Appendix A: Evaluation framework

For the baseline evaluation of the reopening of the Levenmouth Rail Link project, three transport planning objectives (TPO) were set out along with a series of research questions (RQ), indicators, outputs and outcomes. These are outlined in more detail below.

Transport Planning Objective 1

TPO 1: Improve transport access to employment and key services, including education, health and leisure facilities, within the Levenmouth area via rail.

Research questions

The research questions aligned to this objective (TPO 1) are:

  • RQ1 – What are the current habits/behaviours for travel WITHIN Levenmouth?
  • RQ2 – What are current user perceptions on the usability and accessibility of transport, employment and key services WITHIN Levenmouth?
  • RQ3 – What are users intentions to use the Levenmouth Rail Link for travel WITHIN Levenmouth?
  • RQ5 – What is the current status of the local economy WITHIN the Levenmouth area?
  • RQ6 – What would happen WITHIN the Levenmouth area if the Levenmouth Rail Link was not implemented?

Indicators

The indicators for this objective (TPO 1) are:

  • Evidence on access to Leven and Cameron Bridge stations
  • Evidence on the length of trips and mode(s) taken (distance, time and mode) to employment and key destinations.
  • Evidence on trip purpose and destination.
  • Evidence on perceptions of transport services from residents and businesses
  • Evidence on intentions to use the Rail Link
  • Evidence on the performance of the local economy

Outputs

The outputs for this objective (TPO 1) are:

  • Number of people travelling within Levenmouth
  • Reduction in journey times to key destinations e.g. schools, health services etc.
  • Increased population catchment to employment and key services within Levenmouth
  • Attitudes towards transport services.
  • Differences according to demographic indicators

Outcomes

The outcomes for this objective (TPO 1) are:

  • Improved access to different transport options.
  • Improved access to employment and local services within Levenmouth

Transport Planning Objective 2

TPO 2: Improve transport access and connectivity to and from the Levenmouth area for businesses, visitors and the resident population via rail.

Research questions

The research questions aligned to this objective (TPO 2) are:

  • RQ1 – What are the current habits/behaviours for travel TO/FROM Levenmouth?
  • RQ2 – What are current user perceptions on the usability and accessibility of transport, employment and key services TO/FROM Levenmouth?
  • RQ3 – What are users intentions to use the Levenmouth Rail Link for travel TO/FROM Levenmouth?
  • RQ4 – What are current levels of tourism activity in the Levenmouth area?
  • RQ5 – What is the current status of the local economy in the Levenmouth area?
  • RQ6 – What would happen WITHIN the Levenmouth area if the Levenmouth Rail Link was not implemented?

Indicators

The indicators for this objective (TPO 2) are:

  • Evidence on perceptions of transport services from residents, visitors and businesses
  • Evidence on the length of trips (distance & time) to employment and key destinations
  • Evidence on trip purpose and destination.
  • Evidence on access to Leven and Cameron Bridge stations by various metrics.
  • Evidence on intentions to use the Rail Link
  • Evidence on the performance of the local economy

Outputs

The outputs for this objective (TPO 2) are:

  • Number of people travelling to Levenmouth using rail.
  • Increased population catchment to employment and key services within Levenmouth
  • Reduced journey times to and from Levenmouth area.
  • Attitudes towards transport services.
  • Differences according to demographic indicators

Outcomes

The four outcomes for this objective (TPO 2) are:

  • Improved access to different transport options
  • Improved access to employment and local services outwith Levenmouth
  • Improved perceptions of rail travel in Levenmouth area.
  • Economic benefits

Transport Planning Objective 3

TPO 3: Increase the sustainable mode share for the residents and workforce in the Levenmouth area.

Research questions

The research questions aligned to this objective (TPO 3) are:

  • RQ1 – What are the current habits/behaviours for travel TO/FROM Levenmouth?
  • RQ3 – What are users intentions to use the Levenmouth Rail Link for travel TO/FROM Levenmouth?
  • RQ4 – What are current levels of tourism activity in the Levenmouth area?
  • RQ5 – What is the current status of the local economy WITHIN the Levenmouth area?
  • RQ6 – What would happen in the Levenmouth area if the Levenmouth Rail Link was not implemented?

Indicators

The indicators for this objective (TPO 3) are:

  • Evidence on mode share by purpose of trip.
  • Evidence on the reduction in number of trips made by car.
  • Evidence on intentions to use the Rail Link

Outputs

The outputs for this objective (TPO 3) are:

  • Reduction in the car mode share.
  • Number of visitors and residents choosing to travel by rail.
  • Number visitors and residents choosing to travel by bus.
  • Differences according to demographic indicators

Outcomes

The outcome for this objective is:

  • Reduction in carbon emissions.