---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DfT Research Studentship Traveller Information on the Web - Understanding the User in the Development of Transport Direct ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A unique opportunity exists at the University of the West of England to undertake a PhD that is linked to the Department for Transport's Transport Direct Division. The studentship will focus upon the understanding of user needs and reactions and usability issues associated with traveller information services and, more specifically, Transport Direct itself. Transport Direct (www.dft.gov.uk/itwp/transdirect) is a major project within the Government's Ten Year Plan for Transport. It aims to provide a 'one-stop-shop' traveller information service, initially via the Internet, which will allow the public to compare multi-modal travel options and, where appropriate, book and pay for journeys online. Users should also be able to receive real-time update information on chosen journey options. During the next three years a major design, build, operate project is taking place to develop and deliver the Transport Direct web service. This is a substantial challenge, technically, organisationally and in terms of data requirements. However, crucial to its success will be how easy intuitive and relevant users find the service to be. To achieve success, Transport Direct will need to be useful, usable and used. Its contribution to the Government's 10 Year Plan for transport will be reflected in its effectiveness in supporting and influencing travel choices. The DfT has a (market) research programme and has engaged both internal and external usability expertise to support the development the Transport Direct service. To complement this, it is also sponsoring a three-year PhD to be supervised by Professor Glenn Lyons within the Unit for Transport and Society, University of the West of England. Professor Lyons has an active involvement within the Transport Direct team as a part-time secondee to the DfT. He chairs the Transport Direct Research Steering Group and is responsible for representing end-users within the development process. The successful applicant will interact closely with the Transport Direct team and will have the opportunity to influence this significant element of the Ten Year Plan. S(he) will have the option of either being based at UWE or at the Transport Direct Offices in London. In either case expenses for regular visits between sites will be met. The Transport Direct Programme represents a lively and high quality working environment and is rich in opportunities for research and access to relevant people, information and data. Selection of the successful applicant will be through a process of presentation and interview. Applicants should be creative, highly motivated and self-disciplined. The studentship stipend will equate approximately to the standard research councils' maintenance grant with a further top-up of up to £4000 p.a. The studentship also includes payment of fees. For further information please contact Professor Glenn Lyons at Unit for Transport and Society (UTS), Faculty of the Built Environment, University of the West of England BS16 1QY, by email at Glenn.Lyons@uwe.ac.uk, or telephone 0117 344 3219. Alternatively contact Julie Triggle in the Faculty Research Office by email at Julie.Triggle@uwe.ac.uk, or telephone 0117 344 3208. DO NOT REPLY TO SUSAN KENYON. For an application form please visit the UTS website - www.transport.uwe.ac.uk. Closing date for applications: Tuesday 8th July 2003. Interviews will take place later in July. _________________________ Please take a look at the INTERNET project web site: http://www.transport.uwe.ac.uk/research/projects/internet/index.htm. Susan Kenyon Research Fellow in Transport and Social Exclusion Unit for Transport and Society Faculty of the Built Environment University of the West of England Bristol BS16 1QY Office Tel: 0117 344 3996 Work Mob: 07879 242758 Email: susan.kenyon@uwe.ac.uk Web: www.transport.uwe.ac.uk