About the DfT TEST Programme

The aim of TEST

The DfT TEST programme provides evaluation support to public bodies that plan to trial innovative approaches to transport delivery. Open to all public bodies and transport interventions of all types, the programme is designed to:

  • Improve the quality and strength of evidence generated. The programme will help successful applicants to design and evaluate transport trials and interventions so that they lead to high-quality, reliable evidence.
  • Maximise learning by sharing evidence. The programme will help successful applicants to share insights and best practice allowing all public bodies to benefit from collective learning.

Support is available through three rounds spread over three years

The programme will deliver three rounds of expert support from summer 2026 to March 2029. Each round follows four stages:

Public bodies can apply for funding by submitting an idea at any of the three Call for Ideas stages, which will take place in:

  • June and July 2026 (Round 1)
  • November and December 2026 (Round 2)
  • May and June 2027 (Round 3)

All transport ideas are encouraged

The programme is not limited to particular intervention types; we are keen to support a broad range of transport trials at various stages of maturity. All ideas will be assessed and prioritised for progression to the next stage based on two key criteria:

  • Evaluation feasibility – Can the trial feasibly produce robust evidence about its effectiveness?
  • Learning potential – How useful will the outcomes and evidence be for others in the transport sector?

The benefits of participation

The programme has been specifically designed to meet the needs of public bodies, providing:

  • Dedicated support for your trials: Submit an idea to the DfT TEST programme to receive specialist evaluation expertise tailored to your needs. Supported projects will receive in the region of 10-50 days of support from the programme. This could include in- person visits, review of data systems, quality assurance of plans and outputs, support with analysis and reporting of findings.

  • Gain valuable insights from others: Learn from other projects supported through the programme, including what worked, what did not, and what you can apply in your own context. Key findings will be translated into practical playbooks, templates and case studies to support future decision-making.

  • Access a national learning network: Connect with public bodies tackling similar challenges to share experiences, insights and good practice. Through a Community of Practice and shared learning activities, you will have access to practical tools, resources and peer support to help build skills and confidence.

Engagement with DfT TEST could help you to:

  • Make more evidence-based decisions about whether to continue, adapt, scale or stop an intervention. ​
  • Strengthen future business cases and support funding decisions.​
  • Support stakeholder engagement and enable quicker roll-outs of interventions. ​

Who are the DfT TEST Experts?

The DfT TEST Expert Team brings together a consortium of leading transport and evaluation specialists from PA Consulting, Jacobs, Verian, and the University of the West of England. The team offers internationally recognised expertise in the design, delivery, and evaluation of transport trials and interventions to complement your existing team.

You remain in the driving seat at all times

The programme provides funded, expert support tailored to your specific trial needs. This support is designed to complement your existing plans; you will remain fully in control of your trial at all times.

You will continue to secure the necessary approvals, funding and resources for delivery, as you normally would. Our role is to provide additional evaluation expertise to strengthen your trial and the evidence it generates.

We ask that successful applicants also:

  • Nominate a dedicated point of contact for the DfT TEST programme, responsible for planning and delivering the trial, and for engaging with the programme team.
  • Share relevant data to support proposal development and trial evaluation. We will agree appropriate arrangements to ensure your data is handled securely and with confidence.
  • Contribute to a public-facing trial report, by providing required information and agreeing to publication, so that findings and wider learning can be shared with other public bodies.

Submit your idea to access funding here or access the FAQs for further information here.