TRANSPORT

The ABS is consulting to seek views on the information to be collected in the next Census and this topic brief provides detail about what has been previously included on transport.

The opportunity to participate in the consultation will be available from 3 April to 30 June 2018 via consult.abs.gov.au


WHAT WAS INCLUDED IN THE CENSUS?

Transport topics on the Census included:

• mode of travel to work
• name and address of workplace attended
• number of motor vehicles.

For more information view 2901.0 - Census Dictionary


HOW IS THIS INFORMATION USED?

Information about where people work and how they get to work helps to inform the policy and planning of road infrastructure and public transportation.

This information also tells us how many people are likely to be in an area during business hours. This helps ensure public services are available where people are most likely to access them during the day.

The information on the number of motor vehicles, in conjunction with other data, can be used for town and transport planning.


THE QUESTIONS ASKED ON THE 2016 CENSUS

• How did the person get to work on Tuesday, 9 August 2016?
• For the main job held last week, what was the employer’s business name?
• For the main job held last week, what was the person’s workplace address?
• How many registered motor vehicles owned or used by residents of this dwelling were garaged or parked at or near this dwelling on the night of Tuesday, 9 August 2016?

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2016 CENSUS ON TRANSPORT
Source: ABS, Census of Population and Housing

Infographic showing the method of travel to work by multiple modes.

Infographic showing the method of travel to work by single mode.

STANDARDS

Place of work is coded using Destination Zones. Refer to POWP in the Census Dictionary.

For additional information, refer to:
8000.0 - Census of Population and Housing Destination Zones, August 2016

There are no standards used for defining the method of travel to work or the number of motor vehicles garaged.


WHAT HAVE WE HEARD FROM YOU ABOUT THE 2021 CENSUS?

The ABS has undertaken initial discussions and reviewed feedback from the 2016 Census in preparation for this consultation.

Feedback from stakeholders to date has indicated that journey to work is still a relevant and important topic to be included on the 2021 Census. However, we have heard that there is potential to enhance the response options to allow for a combination of walking with other transport and incorporating other emerging modes such as ride sharing.

Stakeholders have also raised the need for inclusion of journey to education data. The inclusion of this topic alongside journey to work would give an overall picture of major contributing activities on the road network, particularly during peak times in the morning.

Discussions have raised the relevance of collecting motor vehicles garaged information particularly as it is anticipated that administrative data sources could provide this information. This question may be removed from the Census in 2021.

This consultation is an opportunity for you to provide your views on what transport information should be collected on the 2021 Census.


OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC:

The ABS collects data on transport through a number of different collections. Listed below is a selection of ABS publications. For the comprehensive list of ABS products, please visit the ABS website.

9208.0 - Survey of Motor Vehicle Use, Australia, 12 months ended 30 June 2016
This publication presents estimates of motor vehicle use in Australia between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016. This survey is taken from a sample of vehicles registered in Australia during this period. It contains statistics on passenger vehicle, motor cycle, truck and bus use for characteristics such as kilometres travelled, tonne kilometres and fuel consumption.

9309.0 - Motor Vehicle Census, Australia, 31 Jan 2017
This annual publication presents statistics relating to vehicles which were registered with a motor vehicle registration authority (MVR) at 31 January 2017.

What are your transport data needs? Share your views with us on the most useful information we should collect in the 2021 Census. Make your submission to our review of 2021 Census topics at the ABS Consultation Hub.