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DfT Research Studentship

Traveller Information on the Web -
Understanding the User in the Development of Transport Direct
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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.