Edinburgh Napier University

  Transport policies are developed to manage the social, environmental and economic impacts caused by transportation activity. Inappropriately designed transport policies can result in a network that excludes certain members of society, harms the environment and is detrimental to the economy. Without physical access to jobs, health, education and other amenities, the quality of life suffers. Therefore it is absolutely critical to implement systems that encompass all three aspects to ensure that a successful system is created. With greater policy emphasis on encouraging sustainable transport modes, this research probes into issues associated with the governance and delivery of sustainable transport policies at a local level. Being able to predict what makes implementation successful helps policymakers address problems and issues through better policies and regulations, as well as to anticipate and plan for likely barriers. The aim of this research is to examine the implementation of transport policies at a local level, but with particular emphasis on bus policy implementation. Analysis of why some policies aren’t being implemented successfully is based on the application of a new hybrid theory of policy implementation, developed by the researcher. The methodological approaches adopted for this research include a multi-method approach using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative methods include surveys and secondary data analyses while the qualitative methods include document review, observations and interviews conducted in four case study cities within the UK. The research will conclude by providing recommendations for effective implementation and better decision making that will aid local authority staff and policy makers.