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MVA to update ATOC passenger demand forecasting handbook

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MVA has been appointed by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) to undertake a vital update of the Passenger Demand Forecasting Handbook (PDFH) on behalf of the whole of Britain’s rail industry.

The transport planning specialist multi-disciplinary team has been commissioned to carry out the work which will create a set of proposed draft recommendations to new parameter values for the drivers of rail demand.

These will be based on a robust review of the new evidence which has been available since the PDFH (version 4.1) was last updated in 2005, together with the recommendations from a previous review of the handbook’s requirements.

The work will also involve a presentation of MVA’s recommendations to both a steering group and a panel of experts in order to ensure a consensus across the industry.

MVA will then compile an updated PDFH(v5) incorporating the agreed parameter values, improved guidance on how these should be applied, with a web-based version also to be published on the ATOC website.

Martin Prior, project manager at MVA Consultancy, said: “The Passenger Demand Forecasting Handbook underpins almost all of the rail forecasting undertaken in Britain; we are proud of our involvement in it for over 20 years, and delighted to be undertaking this fundamental review.”

Information for Editors:

Industry-leader MVA Consultancy provides advice on transport and other policy areas, to central, regional and local government, agencies, developers, operators and financiers

A diverse group of results-oriented people, we are part of a 550-strong team worldwide. Through client business planning, customer research and strategy development we create solutions that work for real people in the real world.

For further information please contact:

Emma O'Sullivan on 01483 742925
or email eosullivan@mvaconsultancy.com

or

Sarah White on 01483 742975
or email swhite@mvaconsultancy.com

18 May 2009