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Posts Tagged ‘transport’

It was only last year that many companies in the US and UK were forced to take drastic action when petrol prices took a sharp rise. Those companies that had transport operations felt the pressure more than most and it was common to see vehicle fleets reduced by more than half.

It was avouched this month that many businesses could be in for a second pounding as petrol prices are set to take another upward spike. The worst part of it, according to many transport companies is that they are increasingly unable to formulate accurate profit projections. “We get a set of forcasts drawn up and then they mean nothing when petrol goes up so much” argues Jerry Henley, Managing Director of JHG Foods. Many business experts have predicted that 2009 will see similar levels of transport-based companies shut down as witnessed last year, which was around 15%.

Many people and businesses are on their last legs right now and the last thing they need is an increase in their overheads. “We are being crippled” argues Fiona Potter, who runs a small furniture chain in the UK. Our customers expect their furniture to be delivered to them, which is something that is becoming financially unviable for us now. Some companies such as the one mentioned above have taken up cheap van leasing to try an reduce their outgoings. Because they are not buying the vehicles outright, they can afford to spend more on petrol whilst maintaining their margins. Believe it or not Citroen van leasing has come out on top this year in terms of popularity, largely due to the high miles per gallon figures they offer. LDV van leasing is also up their with the most popular choices as their reliability is well respected in many industries.

It has been found that the incidence of accidents involving motorcycles is more with motorcycles than other vehicles. The major causes of these accidents involve other vehicles when they come in the way, obstacles in the path and driver error. Violent head injury could cause concussions and brain damage. This is the major risk involved in motorcycle accidents. Chin injuries too are common. These injuries can be prevented or minimized with the rider and the pillion rider wearing head protection gear which is to the approved standards. The other common injuries are breakage of joints in shoulders, knees, elbows, spine, wrists and hips, fingers and neck. It is common to find pelvis and shoulder injuries. However, it is possible to minimize these injuries and even prevent them. This can be done with extra padding of vulnerable joint regions in the jackets as well as pants. Dual density foam or foam padding can be used for this extra padding.

Soft tissue damage to the muscle and skin almost always occur. This happens when the body scrapes over the surface of the ground. Wearing protective apparel can prevent these types of injuries to a large extent. The protective apparel could be in the form of jackets made of such materials as cordura, leather, Kevlar, ballistic nylon and other synthetics. Reinforced pants could also be useful. There are many ways to minimize motorcycle accidents. One way is to make the motorcycle conspicuous so that other oncoming vehicles can easily see it. The visibility can be improved with the use of retro-reflective strips and head lamps. Highly visible jackets can also be worn by the rider. Yellow, orange or bright red are remarkably visible from a distance. Enhancing the visibility of the vehicle and the rider is an effective way to warn other of the movement of the motorcycle. Nevertheless, it is important that the riders will have to have a good understanding of the variety of causes of accidents and take the necessary precautions.

Scooters are also categorized under motorcycles. There are varieties of scooters including motorized scooters, kick scooters, gas scooters, electric scooters and mobility scooters. Kick scooters or Push scooters are designed for kids and are very popular amongst them. They do not have engines and so are free from pollution. Its movement is by the push and glide motion where the pushing is done by the leg of the rider. Electric kick scooters are also introduced in the market. The kick scooters can be conveniently transported and cheap, and come in a variety of attractive designs. These are increasingly popular amongst kids. Razor, for example, markets kick scooters such as Razor A & AW kick Scooter and Razor Scooters, miniature electric motorcycle as Razor Pocket Rocket, electric scooters such as Razor E100 Series Scooters and Razor E200S/E225S Scooter, electric wagons and miniature electric scooters.

Often highways and roadways are biased towards cars and heavy vehicles. It does not take into consideration that two wheeled vehicles. There are problems with attitude towards motorcycles by the motor vehicle drivers that often they encroach, dominate and show intolerance to motorcycles.

Engine powered two wheeler vehicles used for long distance travel is called motorcycles. Mopeds, sport bikes, scooters and cruisers fall under the category of motorcycles. The leg shields are which the mark the scooters from the rest. The engine has a low power, usually between 50 cc and 250 cc. Scooters are smoother to ride. They are cheaper too and has a lower maintenance cost. It also weighs lesser and is more fuel efficient. It has more storage room

Many urban cities face immense traffic problems from increased automobiles on the road and inadequate road infrastructure or inappropriate roads. It is indeed a dreadful for many to navigate through the congestion. Roads are often not suited for easy driving of automobiles. Public transport is not often efficient or adequate. Cars are not affordable to the swelling middle class. Motorcycles then become the preferred means of transport in many countries, cities and towns. They are affordable when compared to a car. Motorcycles constitute the most popular means of transport in many countries, particularly in the Asian countries of China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. The global sales of motorcycles are reported to have grown by 6.5 percent in 2008 not withstanding the global economic meltdown. The US too has seen increased sales in motorcycle. It is often observed that sub-cultures are formed by groups of motorcyclists who act as loose social groups. Motorcycle racing has become popular in the world of motor racing and sport.

{Lambretta and Vespa are two well known scooters that set the trend. Later versions of scooters have introduced larger engines and tires, newer technological features, more automation, and comfort features. There are many automotive industries who manufacture a variety of motorcycles. Newer and improved models are launched in the market due to its high demand amongst motor vehicles. There are many user friendly scooters in the market as the Roketa Bali 150cc in the market. The popularity of scooters was set by Vespa and Lambretta worldwide. Better and more efficient scooters were launched. Newer technologies made it better to ride. They had better tires and larger engines. More features were added. A variety of designs are on the road brought out by many motorcycle manufacturers. Increasing demand and demand for better features have brought out improved models. }

Fuel efficiency is higher in motorcycles than automobiles. Motorcycles are attractive because they are more efficient at a time when fuel prices are on the increase and where petroleum is a non-renewable source of energy. However, unlike the car, the passenger capacity of motorcycles is limited. Green house emission is lower in motorcycles and therefore considered more environment friendly. But these are many times more polluting than the car. A major pollutant emitted by motorcycle is nitrogen oxide which is a combustion byproduct. Another important factor is that motorcycles are more prone to accidents with fatalities as compared to automobiles.

Ever since motorcycle was first developed in 1885 by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, two German inventors, these have become popular modes of transport. Some Asian countries such as China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam have more motorcycles than other vehicles. Their sales have been increasing in countries such as the United States. There are a number of factors that have made motorcycles popular these days. Primary among them is the easy maneuverability in city traffic that is increasingly caught up in nasty traffic snarls. People also have to commute long distance from their home to their place of work. Parking place is difficult to find. Even if one finds them, it will be overcrowded. Running a vehicle in cities is becoming expensive having to pay toll charges, congestion charges, road tax and parking fees. Motorcycles become handy. They are more economical with better fuel efficacy too.

Scooters too are classified under motorcycles. It has smaller engines and its wheels are smaller as compared to motorbikes. It is more comfortable to ride. The legs can be placed on the running board with the knees kept together. There is a protective fender in front of the knees to protect the legs. Many modifications have been made to the designs of the scooter.

Maxi-scooters and motor-scooters have more powerful engines and body. There are the four wheeled scooters too in the market. The Nextsport Fusion Scooter is a four wheeled scooter capable of rotating the front wheel 360 degrees. This scooter is specifically aimed at kids of seven or more years. It is an ideal gift for kids.

Public transport system is giving way to private transport. Rather than promote mass transit systems, the trend is towards rapid promotion of private transport. Though fuel prices are rising, better fuel efficient engines are replacing the old guzzlers. Many of the cities have been up-scaling transport infrastructure which seems to be one of the biggest economic activities. More and more broader flyovers crisscross the cities. Expressways and four lane traffic lanes are replacing the old roads which are simply unable to take the increasing load any longer. Motorcycles have also become attractive with all these developments.

Those public transport operators who already use passenger surveys may not fully appreciate the multiple benefits that surveys can bring. Surveys provide an efficient method for conducting market research that will then help identify passenger dissatisfaction and they are also an ideal tool for measuring the effects of any improvements that have been implemented and can help promote the new initiatives.

Establishing a Starting Point

When embarking on any change management programme it is always good practice to establish a base line before any changes are made. This baseline survey can serve four purposes, it will:-

• allow the proper targeting of investment
• allow measurement of the effect of change
• assist in the moral of those implementing change
• ensure that new issues are kept separate from the original plan and budget

Targeting Investment

There are many areas of any public transport system that can cause passenger dissatisfaction all of which need to be monitored to ensure that the service being provided meets, and where possible, exceeds, performance level targets.

Issues that can be of concern to passenger include:-

• safety and security
• punctuality
• fares and ticket types
• capacity and overcrowding
• quality and design of vehicle
• cleanliness
• facilities at stations and terminals
• facilities for passengers with disabilities

Often limited resources and budgets means that investment needs to be carefully planned and properly targeted.

Operators can use passenger surveys to confirm what their customers consider as the main issues. By analysing passenger feedback the operator can ensure that their improvement and investment plans are in line with passenger demands and concerns. Issues can be classified into low and high priority, as well as short and long term plans.

Some capital investment such as the building of new terminals, runways, laying new track or upgrading air traffic control or rail signalling equipment may take years to implement. However, the initial survey can also lead to some high profile problem areas being identified that have solutions that can be implemented almost immediately.

Measuring Change

From having established a comprehensive programme from an initial survey the objectives for running periodic surveys are twofold.

One objective will be to confirm that passenger concerns have been addressed by any changes and initiatives that are implemented. A second objective will be to promote and advertise the initiatives that have been implemented and also inform and educate passengers of ongoing improvements and future plans.

If passengers can see that improvements have been made they can be more accepting of outstanding problems knowing that problems have at least been acknowledged and improvements are on the way.

Keeping Moral

Those implementing change can often develop a siege mentality. It can take time for any change to take effect and for the passengers to appreciate any improvement.

By monitoring passenger opinion and measuring the results against earlier surveys a successful change programme should see passenger issues change over time, some issues that were problems will no longer be raised.

Passengers who are suffering can be very impatient that improvements are not instant and their negativity can cause those tasked with implementing change to become demoralised. It is important that a team implementing change can see clearly the effects of their efforts.

Identifying New and Old

In any long term change management programme issues can change over time. The situation can change instantly so that due to an event what was important, is no longer important and what wasn’t an issue, is suddenly an issue.

A baseline survey will make sure that the passengers concerns are documented chronologically. The needs and attitudes of passengers evolve over time, individual travel requirements change, fashion changes, life styles develop along with technology. With surveys run on a regular basis any changes in passenger attitudes can be easily monitored.

Online Surveys Make It Easy

Online surveys can reach a broad cross section of any travelling public. They are quick to design and implement and they provide feedback in a format that is ready for detailed analysis. A main features of online surveys is their low cost and flexibility that allows operators to publish multiple surveys that will target individual groups who may have specific concerns.

Online passenger surveys will provide operators with essential market research data and will establish a platform to allow them to advertise and promote their commitment to high levels of passenger satisfaction.

Passengers benefit by having a forum to raise issues and through regular surveys will begin to appreciate that their concerns are acknowledged and the operator is committed to investing and improving the service. The following are links to samples of Passenger Surveys

Sample Passenger Survey for an Airline Carrier: Airline Passenger Survey

Passenger Survey for a Train Operator: Train Operator Passenger Survey

Sample Passenger Survey for a Bus Operator: Bus Operator Passenger Survey

Those public transport operators who already use passenger surveys may not fully appreciate the multiple benefits that surveys can bring. Not only are surveys an efficient method of market research that will help identify areas of passenger dissatisfaction, they are also perfect for measuring the effects of improvements and can, at the same time, help promote new initiatives to customers using the service.

Establishing a Starting Point

When embarking on any change management programme it is always good practice to establish a base line before any changes are made. This baseline survey can serve four purposes, it will:-

• allow the proper targeting of investment
• allow measurement of the effect of change
• assist in the moral of those implementing change
• ensure that new issues are kept separate from the original plan and budget

Targeting Investment

There are many areas of any public transport system that can cause passenger dissatisfaction all of which need to be monitored to ensure that the service being provided meets, and where possible, exceeds, performance level targets.

Issues that can be of concern to passenger include:-

• safety and security
• punctuality
• fares and ticket types
• capacity and overcrowding
• quality and design of vehicle
• cleanliness
• facilities at stations and terminals
• facilities for passengers with disabilities

Often limited resources and budgets means that investment needs to be carefully planned and properly targeted.

Operators can use passenger surveys to canvas their customers as to what the main issues are. By analyzing passenger feedback operators can confirm that their improvement and investment plans are in tune with the passenger demands and concerns. Issues can be classified into high and low priority, as well as long and short term plans.

Major capital investment such as the building of infrastructure for example new terminals, runways, laying new track or upgrading air traffic control or rail signalling equipment may take many years to implement. However, the initial survey will almost certainly identify some main concerns that can be addressed immediately and for a reasonable cost.

Measuring Change

From having established a comprehensive programme from an initial survey the objectives for running periodic surveys are twofold.

One aim will be to check that passenger concerns have been properly addressed by any of the changes and initiatives that have been implemented. A second objective will be to advertise and promote the initiatives that have been implemented and also inform and educate passengers of ongoing improvements and future plans.

Passengers can appreciate that it can take time to resolve some of their concerns and more understanding towards the operators if they know that the problems have been identified and are being addressed.

Keeping Moral

Those implementing change can often develop a siege mentality. Passengers can be slow to appreciate any improvements as changes can be implemented that will take time before they become effective.

By monitoring passenger opinion and measuring the results against earlier surveys a successful change programme should see passenger issues change over time, some issues that were problems will no longer be raised.

Passengers will be slow to appreciate any progress and those working implementing change can become demoralised with criticism from what is often a very negative public. It is vital that a team implementing change can see clearly the effects of their efforts.

Identifying New and Old

In any long term change management programme issues can change over time. Events can happen that make what was important, no longer important and what wasn’t an issue, an issue.

A baseline survey will make sure that the passengers concerns are documented chronologically. The needs of passengers evolve over time, individual requirements change, fashion changes, life styles develop along with technology, low cost budget carriers now compete with luxury travel and there is a clear demand for both, in some cases even form the same set of people depending on whether their travel is for business or pleasure. Annual surveys will ensure that any changes in passenger attitudes are monitored.

Online Surveys Make It Easy

Online surveys can reach a broad cross section of any travelling public. They are quick and easy to design and implement and they provide feedback in a format that is ready for detailed analysis. With features such as low cost and flexibility online surveys make it practical to run multiple surveys that are targeted at specific groups of passengers such as the business traveller or those who are disabled in some way.

Online passenger surveys provide operators with valuable market research data and will establish a platform to advertise and promote their commitment to passenger satisfaction.

Passengers benefit by having a forum to raise issues and through regular surveys will begin to appreciate that their concerns are acknowledged and the operator is committed to investing and improving the service. The following are links to samples of Passenger Surveys

Sample Passenger Survey for an Airline Carrier: Airline Passenger Survey

Passenger Survey for a Train Operator: Train Operator Passenger Survey

Sample Passenger Survey for a Bus Operator: Bus Operator Passenger Survey

Those public transport operators who already use passenger surveys may not fully appreciate the multiple benefits that surveys can bring. Surveys provide an efficient method for conducting market research that will then help identify passenger dissatisfaction and they are also an ideal tool for measuring the effects of any improvements that have been implemented and can help promote the new initiatives.

Establishing a Starting Point

When embarking on any change management programme it is always good practice to establish a base line before any changes are made. This baseline survey can serve four purposes, it will:-

• allow the proper targeting of investment
• allow measurement of the effect of change
• assist in the moral of those implementing change
• ensure that new issues are kept separate from the original plan and budget

Targeting Investment

There are many areas of any public transport system that can cause passenger dissatisfaction all of which need to be monitored to ensure that the service being provided meets, and where possible, exceeds, performance level targets.

Issues that can be of concern to passenger include:-

• safety and security
• punctuality
• fares and ticket types
• capacity and overcrowding
• quality and design of vehicle
• cleanliness
• facilities at stations and terminals
• facilities for passengers with disabilities

Often limited resources and budgets means that investment needs to be carefully planned and properly targeted.

With passenger surveys operators can confirm those issues that are of most concern to their customers. By analyzing passenger feedback operators can confirm that their improvement and investment plans are in tune with the passenger demands and concerns. Issues can be classified into low and high priority, as well as short and long term plans.

Major capital investment such as the building of infrastructure for example new terminals, runways, laying new track or upgrading air traffic control or rail signalling equipment may take many years to implement. However, the initial survey may identify some high profile areas where a solution to the raised problems can be implemented almost immediately.

Measuring Change

From having established a comprehensive programme from an initial survey the objectives for running periodic surveys are twofold.

One objective will be to ensure that the changes and initiatives that are implemented have been effective in addressing passenger issues. A second objective will be to promote and advertise the initiatives that have been implemented and also inform and educate passengers of ongoing improvements and future plans.

If passengers appreciate that the operators have acknowledged their concerns and are taking steps to address the problems they may be more tolerant.

Keeping Moral

Those implementing change can often develop a siege mentality. Passengers can be slow to appreciate any improvements as changes can be implemented that will take time before they become effective.

By canvassing passenger opinion and measuring the results against earlier surveys a successful change programme should see passenger issues change over time, some issues that were problems will no longer be raised.

The general public is often very impatient and implementing improvements can take time, those working to make improvements can often become demoralised when they receive constant criticism. It is essential that a team implementing change can see clearly the effects of their efforts.

Identifying New and Old

In any long term change management programme issues can change over time. Priorities can change instantly so that due to an event what may have been important, is no longer important and what wasn’t an issue, suddenly becomes an issue.

Having a survey that will act as a baseline will make sure that the passengers concerns can be chronologically documented. The needs of passengers is in constant flux, individual requirements change, low cost budget carriers now compete directly with luxury travel and even from the same sets of people there is a clear demand for both depending on whether their travel is for business or pleasure. Annual surveys will allow changes in passenger attitudes to be monitored.

Online Surveys Make It Easy

Online surveys can reach a broad cross section of any travelling public. They are quick to design and implement and they provide feedback in a format that is ready for detailed analysis. A main features of online surveys is their low cost and flexibility that allows operators to publish multiple surveys that will target individual groups who may have specific concerns.

Through online passenger surveys the operators can collate valuable market research data and demonstrate their pro-active commitment to passenger satisfaction.

Passengers will benefit from having an effective channel to raise issues and through regular surveys they will begin to appreciate that the operator is committed to investing and improving the service. The following are links to samples of Passenger Surveys

Sample Passenger Survey for an Airline Carrier: Airline Passenger Survey

Passenger Survey for a Train Operator: Train Operator Passenger Survey

Sample Passenger Survey for a Bus Operator: Bus Operator Passenger Survey

Many of the top roads in the world can be found in the States. Route 66 is probably the most famous road but there are many more like that all over.  There are great roads covering the length and width of country so getting around on them is as easy as pie. But what is the best form of transport on youradventure holidays in America?

Camper van. In true back-packer fashion you can pick a cheap campervan at one end of the country and trek across the states in until you sell it at the other end. This method is ideal if you are travelling as a group as there will be plenty of room for everyone. Additionally, you don’t have to keep stopping for accommodation and food as you can carry those with you wherever you go

Convertible. There is no more iconic image that breezing along the straight long roads with the sun on your face and the wind through your hair. The convertible car is a vehicle that is synonymous with American transport and there is a massive choice of pick from.  Personally I would go for an old Cadillac and would rent rather than buy one. This is what a lot of people do when they take fly drive holidays  All you need now is a model  girlfriend/boyfriend and some country and western on the radio to make your trip complete

Motorbike. Traveling around on two wheels is one way to put some fun into your trip, especially if you’re bike is big and the sun is out. This truly is the ultimate way to travel across the states and experience all that the American scenery and culture has to offer. If you’re not sure which bike to go for, then opt for a Harley. These bikes are sturdy as anything and demand respect on the roads. Rent shops are found across America. If you don’t want to spend you’re whole trip in the hospital, ride carefully and kit yourself out with some high quality safety gear, including a helmet