TRIPS is more than a database – it is a foundation for better transport decision-making. By unlocking the power of data, TRIPS aims to support smarter development outcomes, more liveable cities and a stronger integration between transport and land use planning.
The Problem
Transport planning has long been constrained by fragmented datasets, inconsistent survey methodologies and an over-reliance on outdated, generic trip rates. This often leads to uncertainty, inefficiencies and outcomes that don't reflect how people actually travel.
The Solution
TRIPS (Trip Rate Integrated Planning System) is Australia's first national platform for land use-based trip generation survey data. It brings together standardised, high-quality datasets and enables practitioners to assess developments using a consistent, evidence-based approach across all modes of transport.
The Team
The TRIPS team includes:
TRIPS was initially funded by iMOVE CRC, the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), and the University of Sydney, with the platform developed between January 2024 and December 2025.
TRIPS was officially launched on 10 December 2025 at the 12th International Symposium on Travel Demand Management, held at the University of Sydney CBD campus. At the same time, a not-for-profit entity—the TRIPS Hub—was established within the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS) to oversee the long-term maintenance, governance, and ongoing development of the platform.
Launch of the TRIPS Hub at the University of Sydney CBD Campus (10 December 2025)
From left to right: Prof Michael Bell (TRIPS Research Lead), Mr Ben Wood (TRIPS Implementation Strategy Lead), Prof David Hensher AM (Founding Director of ITLS), Dr Supun Perera (TRIPS Project Director), and Mr Simon Hunter (Chief Transport Planner at Transport for NSW)
The TRIPS Hub is housed within ITLS at the University of Sydney—one of the world's leading centres for transport research. It brings together academia, industry, and government to advance best practice in trip generation, data standardisation, and transport planning.
Through ongoing research, data integration, and stakeholder collaboration, the Hub ensures TRIPS remains robust, credible, and aligned with evolving industry needs.
Current research and further development of TRIPS is supported by a three-year (2026-2028) Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project, focused on advancing the understanding of land use trip generation and distribution for improving transport planning outcomes.
Expand the dataset – Grow national coverage and integrate additional mobility and socio-demographic data
Enhance analytics – Introduce advanced benchmarking tools, deeper analytical insights, and integrated GIS capabilities for spatial analysis
Strengthen partnerships and research – Collaborate with industry while advancing research into land use–transport integration
TRIPS has been shaped through close collaboration with industry, government and academia to ensure the platform responds to real-world transport planning needs.
Project Reference Group (PRG)
A dedicated Project Reference Group has played a central role in guiding the development of TRIPS. The PRG brings together representatives from government agencies, local councils, industry bodies, transport consultancies, survey specialists and academic institutions.
This collaborative group has helped ensure that TRIPS aligns with practitioner expectations, reflects current challenges in trip generation practice, and is built on a foundation that is practical, credible and nationally relevant.
