DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL KNOWLEDGEBASE ON URBAN TRANSPORT POLICY INSTRUMENTS

Abstract

This paper describes how an International Knowledgebase is being developed. This International Knowledgebase will provide up to date information on the performance of a wide range of urban transport policy instruments. It will be internet-based, allowing easy access and ready updating. Its structure will allow each policy measure to be described, with multimedia images of operation where appropriate; to be assessed against a common set of potential objectives of urban transport policy; and to be represented by case studies of good practice in their use. Where possible, an assessment will be made of the contexts in which each policy measure performs best. Links will be provided between the policy instruments so that opportunities can be identified for integrating them to achieve enhanced performance against the objectives. The paper describes the background to the project, the need for the Knowledgebase, and the approach being adopted to its design, development, testing and dissemination. Current work is focused on a prototype, involving two sample policy instruments, and it is intended to provide a demonstration of this prototype at the Ninth World Conference in Transport Research in Seoul in July 2001.