ATE Multimodal Level of Service Research and Tool Development

Applications are welcomed from UK Research Institutions or consortia thereof who have a relevant experience and expertise in the area of transport planning, levels of service and other relevant areas.  

Letters of support expressing willingness to assist through provision of data, expertise and/or other relevant elements will also be beneficial (e.g. highway authorities offering potential locations to act as testing grounds for the tool or bus companies willing to share data to corroborate findings), however these need not be named as project partners. If no identifying partners have been selected at the time of the bid submission, ATE is willing to support in building these links.

The Multi-Modal Level of Service (MMLoS) project aims to develop a robust, multi-modal Level of Service measure and tool that can be applied to streets across England to understand their current  - and potential - role in supporting sustainable and active transport. This will enable a more comprehensive understanding of how trade-offs and decisions regarding the allocation of space and time between modes (particularly motor traffic) can impact on active travel (walking, wheeling and cycling) and road-based public transport.

The findings, evidence and tools produced through this study will be instrumental in identifying best practice, facilitating knowledge sharing with local authorities, and shaping future guidance and tools to support and measure safe, inclusive, and effective multi-modal infrastructure.

Key components: 

11) Literature Review

A comprehensive Literature Review will examine:

• the nature of current Level-of-Service tools for different modes;

• the relevant first principles and methodologies appropriate in designing such tools and 

• how these methodologies should be adapted for the British road environment and the diversity of British road users. 

A suggested set of user groups include:

• Active Travel (potentially disagregatted into Walking, Wheeling and Cycling)

• Public Transport

• Private Motor Traffic

Additional consideration should be given to whether other modes - such as freight, deliveries and servicing, or shared mobility – should be included. The review should determine whether

• -          their inclusion is appropriate or necessary

• -          their inclusion has no material impact on the methodology/approach; or

• -          they represent a separate research need.

In line with the Public Sector Equality Duty, the review should also recognise that users within any modal category are not homogenous. Different groups (e.g. women and girls, older adults, disabled users) may have distinct needs. While detailed subgroup analysis is not required, the methodology should demonstrate awareness of these differences, acknowledge potential impacts, and identity areas for future research.

2 2) Methodology Development

FFollowing the Literature Review, applicants should develop a methodology outlining: 

• -          the metrics to be used for assessing Level of Service for each mode,

• -          how each metric will be sourced,  interpreted and scored.

• -          how comparability across modes will be achieved.

Cross-comparability is essential. For example: a score of 80% , “excellent” or “A-Grade” should represent equivalent quality for private motor traffic, walking, cycling and bus passengers. This comparability should be based on evidence and clearly laid out in the methodology documentation.

33) Testing and trials

The proposed methodology and approach should be tested across a representative range of settings.  Applicants should demonstrate where relevant conversations with appropriate stakeholders have taken place to secure necessary data for these locations.

Given the incorporation of Bus  Level of Serviceinto the methodology, submissions should indicate:

• -          what bus data will be considered and

• -          how this will be sourced.

Suggested – but not mandatory – testing contexts include:

• Urban and rural locations

• Streets with varying traffic flows:

                                                               i.      Busy (8000 vpd+)

                                                              ii.      Moderate (2,500 – 8000vpd),

                                                             iii.      Quiet (500 – 2,500vpd) and potentially

                                                            iv.      Very Low Flow location (sub 500vpd)

• Comparable locations with very different modal flows (e.g. a suburban high street with high cycle and bus flows versus to a similar suburban high street dominated by private motor traffic)

The trial phase should generate meaningful feedback, leading to any necessary refinements to ensure  the Level-of-Service methodology accurately reflects the quality of provision for different user types.

4) Deliverables

A proof of concept tool should be delivered at the end of the project, accompanied by documentation detailing: 

• -          Tool structure

• -          Data requirements

• -          Instructions for use and references

Upon completion, ATE will assume ownership of the tool and documentation for potential integration into the development of future design tools and guidance.

The grant application window will run between 29th January to 22nd February 2026 (applications close at Midnight on 22nd February 2026).  

ATE will review applications by the end of February, with the successful applicants notified of their funding in March 2026 and funding formally awarded later that month. The delivery of the research project should conclude by the end of September 2027.

Eligible applicants are invited to submit an application by selecting ‘Start new application’ on the Find a Grant platform. Please note that only one application per organisation will be accepted. You can begin your application and return to it at a later time through your 'Find and Apply for a Grant' account.  

Applicants may only submit one bid as the lead organisation via the online portal. 

Accessibility and Reasonable adjustment:  

• ATE are committed to making the Grant application process accessible to all, in-line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard.  

• This includes providing reasonable adjustment for anyone who requires it. Any applicants who require assistance in completing their application should contact the ATE team (via contact@activetravelengland.gov.uk) to check what support is available.   

• If you require any reasonable adjustments, please notify the ATE team as soon as possible (and by the end of Monday 9th February at the latest) to outline why.   

If applicants wish to view the questions asked as part of the application form for this funding, there is a word document template of the application form available within the Supporting Information section. 

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:  

• ATE are committed to making the Grant application process accessible to all, in-line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard.  

• This includes providing reasonable adjustment for anyone who requires it. Any applicants who require assistance in completing their application should contact the ATE team (via contact@activetravelengland.gov.uk) to check what support is available.   

• If you require any reasonable adjustments, please notify the ATE team as soon as possible (and by the end of Monday 9th February at the latest) to outline why.

Current ATE Tools, including the Route Check which assesses Level of Service for Walking, Wheeling and Cycling along linear routes can be found here: 

Active Travel England scheme review tools - GOV.UK