Public transport surveys
Enhance your transport offer with reliable data
Origin-destination surveys in public transport help understand user travel patterns, enabling the planning and optimization of networks to better meet demand.
They identify congestion points, improve service quality, anticipate future needs, and evaluate transport policies. By providing accurate data, they contribute to efficient management and continuous improvement of public transport systems.
surveys
Self-administered origin-destination surveys allow for understanding public transport network usage by analyzing the departure (origin) and arrival (destination) stops.
For this type of survey, investigators on board buses, at stations, or in trains distribute questionnaires to users, who fill them out during their journey. The questionnaires request information on departure and arrival points, schedules, trip purposes, and transfers. Additional data such as age, city of residence, travel purpose, departure time slot, ticket ownership, line used, or access mode are also collected.
Once completed, users return the questionnaires to the investigators on site. This data is then used to build accurate OD matrices for a public transport line. This method provides detailed and representative data on a large scale while minimizing field staff needs and costs.
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The origin-destination survey through interviews uses a short and targeted questionnaire to identify users’ trip departure and arrival points. It enables the creation of OD matrices at different spatial levels: municipality, iris zone, street, etc.
It may also include qualitative feedback on related topics such as the user’s perception of their transport mode and travel conditions.
ALYCE has a team of experienced surveyors trained to conduct these interviews efficiently.
This method is particularly useful for gathering detailed and qualitative data.
References
EGIS
Mobility study in downtown Étampes. Face-to-face interviews (250 pedestrians + 50 cyclists), <3 min questionnaire.
SETEC International
Cotonou PDU (Bénin): 20 OD interview posts, 180 surveyors for a full day 6:30–19:30.
Catalan Urban Planning Agency
OD interview survey in Perpignan, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., 32 surveyors, 2,900 interviews.
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Capturing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals from passengers’ mobile devices is an increasingly used method for on-board origin-destination surveys. These sensors are installed inside public transport vehicles and detect signals emitted by smartphones and other electronic devices as passengers board and alight.
Device IP addresses are anonymized and counted. The data collected—combined with proven adjustment methods—enables the measurement of passenger volumes.
This method offers several advantages: it is discreet, non-intrusive, and functional even in high-density conditions.
Additionally, it provides valuable data on passenger flows, time spent on board, and travel behavior, all while respecting data privacy regulations.
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We offer specific survey services to analyze travel times and qualify delays, such as those caused by congestion or illegal parking.
Our services can also evaluate passenger exchange times, perform fare evasion surveys, or assess public transport service supply.
Thanks to our rigorous methodologies and expertise, we provide accurate and actionable data to optimize the performance and management of your transport networks.
Our team is here for you
Olivier
Production Director
Experienced in all field data collection methods, he oversees all production activities and client relations up to the delivery of results.