This Integrated Transport Strategy sets five high level goals for the next decade, one under each area of focus. Where possible these goals are designed to be SMART goals, that is: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. The intention is that the attainment of each of these goals is not an end in itself but rather a step toward achieving the vision. As this Strategy is reviewed on a five-yearly basis, or as the goals are achieved, it is likely it will become appropriate to revise these goals or set new ones.
It is therefore critical that rigorous and transparent accountability measures are established to enable the DCC to measure progress towards these goals and report this to the community. Some of the goals may become more clearly defined as the nature of the strategic direction becomes better understood over time, such as the goal of moving more freight to rail. Others will require a range of specific measures and sub-goals in order to achieve the overall goal. For example the overall mode shift goal under ‘Focus on Travel Choices’ will require sub-goals to be set specifically to measure walking, cycling and public transport modal share.
To enable this detailed and rigorous monitoring a separate Integrated Transport Strategy Monitoring Plan (TSMP) will be established. The TSMP will specify the targets and measures required to deliver the high-level goals, and will also identify what data will need to be collected to do so. The TSMP will be developed in consultation with the community. The existing measures and indicators in the DCC’s Transportation Activity Management Plan, which feed into the Annual Plan, will be reviewed to ensure consistency with the Integrated Transport Strategy.