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Most people don’t know how many miles they travel to work ‘as the crow flies’ but ask them how long it takes door-to-door in minutes, and it’s a lot simpler. That’s because journeys are explained and understood using minutes, whereas the distance from point A to B ignores a journey's context. Location analysis using travel time ensures every decision is contextually relevant.
Despite this, many location-based decisions are made using distance rather than by time. These decisions overlook that a mile can take 5 or 50 minutes depending on traffic, the time of day or mode of transport. Location-based decision-making can be more efficient, more relevant and more human with TravelTime.
Public services planning
Identify the optimal location for public services by taking into account how locals travel to these sites. By mapping which locations are the most easily accessible for local residents, the best locations can be identified using various modes of transport.
Public maps
Deliver more accurate and contextual information using time-based regional and public transport maps. Shading map areas by journey time lets the public visualise how long it will take to reach somewhere so they can make decisions on whether public transport is suitable. These maps can also be used within councils for anyone that requires local travel information and rapid journey time estimations.
Route planning
Routing is important for many services, from buses to bin lorries. TravelTime can ensure that newly added bus routes serve those that need it most, while taking the most efficient route. It can also calculate a route for refuse collectors to enable time savings. As the platform takes into account how the time of day impacts congestion, routes can be planned to maximize accuracy.
Catchment areas
Determine where catchment areas should be for local schools, GP practices and other services using TravelTime so that all residents have optimum accessibility. This can be calculated using school start and finish times to accurately represent the local area at that time. The tool can also help determine the best pick up points for SEN travel and school buses. Read our Greater London Authority case study.
Stimulating inward investment
Advise potential investors on the optimal location for their new operations. By using travel time analysis, it’s possible to identify areas that have a large labour pool within a commutable distance or close to somewhere with a high footfall.
By exploiting the key features of TravelTime, councils can gain maximum utility from this intuitive tool. As it covers a range of disciplines, its use can be spread across multiple departments to the benefit of the local residents and council officers alike.