EG555F: PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEMS (2020-2021)

This course focusses upon public transport (PT) systems. It addresses both the management and operation of PT systems. Management will encompass the organisation and control of PT systems including both legislative and regulatory frameworks. Network planning at a variety of scales will be considered including strategic national and regional planning as well as more local urban and rural networks.

Operations will be considered in relation to fundamental principles of demand and supply management with particular emphasis on the roles of financial instruments such as subsidy, revenue and fares. Operations will be considered in relation to: buses, trams, rail, metro and emerging forms of PT e.g. personal rapid transit. For each mode, historical development, current practice and issues and potential future developments will be considered. This approach will involve the exploration of detailed case studies such as high-speed rail in the UK and hydrogen buses in Aberdeen (supported by a site visit)

The importance of integration and intermodality will be emphasised through the exploration of the concept of ‘seamless mobility’ as an aspiration for the delivery of public transport services. This will lead into the discussion of in-depth case studies. Firstly, on the resilience of PT networks with particular attention towards climate change adaptation and extreme weather as well as the impact of large events (e.g. sporting events) on network management and operations. Secondly, the security of PT networks with particular attention to current and emerging security challenges such as:

• Threat detection and prevention
• Crisis management
• Cyber security, privacy and ICT
• Staff security training
• Passenger security

The appreciation of the interdependence of PT networks will be further developed by a 5-day field trip to a UK metropolitan city (likely to be either Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester or London). The field trip will involve both undertaking an independent group field project and opportunities to engage key PT stakeholders in the city with ‘behind the scenes’ access to operations and management environments.

The future of PT systems will also be a focus with an exploration of the relationship between formal fixed-route PT networks and more informal, ad-hoc networks and services resulting from a changing economic, technical and technological landscape which is enabling more flexible and demand responsive transport services. The role of automation in PT networks will also be considered alongside opportunities for emerging forms of PT such as personal rapid transit.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

More Information about Week Numbers

Oral presentation individual (20%)

Oral presentation individual (20%)

Coursework (project report) (60%)

Resit

Re-sit of only the failed assessment component(s)

There are no assessments for this course.