Management of Urban Road Traffic, Parking and Logistics

Recommended Prerequisites

The student should have a background in transport systems.

Teaching Methods

The theoretical-practical classes focus on the presentation of theoretical concepts, demonstration of real cases, resolution of exercises, and development of at least one group work addressing a complex real problem. The practical component allows to consolidate concepts and develop an integrated approach to problem solving using several techniques. The practical analysis of case-studies is further supported by tutorial sessions. Evaluation: final exam (50%) and practical work, including defense (50%). Two exam periods are offered; the practical work is always considered in the final mark.

Learning Outcomes

In the last decades, the growth of urban population has led to a significant increase in the number of trips performed within consolidated urban spaces, as well as to the construction of new transport infrastructures. However, the solutions of the past are becoming saturated, being necessary to implement new mobility measures oriented towards a smart and sustainable management of urban traffic, parking, and logistics.

This course aims to provide students with the technical knowledge and competences required to an effective management of urban traffic, supported by ITS solutions and simulation models.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

a.    Traffic information and management: the role of ITS
i.    UTC systems
ii.    Congestion management
iii.    Road pricing
iv.    Incident detection systems
v.    Route guidance
vi.    Integrated traffic control and information systems: VMS vs UTC
b.    Parking management including loading and unloading operations
i.    Parking policies
ii.    Demand characterization
iii.    Supply characterization
iv.    Parking design
v.    Integrated solutions
vi.    Loading/unloading spaces
vii.    Information systems and enforcement
c.    Urban Logistics
i.    Relevance to the urban economy and society
ii.    Organization of logistics networks
iii.    Freight transport in urban areas
d.    Mitigation and control of road emissions
i.    Alternative fuels and new propulsion technologies
ii.    ITS
iii.    Low emission zones
e.    Microsimulation models
i.    Microscopic models
ii.    Modelling (VISSIM or AIMSUN)

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Project: 50.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

CCRDN, 2010 - Manual de Acessibilidades e da Gestão Viária. http://norteemrede.ccdr-n.pt/planeamento/publicacoes/manual-de-planeamento-das-acessibilidades-e-da-gestao-viaria ;

Barceló, Jaume (Ed.) 2010 Barceló, J. (2010). Fundamentals of traffic simulation (145). New York: Springer. http://www.springer.com/gp/book/9781441961419;

Inderwildi O., King D. - Energy, Transport, & the Environment: Addressing the Sustainable Mobility Paradigm. Springer, 2012;

Kutz M. - Environmentally Conscious Transportation, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2008.