Transport Planning Society’s assessment of the DfT Appraisal, Modelling and Evaluation Strategy

The Department for Transport's new Appraisal, Modelling and Evaluation Strategy (AMES) marks an important moment for the future of transport decision-making. As the first refresh of the strategy since 2019, it presents an opportunity to ensure appraisal, modelling and evaluation better reflect today's policy challenges, technological advances and place-based ambitions.

This think piece from the Transport Planning Society's Governance, Appraisal and Business Case Modelling Policy Group welcomes the publication of AMES, assesses its strengths, and identifies where further work will be needed to translate its ambitions into meaningful improvements in practice. Drawing on the expertise of experienced practitioners, it offers constructive recommendations to help ensure appraisal supports better, more effective transport investment decisions.