Participant Information Statement
Research_
Transport Opinion Survey
Understanding how the community views transport
The Transport Opinion Survey (TOPS) run by the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies measures the public's opinion on transport-related issues.
Commencing in 2010, the Transport Opinion Survey (TOPS) is the only regular national survey that tracks changes in the public's views around public transport. TOPS examines questions such as:
- Do Australians think transport is getting better in their local area?
- How confident are Australians that transport will improve in the short-term and long-term in Australia?
- What is the highest priority issue in transport for Australians?
- Is the state or federal government considered most responsible for transport?
- Should the private sector be more involved in the provision of public transport?
Transport Opinion Survey Index of Transport Confidence (click for larger version)
Survey results
Highlights:
- In September 2022, 47% of Australians nominated health as the top priority, given that Australians were still in the last wave of the Omicron variant. In March 2023, only 37% of Australians nominated health, with a 10% reduction. Economy and employment (44%) and housing (42%) are rising as top priorities. Housing has increased from 33% to 42% from the last wave. This finding is unsurprising, given the recent heavy media coverage of these two issues.
- In March 2022, 24% of Australians said that road improvement is the highest priority issue for transport in Australia, up from 19% in September 2022. There are 25% of Australians said public transport improvement has the top priority. Economic and financial problems have increased to 21% from 19% in September 2022 due to higher petrol costs and rising public transport fares.
- In March 2023, 29% of Australians said that transport in their local areas was worse than one year ago, slightly lower than 30% in September 2022. In contrast, only 8% of Australians said that transport in local areas is better than one year ago, down from 10% in September 2022. People with neutral or no opinions have increased from 61% in September 2022 to 63% in March 2023.
- In March 2023, 14% of Australians said that transport in their local area would be better in one year, down from 18% in September 2022.
- In March 2023, only 14% of Australians thought that transport in Australia would improve in one year, down from 19% in September 2022. In contrast, 29% of Australians thought that transport in Australia would worsen in one year, up from 24% in September 2022.
- In March 2023, 29% of Australians thought that transport in Australia would improve in five years, down from 36% in September 2022. In contrast, 29% of Australians thought that transport in Australia would worsen in five years, up from 23% in September 2022.
- Compared to September 2022, in March 2023, Australians are less confident about transport in their local area (Confidence index: down from 94 to 76). The same is true for transport across Australia in one year (Confidence index: down from 91 to 67) and in five years (Confidence index: down from 96 to 79). Overall, all indexes have decreased significantly compared to September 2022.
- About 70% of Australians made online order(s) in the previous four weeks, down from 76% in September 2022. For those who ordered online, the average spending of $370 in the last four weeks is almost identical to $375 in September 2022. They spent 49% on groceries, clothing & apparel (more than 47% in September 2022). Overall, 65% of online spending is delivered to home or other places, slightly less than 67% in September 2022. However, 59% of online grocery shopping is delivered, more than 57% in September 2022. Among the 70% of Australians who made online order(s) in the last four weeks, nearly 30% of total grocery spending was made online, with the remaining 70% of expenditures made in stores.
- Of the 64% of Australians who have undertaken paid work in the last two weeks, they worked an average of 8.08 days. Both figures are almost identical to the figures in September 2022. Of all the working hours, 27% are WFH hours, which increased slightly from 26% in September 2022. Working people in NSW, VIC and QLD spent 27%, 34% and 28% of working hours WFH, respectively. These figures are higher in capital cities, with 31%, 35% and 33% in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, respectively. Professionals and managers work from home more than other occupations, with about three days in the last two weeks WFH. About 88% of people who work from home have made some trips for purposes such as leisure, shopping, or other personal businesses during WFH days. Driving, walking and taking trains are the three top transport modes.
Highlights:
- 47% of Australians nominated health and 43% selected economy and employment as one of Australia's two highest priority issues today.
- 29% of Australians said that the highest priority issue for transport in Australia is public transport improvements, up from 25% in March 2022. Economic and financial problems have increased to 19% from 16% in March 2022 due to higher living and energy costs.
- 30% of Australians said that transport in their local areas was worse than one year ago, up from 26% in March 2022. In contrast, 10% of Australians said that transport in local areas is better than one year ago, up from 7% in March 2022. People with neutral or no opinions have decreased from 67% in March 2022 to 61% in September 2022.
- 18% of Australians said that transport in their local area would be better in one year's time, up from 14% in March 2022.
- 19% of Australians thought that transport in Australia would be better in one year, up from 15% in March 2022.
- 36% of Australians thought that transport in Australia would be better in five years, up from 31% in March 2022.
- Compared to the launch of TOPS in March 2010; in March 2022, Australians are less confident about transport in their local area (Confidence index: down from 100 to 94), have less confidence across Australia in one year's time (Confidence index: down from 100 to 91), and have less confidence in five years' time (Confidence index: down from 100 to 96). However, all indexes have increased significantly compared to March 2022.
- Over 76% of Australians made online order(s) in the previous four weeks, an increase of 3% from March 2022. Online shoppers spent $375 on average, with 47% on groceries, clothing & apparel. Across product categories, 55% to 77% of online spending is delivered to home or other places.
- Working people spend 26% of their work time working from home (WFH). Of the 63% of respondents who have undertaken paid work in the last two weeks, they worked on average 8.09 days. 26% of all working hours are WFH hours, decreased from 43% from March 2022. Working people in NSW and VIC spent about 30% of working hours WFH, the highest among all states. Professionals, managers, and clerical/admin workers work from home more than other workers.
- 46% of Australians nominated health and 36% selected economy and employment as one of Australia's two highest priority issues today. However, both areas have dropped from the levels in September 2021. Housing becomes the third-highest ranked priority at 32%, up from 20% in September 2021.
- 25% of Australians said that the highest priority issue for transport in Australia is public transport improvements, up slightly from 24% in September 2021. Road improvements (21%) is the second-highest priority. Economic and financial issues have increased to 16% from 7% in September 2021 predominantly due to the high petrol costs.
- 26% of Australians said that transport in their local areas is worse than one year ago, up from 21% in September 2021.
- 14% of Australians said that transport in their local area would be better in one year's time, down from 16% in September 2021.
- 15% of Australians thought that transport in Australia would be better in one year, down from 17% in September 2021.
- 31% of Australians thought that transport in Australia would be better in five years, down from 35% in September 2021.
- Compared to the launch of TOPS in March 2010; in March 2022, Australians are less confident about transport in their local area (Confidence index: down from 100 to 84), have less confidence across Australia in one year's time (Confidence index: down from 100 to 80), and have less confidence in five years' time (Confidence index: down from 100 to 89).
- 73% of Australians made online order(s) in the last four weeks among all respondents asked. On average, people order 2.97 times per week, with 61% delivered to home or elsewhere, and 39% of the time they go and collect goods (click and collect).
- Of the 59% of respondents who have undertook paid work in the last two weeks, they work on average 25 hours per week, including working full-time, part-time, casual, contract, or other forms. 43% of all working hours are WFH hours, equivalent to 1.3 days per week. Professionals, managers, and clerical/admin workers work from home more than other workers.
Download the March 2022 results (pdf, 1.8MB)
- 9% of Australians nominated infrastructure as one of Australia's two highest priority issues today, down from 10% in March 2021. 4% of Australians selected transport as one of Australia's two highest priority issues today, identical to 4% in March 2021.
- 24% of Australians said that the highest priority issue for transport in Australia is public transport improvements, down from 29% in March 2021. Other issues (26%) related to matters such as lockdown are the top priority, and road improvements ranked third (20%, identical to March 2021). 11% of Australians were unsure of the highest priority, down from 14% in March 2020.
- 62% of Australians said that transport in their local areas is the same as one year ago, slightly down from 64% in March 2021.
- 16% of Australians said that transport in their local area would be better in one year’s time, up from 15% in March 2021.
- 17% of Australians think that transport in Australia will be better in one year, identical to 17% in March 2021.
- 35% of Australians think that transport in Australia will be better in five years’ time, up from 31% in March 2021.
- Compared to the launch of TOPS in March 2010, in September 2021, Australians are less confident about transport in their local area (Confidence index: down from 100 to 96) and have less confidence across Australia in one year’s time (Confidence index: down from 100 to 94), but have an equal level of confidence in five years’s time (Confidence index: equivalent at 100).
- Among all respondents asked, 63.8% of Australians may consider purchasing a car in the next 12 months, of which 53% said they would consider buying an electric car. This purchase intention of electric cars is the highest in NSW at 55.9% and the lowest in WA at 46.5%.
- Once the domestic and international borders are opened again and when hotel quarantine is no longer mandated, in the following 12 months, Australians will take international and domestic trips for different purposes. Nearly 50% of Australians are planning at least one domestic trip to visit family and friends, and almost 54% are planning at least one domestic trip to treat themselves. Nearly 28% of Australians are planning international trips to visit family and friends, and about 30% are planning to take international trips to treat themselves.
- 10% of Australians nominated infrastructure as one of Australia's two highest priority issues today, up from 9% in September 2020. In March 2021, 4% of Australians nominated transport as one of Australia's two highest priority issues today, identical to 4% in September 2021.
- 29% of Australians said that the highest priority issue for transport in Australia is public transport improvements, down from 35% in September 2020. This is followed by other issues (21%) such as COVID-19 and road improvements (20%, up from 15% in September 2020). There are 4% more Australians who were not sure about the highest priority, up from 10% in September 2020.
- 64% of Australians said that transport in their local areas is the same now as one year ago, up from 62% in September 2020.
- 15% of Australians said that transport in their local area would be better in one year’s time, down from 18% in September 2020.
- 17% of Australians think that transport in Australia will be better in one year’s time, down from 20% in September 2020.
- 31% of Australians think that transport in Australia will be better in five years, down from 39% in September 2020.
- Compared to the launch of TOPS in March 2010, in March 2021 Australians are less confident about transport in their local area (Confidence index: down from 100 to 90), and have less confidence across Australia in one-year time (Confidence index: down from 100 to 90), and in five years (Confidence index: down from 100 to 89).
- 21% of Australians said they would only consider PT once they and their family members get COVID-19 vaccines. 12% of Australians said they would not use PT again in a foreseeable future (1-2 years). Nearly 23% of Australians have never used PT.
- Among all the states, Australians living in VIC and SA feel the least safe in using PT (5.8 and 6 out of 10). Australians living in WA feel the safest (6.9 out of 10). On average, Australians feel 6.2 out of 10 in terms of being safe in using PT under the current Covid-19 situation.
- Overall, 24% of respondents have returned to using PT with 11% having never abandoned PT while 9% do not plan to use PT again in the next couple of years. An additional 13% will return to using PT once that are vaccinated. 36% of the sample have never used PT.
Download the April 2021 results (pdf, 726KB)
- 9% of Australians nominated infrastructure as one of the two highest priority issues in Australia today, down from 16% in September 2019. 4% of Australians nominated transport as one of the two highest priority issues in Australia today, significantly down from 9% in September 2019.
- 35% of Australians said that the highest priority issue for transport in Australia is public transport improvements, slightly up from 34% in September 2019. This is followed by other issues (29%) such as Covid-19, border lockdown and employment and road improvements (15%).
- 62% of Australians said that transport in their local areas is the same now as one year ago, down from 54% in the September 2019.
- 18% of Australians said that transport in their local area will be better in one year’s time, slightly up from 17% in the September 2019.
- 20% of Australians think that transport in Australia will be better in one year’s time, up from 17% in the September 2019.
- 39% of Australians think that transport in Australia will be better in five years, up from 33% in the September 2019.
- Compared to the launch of TOPS in March 2010, in September 2020 Australians are more confident about transport in their local area (Confidence index: up from 100 to 110), and gain confidence across Australia in one-year time (Confidence index: back to 100), and in five years (Confidence index: up from 100 to 104).
- 20% of Australians said they worked from home before Covid-19 while 37% of them revealed they teleworked during the pandemic.
- Average number of days per week Australian residents remotely work is 0.63 days while their ideal telework duration is 2.1 days per week.
- 18% of Australians nominated infrastructure as one of the two highest priority issues in Australia today, slightly down from 19% in March 2019. 7% of Australians nominated transport as one of the two highest priority issues in Australia today, down from 10% in March 2019.
- 33% of Australians said that the highest priority issue for transport in Australia is public transport improvements, slightly up from 31% in March 2019. This is followed by other issues (22%) and road improvements (22%).
- 55% of Australians said that transport in their local areas is the same now as one year ago, down from 59% in the March 2019.
- 15% of Australians said that transport in their local area will be better in one year’s time, slightly up from 14% in the March 2019.
- 16% of Australians think that transport in Australia will be better in one year’s time, slightly down from 17% in the March 2019.
- 28% of Australians think that transport in Australia will be better in five years, slightly down from 30% in the March 2019.
- Compared to the launch of TOPS in March 2010, in March 2020 Australians are less confident about transport in their local area (Confidence index: down from 100 to 77), and across Australia in one-year time (Confidence index: down from 100 to 72), and in five years (Confidence index: down from 100 to 75).
- 54% of Australians would not agree to replace private car trips with public transport trips despite being offered a flat fare of 5$ for any Uber or Taxi trip up 5km from their home to a public transport station.
- Approximately 36% and 28% of Australian residents scored five for reliability and crowding are among the most important features which Australian residents want to improve, followed by fare level, travel time and frequency.
- 16% of Australians nominated infrastructure as one of the two highest priority issues in Australia today, down from 19% in September 2018. 9% of Australians nominated transport as one of the two highest priority issues in Australia today, slight down from 10% in September 2018.
- 34% of Australians said that the highest priority issue for transport in Australia is public transport improvements, down from 40% in September 2018. This is followed by road improvements and other issues which are both 24%.
- 54% of Australians said that transport in their local areas is the same now as one year ago, slightly down from 55% in the September 2018.
- 17% of Australians said that transport in their local area will be better in one year’s time, slightly down from 18% in the September 2018.
- 17% of Australians think that transport in Australia will be better in one year’s time, slightly down from 19% in the September 2018
- 33% of Australians think that transport in Australia will be better in five years, down from 34% in the September 2018 and up from 30% in the March 2019.
- Compared to the launch of TOPS in March 2010, in September 2019 Australians are less confident about transport in their local area (Confidence index: down from 100 to 87), and across Australia in one-year time (Confidence index: down from 100 to 75), and in five years (Confidence index: down from 100 to 81).
- About 40% of Australian respondents think about relocating to a regional area if there was a high-speed rail taking less than 1 hour traveling between the regional centre and their capital city. In comparison, the same proportion of Australian residents consider never move regardless of travel time of fast train to regional centres.
- 45% of Australian participants said they are familiar with smart-phone apps for planning their local travel with the range from 7 to 10 of the scale 0-10 whereas 21% of Australian said they are almost unfamiliar (0-1) with travel planning apps.
Highlights:
- 19% of Australians nominated infrastructure as one of the two highest priority issues in Australia today, slightly up from 17% in March 2018. In the March 2019 quarter, 10% of Australians nominated transport as one of the two highest priority issues in Australia today, slightly up from 9% in March 2018.
- 31% of Australians said that the highest priority issue for transport in Australia is public transport improvements, down from 38% in March 2018. This is followed by other issues (27%) and road improvements (21%).
- 59% of Australians said that transport in their local areas is the same now as one year ago, slightly up from 55% in the March 2018 quarter.
- 14% of Australians said that transport in their local area will be better in one year’s time, slightly up from 12% in the March 2019 quarter.
- 17% of Australians think that transport in Australia will be better in one year’s time, slightly up from 15% in the March 2018 quarter.
- 30% of Australians think that transport in Australia will be better in five years, the same as in the March 2018 quarter and down from 34% in the September 2018.
- Compared to the launch of TOPS in March 2010, in March 2019 Australians are less confident about transport in their local area (Confidence index: down from 100 to 78), and across Australia in one-year time (Confidence index: down from 100 to 75), and in five years (Confidence index: down from 100 to 77).
- One in ten Australians said that their work-related travelling is 40% or greater of the total time. About six out of ten Australian respondents revealed that they have never travelled for business purposes.
- 82% of Australians use private car, followed by bus and metropolitan train/tram with 36% and 33%, respectively. Ride share such as Uber, Lyft slightly exceeds taxi among Australians.
Highlights:
- A majority of Australians would like to see existing road usage charges, such as fuel excises and vehicle registration fees, replaced with charges more directly linked to the distance and time of day that they travel.
- Seven out of ten Australians support the replacement of existing fuel excises with a charge based on distance driven.
- Six in ten people surveyed said they would be willing to pay five cents for every kilometre they drive in capital cities during the weekday peak periods in return for removal of registration fees.
- An end to registration fees was supported by 70 percent of Victorians, while the number was 63 percent in Queensland and South Australia, and 55 percent in New South Wales.
- Australians are now more confident about the future provision of transport infrastructure and services by local and national authorities than they were in 2015.
- The short-term transport confidence index for local transport is now at 85, compared to 63 in March 2018 and 44 in September 2015.
- The long-term confidence index for Australian transport also increases to 83 from 74 in the first quarter of this year.
Highlights:
- Car sharing services such as GoGet Oneway and Car2Share are growing in popularity amongst travellers at the expense of taxi and ride sharing services such as Uber
- Support for one-way car share services was strongest amongst TOPS participants in South Australia (68 percent), followed by Queensland (67 percent) and Western Australia (64 percent).
- When asked about the possibility of using a car-share scheme instead of a taxi or Uber service for a one-way trip, well over half (59 percent) of TOPS participants had a greater preference for car sharing.
- When asked about their view of car-based taxi like services, 39 percent said they preferred regular taxis over Uber type services (22 percent) while the remaining 39 percent of participants said that their preference depended on the circumstances.
- When it comes to choosing between a taxi and an Uber type services, more than half of those surveyed (54 percent) said that their decision would be based on price while 27 percent indicated that service quality was the most important factor.
- Vehicle quality was the deciding factor for just 19 percent of respondents.
- The TOPS six monthly index of attitudes towards the state of local transport services in the short-term deteriorated to 68 from 80 last September while the long term outlook remained unchanged at 74.
Highlights:
- Australians are looking forward to self-driving cars but are unlikely to share their vehicles with other travellers contrary to predictions made by transport experts and the motor industry
- Road congestion in our major cities is unlikely to ease with the arrival of self-drive cars and could be worse than it is today.
- One in four survey participants said they would buy a self-drive car for family use if they were available but only one-third of these adopters would lease their vehicles to other travellers when it was not in use.
- Forty percent of participants said that they would probably use their cars more as travelling became easier while more than thirty percent said they would use their car rather than use some public transport.
- No survey participants expected their daily travel to remain the same in the driver-less era.
- Australians have steadily regained confidence in their local transport services but this is still a long way from the high recorded in September 2013.
Highlights:
- Fewer than half of Australian travellers believe that the nation’s roads are “relatively safe” while a declining number of people have confidence in transport in their local area.
- Around 60 percent of participants said that at least one major accident occurred on their regular routes every three months.
- Nearly 20 percent of West Australians said that up to three accidents occurred on their regular travel routes per month while at the other end of the scale, only 11 percent of South Australians reported up to three accidents per month.
- Only 15 percent of New South Wales residents believe that transport in their local area will be better in a year from now while 39 percent of Victorian residents expect an improvement over the next 12 months.
- The public’s transport expectations continues to decline. From a starting point of 100 in 2010, the index in relation to expectations of an improvement in transport over the next year now stands at 66 while the five year outlook stands at 71.
- In a question related to toll payments, the TOPS survey found that in nearly 80 percent of cases the charge is met by the driver. In around 15 per cent of cases the cost is shared by the driver and a passenger while the driver’s employer picks up the tab less than five percent of the time.
Access all previous TOPS survey results at the Transport Opinion Survey archive.
