TRIPS (Trip Rate based Integrated Planning System)

TRIPS is Australia’s first national database for land use–based trip generation surveys, developed to overcome decades of fragmented and inconsistent transport impact assessment practices. 

Currently, trip generation data are collected in silos by consultants and authorities, often with small samples, limited multi-modal coverage, and no central repository. This reliance on outdated, vehicle-centric rates reinforces car dependence, increases congestion, and misses opportunities to support sustainable modes. 

Developed by the University of Sydney’s Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, TRIPS centralises and standardises survey data into a single, reliable platform. Its innovation lies in providing consistent, high-quality data that allows planners and engineers to assess travel demand for all user classes, for a range of land uses. 

By integrating Census and Household Travel Survey datasets, TRIPS offers powerful analytical tools to correlate land use and socio-demographic factors with trip generation by mode. 

The development of TRIPS has been guided by a Project Reference Group of more than 20 organisations and shaped by practitioner input through a comprehensive workshop at the AITPM National Conference in 2024. The design of TRIPS platform has been informed by global best-practice tools including TRICS (UK), ITE TripGen (USA), and Ver_Bau (Germany), ensuring international alignment while adapting to Australia’s unique land use and transport context. The long term success of TRIPS is secured through the establishment of a not-for-profit TRIPS Hub at the University of Sydney, which will curate the tool beyond the life of the project. 

By bridging academia, government, and industry, TRIPS creates a lasting evidence base for smarter, data-driven planning and investment that will shape Australia’s transport and urban future.

Collaborating Partner:

Hadron Group