Research team contacts

Principal Researcher:

Dr Shamsunnahar Yasmin, School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, QUT

Associate Researcher:

Professor Ashish Bhaskar, School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, QUT

Research Student:

Namrata Ghosh, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, QUT

What is the purpose of this research?

This research is being conducted as part of a PhD study at Queensland University of Technology. The study aims to understand when travel time becomes too long, too difficult, or too costly for people to continue working or seeking employment. The findings will help inform more equitable transport planning and policy in Australia.

Are you looking for people like me?

You are invited to participate if you are:

  • aged 18 years or older
  • Currently living in Australia
  • currently working full-time, part-time, casually, in gig work, or looking for work

We are interested in hearing from people who travel for work or are looking for work, and understanding how much travel time they consider acceptable and when travel becomes too long, too difficult, or too costly.

What will you ask me to do?

You will be asked to complete a 15–25 minute online survey about:

  • your usual travel to work or job-seeking activities
  • How long do you usually travel?
  • What travel time do you consider acceptable?
  • short hypothetical job scenarios

In the hypothetical scenarios, you will compare different work travel situations. These may vary by travel time, cost, reliability, safety, and work-life flexibility.

Taking part is voluntary, and you can skip any question you do not want to answer.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There are no risks beyond day-to-day living associated with completing the online questionnaire.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

It is not expected that this project will directly benefit you.

However, your responses will help researchers better understand how travel time affects people’s access to work and everyday life.

The results may be published in research papers and academic reports.

Will I be compensated for my time?

Yes. As a thank you for participating, you may enter a prize draw after completing the survey.

Five participants will be randomly selected to receive a $50 Groceries Smart eGift Card.

If you choose to enter the prize draw, your email address will be collected separately and will not be linked to your survey responses.

The prize draw is open from 1 June 2026 to 30 September 2026.

I am interested - what should I do next?

If you would like to participate, please complete the online survey using the link below.

Before starting the survey, you will be asked to read the Participant Information Sheet. By selecting “I agree”, you confirm that you have read and understood the information and voluntarily agree to participate in this research project.

Online survey

QUT Ethics Number: 10705