On large -scale ongoing mobility surveys: the state of practice

Abstract

Large-scale continuous mobility surveys have some advantages over less frequent (usually every 10 years) even larger-scale cross-sectional surveys; these have been well documented in previous papers (Richardson and Battellino, 1997; Ampt and Ortúzar, 2004).
In this paper we first define what we mean by “on-going mobility surveys”. We then describe the state of practice in this context, briefly reviewing the state of affairs in all the cases that we are aware of. We then discuss some problems encountered in practice and offer ideas for improvement. In particular we discuss a wide range of issues that are likely to act as barriers to a high quality and sustainable implementation and suggest approaches for improvement. Issues covered include sampling frames and sampling methods, survey methods, respondent burden, weighting processes and expansion, and the increased importance of developing and maintaining field staff motivation. We also touch briefly on the practical/political issue of securing ongoing funding. Throughout, we advance some thoughts to try and explain why this method has not gained wider acceptance particularly in the Northern Hemisphere where there are more examples of travel surveys in general.
The paper also raises some ideas and issues about the way in which ongoing mobility surveys can best collect data for the environmental accounting of travel. Finally, we raise questions about the environmental impact of the survey methods themselves as a stimulus for further consideration.