Introduction

What is the Transport Resource Centre Scheme (TRCS)?

The TRCS is a world-wide consortium of groups and individuals with specialist knowledge in the field of transport research. We provide impartial advice on transport issues with the benefit of over 60 years of expertise in over 90 countries.

Funded by UK-DFID, we are available to give advice to, or carry out research for, those seeking guidance on any aspect of development that has a transport component, and is based in the developing world. Our work is focussed on assisting them achieve their goals for poverty reduction through transport solutions.

Limitations on access to information and expert advice can often be a major factor that holds up development. The TRCS aims to inform and advise those working in development with our large knowledge base and wide ranging experiences of implementing transport solutions in the developing world.

Who are we?

The main partner groups of the TRCS are the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL Ltd.), the intermediate Technology Development Group (ITC-ITDG), the International Forum for Rural Transport Development (IFRTD) and the Natural Resources Institute (NRI). We also maintain a close working relationship with several specialist transport researchers and have a network of international representatives.

What are our main areas of expertise?

For a more in depth description of this please refer to our Core Competencies. Within the TRCS are specialists in the fields of road safety engineering, infrastructure, geo-technics, gender issues, urban transport planning, livelihoods, market access, road investment modelling, enterprise development and railways to name but a few.

Services available to those using the RCS

The TRCS has a number of organisations and specialists it can call on to answer an enquiry. We can respond to enquiries of varying size and complexity, for example, in the past we have:

-Responding to transport related enquiries from DFID or an organisation it supports

-Requests for advice on problems that involve transport

-Providing access to a wide range of publications related to transport issues in developing countries

-Compiling reading lists to link enquirers with a wider knowledge base

-Given lecture courses in departments that have a high proportion of students from the developing world