A literature search and series of interviews with researchers in social aspects of transport was conducted in France during late 1979 and early 1980. In all, 58 research projects were examined and 21 researchers interviewed about their work. The general context within which research is funded and undertaken was also examined, to assess whether experience in France was applicable to transport research in Britain. The report summarises current or recent social research in transport in terms of the research methods and explanatory concepts employed, as well as the policy issues addressed. It also provides an annotated bibliography and an index for sub-groups and transport modes. The research examined covers institutional factors in transport supply and the relationship of transport to economic and social development, as well as studies of individual mobility. So far, its application to the planning and implementation of particular projects has been limited, and it has been used chiefly to provide a background context for policy. (Author/publisher)
Abstract