areas (DEVLIN, 2010 pp. 56-78). The county council to consider investing on the infrastructural development that help in opening up the interiors and can in turn boost industrialization and job creation. The county council contractors to adopt cheap means of road construction like the use of fly ash, steel slags, and marble slurry dust in sub-base stabilization (DEVLIN, 2010 pp. 102-123). Tarmacadam road finishes help in protecting the road layers from the effect of rainwater. Improvement of the passenger alighting points and the pedestrian walkways to reduce the cases of road accident Alternative Means of Commuting Develop and improve other transportation options to the car and encouraging the usage of these means. The county council to organize sensitization seminars to get platforms for informing the public the possible alternative means of transportation to supplement with the existing Support better facilities for cyclists such as a covered cycle hub in the City Centre and across the neighboring villages plus prompt satisfying of potholes and the close of a cycle system around the City and in the countryside. Railways transport. The county authority adopts suitable ways of improving the state of railway stations. The local authorities to open up several train access points to allow for ease of access. The county authority to open up the connection roads that lead to the rail stations to allow for ease of access by car or cyclists Speed Cameras and Street Lighting Extension of the coverage of speed cameras across the region as soon as financially feasible to help in reducing the excessive traffic speeds on the roads and the resultant road accidents. Reducing road carnage encourages private investors to get their bus services to rural areas. The speed cameras can get additional use in the road survey during the nights to keep an eye on road insecurity cases. County Council Commuter Service Introduction of county council bus services to increase reliable commuter service till late hours and everyday services including weekends. The county council buses will ensure safe service provision and reduce cases of exploitation of the travelers. The few buses available at any time of the day more so while peak hours demand excess levies from the passengers due to limited supply versus excess demands. The county council traveler services can be a source of income for the county council roads management and the profits realized from the passenger coaches can be useful in rural roads construction and maintenance Subsidized Bus Service The county council to liaise with the private traveler companies to offer their travel services at subsidized prices. The county council and the local government to negotiate with the bus owners to agree on funded travel arrangement to reduce the travel costs relieving the burden from the users. Community car Ownership Sensitization in the local communities or groups to embrace joint car ownership that will help in sharing the high costs in personal cars, (GREAT BRITAIN. 2013 pp. 132-141). The cost of fuel and maintenance to the majority is not affordable, and so joint efforts help in reducing individual cost. Individuals living in the same neighborhood can adopt shared car ownership to help in bringing down the cost of commuting to work and back home. The city-owned cars leave at prescribed time that all the members get in the schedule. The joint car ownership reduces the number of cars on the roads at any particular time that is also beneficial in reducing traffic congestion in towns. Behavioral change The employers or companies come up with alternative means of transport for their employees. The companies can adopt the drive to work and drive home strategy for their employees. The companies to come up with buses for different destinations into the interiors to collect their employees into work and to take them back home. The employees come up with communal cartels that strategize on the best assembly points for picking and dropping passengers. Challenges on Effective Implementation of the Strategies Lack of economic engagements due to increased centralization There is the tendency of decline in trade and other services in the villages and the small village towns (GREAT BRITAIN, 2013 pp. 123-134). The trends are increasingly worsening in the rural areas and a contrast with the big municipalities rendering certain rural areas homes to vulnerable groups. The increased concentration in industrialization depletes the rural areas active growth. The slow growth in industries discourages the efforts of rural roads development. High Costs of Fuels and Transportation Cost The location of most rural retails from the main fuel suppliers increases the overhead cost on fuel prices. The distance covered while going for fuels leads to increase in the prices. The number of retailers dealing in fuels is few in rural areas increasing costs due to limited supplies. The high costs of fuel increase the cost of transportation and overall affect the economic development. Insecurity In most villages, the communities fear opening up the interiors by improving accessibility for fear of the increase in cases of instability. In areas with no formal access, the community members always prefer few access roads. Insufficient or Unpredictable Funds Rural roads development policy mandates the state government to having the full responsibility to service the roads at all levels year round. The state government is, therefore, supposed to provide the total funds for construction, repair, and maintenance of the roads. The state funds have no definite disbursement dates that may affect the project lapse period. Environmental Pollution Concern Improving public transport raises concerns about environmental pollution. The communities may fear environmental effect of the motor vehicle. The primary concerns with the introduction of the sufficient car transport raise environmental concerns like, air pollution due to excessive carbon gas emissions. Noise pollution due to the traffic noises by the hooting vehicles. Traffic vibration also raises concern as the increasing vibrations have an effect on the neighboring structure. The street lights are arguably causing light pollution of excessively placed. Methods of Implementing the Strategies Communal sensitization The scheme stakeholders come up with sensitization forums across all the sub-counties to inform the community members of the benefits of expanding road coverage (GREAT BRITAIN., 2013 pp. 125-134). The sensitization forums also provides podiums for the community members to learn on the benefits of alternative means of commuting like cycling; use of trains and walk to work for community members leaving close to the towns. The community forums provide platforms for educating the rural residents on the immediate course of actions like collective car ownership to help in cost sharing and the benefits of having county buses at particular times of the day. The rural population also gets the opportunity of showcasing their ideas on the ultimate solution to improving the rural public transport. Regional Surveys The scheme’s technical team comes up with regional data on the various roads and the actual distances in length (MEES, 2010 pp. 101-132). The survey must also cover a number of people per region. The team to take the survey on the number of people amongst the rural population who own private cars and the other means available. Feasibility Analysis The stakeholders after gathering all the necessary data ten come up with models that give the representational analysis of the subject. The analysis must determine if indeed improving rural accessibility is a must. Survey Results and Data Analysis Data on Analysis of the Most Preferred Means of Commuting in Oxfordshire Means of Commuting Number of Respondents Percentage % Private cars 20 2 Public bus transport (buses and taxis) 460 46 Cycling 110 11 Train service 320 32 Walking 90 0.9 Total 1000 100 The survey results in the table shows that it is evident the majority of the county members prefer public transport system with a close ratio in support for railroad transport (EU ACCESSION WORKSHOP, CSÁKI & LERMAN, 2010 pp. 78-97). The portion of members walking to work is the lowest because of the distances covered before obtaining workplaces. Train transport provides cheap means, but accessibility to the train station discourages the members from accessing. The proportion of members in support for cycling is closer to those who walk to and from work. Majority are members leaving close to the towns Support on the Proposed Means of Transport Improvement The proposed system of Improvement Vote (out of 10) Communal car ownership 4 Improving train services 10 Cycling or walking 4 County council buses 9 Subsidized commuter buses 8 Company bus arrangement 8 Majority of individuals interviewed were in support for the improvement on rail transport. Another close high support was on county council buses. The main reason for rail and county council buses is the cost of transportation. Cycling to work is not viable to a majority because of the distances covered. Other Forms of Application of the Scheme The rural transportation upgrade systems have evidently worked in India to help open up the rural interiors in the efforts to improve the economy of rural regions. The improvement schemes like alternative means of transport are currently in the application in many states, and boroughs like London to help curb the problem of traffic congestion in towns. Proposed Budget Budget Summary Project phase Duration Task Cost Phase 1 3 months Sensitization 128000 Phase 2 12 months Infrastructural improvement 865000 Phase 3 Initial cost of hiring county council buses 137000 Cost overruns Miscellaneous 42000 Proposed total Suggested improvements 1,130,000 Phase 1: Sensitization The first phase according to the scheme is to take three months; the first phase is mainly to allow the public understand the efforts the scheme layouts in its strategies. The phase tackles sensitization of the public on the proposed ways of improving public transport. Region Proposed no of seminars Estimate cost Bampton 3 12000 Berinsfield 2 8000 Burford 4 16000 Charlbury 3 12000 Chinnor 2 8000 Eynsham 3 12000 Goring 4 16000 Sonning Common, 5 20000 Watlington, 4 16000 Wheatley 2 8000 Total 128000 Phase 2: Infrastructural Improvements Road class Total Distance (km) Nature of Improvement Cost Non-principal classified roads 43.12 Upgrade to bitumen surfacing and rigid pedestrian lanes 420000 Class 3b County Principal Roads(A4421, A436, A424, And A442) 23.2 Repairs on the main roads, improving the packing facilities 182000 Class 3a county principle roads networks (A4074, A388) 31.6 Repairs and street lighting 141000 Railway stations and access roads 14 Improving the existing rail station, upgrading the access roads to bitumen surfacing 122000 Total 111.92 865000 Phase 3: commuter services Hiring commuter buses by the county council to help in improving reliability in transportation across the region, the phase also includes negotiations with the private traveler companies to allow for subsidized costs for accessing rural interior. Activity Duration of processing Initial Cost Hiring county council commuter buses 2 months 75000 Subsidizing the cost for public transport 3 months 62000 Total 137000 Sources of funding for the scheme Funding from the state government designated funds for rural roads development. The funds are disbursed to the local authority accounts and are for use in rural development Accrued revenues from the county council taxes on the retail businesses within the county, an individual portion of the amounts collected from the tax on retail shops set aside for county development. Loans from the state bank and other outsourced banks like the World Bank Community foundation funds, many regions, have community found groups that can join hands in helping the local authorities in improving the local infrastructures. State grants, the cash grants that the state government disbursed to the counties for local infrastructural development. Appendices SWOT Analysis for the Project Strengths The scheme is a supporting strategy for the rural communities to have easy access to the workstations, educational facilities, health centers, and recreational facilities. Because of the need for access, the strategy is viable (GREAT BRITAIN, 2013 pp.145-159). Rural infrastructural development support expansion of the rural economic growth that helps in employment creation and a rise in the standards of living. Opening up the rural areas encourages access reducing the cost of transportation. Weaknesses Unreliable and unpredictable funds, the rural roads development policy dictates the state administration to having a full charge to service the roads at all levels year round (ELLIS, & MCCOLLOM, 2009 pp. 132-155). The state government is, therefore, supposed to provide the total funds for construction, repair, and maintenance of the roads. The state funds have no definite disbursement dates that may affect the project lapse period. The improvement in the roads increases the number of vehicles on the roads having adverse environmental concerns. Opportunities There is an increasing need for economic expansions across the nation. The urban centers are already overpopulated but with little opportunities (GREAT BRITAIN, 2013 pp.143-156). The development of the rural roads opens new jobs for the majority of citizens. The rural areas have adequate lands for development of the road reserves, establishment of new industries and ready raw materials like laterite soils. Threats Opening up of the rural areas without adequate sensitization and education may affect the overall expectations from the new strategies (ELLIS, & MCCOLLOM, 2009 pp. 143-159). The slow implementation of the strategy may lead to cost overruns that may render the project expensive. Bibliography DEVLIN, J. (2010). Challenges of Economic Development in the Middle East and North Africa Region. 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