Transport changes generated by decentralized offices

Abstract

Daniels P. W. (1972) Transport changes generated by decentralized offices, Reg. Studies 6, 273–289. Changes in the journey-to-work represent one of the most tangible consequences of office relocation from Central London. A sample of decentralized offices from throughout the United Kingdom is used to examine, in the first instance, the role of transport factors and potential staff travel problems in office location. This is followed by an examination of the spatial attributes of the changes in travel mode for the present compared with the previous journey-to-work of employees and these are related to socio-economic factors such as occupation, car ownership and previous workplace. The relationship between the distance moved by offices and the ratio of private to public transport trips at individual offices is also considered along with the influence of trip length and a measure of trip-making efficiency, the friction coefficient, on modal choice. The need to evaluate the findings in terms of community costs versus social benefits is stressed. Only then will it be possible to properly assess the value of office decentralization.