Planning and Operation of Public Transport Systems

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

  The theoretical/practical teaching model combines theoretical presentations, discussion of case studies (including the reformulation of a small public transport network), and direct contact with authorities and relevant external projects in a balanced way. The evaluation will be conducted through an eminently theoretical exam (50%) and the development of practical work, subject to oral presentation and discussion (50%). Students will be entitled to two exam periods, with the marks of the practical work being considered in both.

Learning Outcomes

 With this course is expected that the student acquires a set of critical knowledge and tools enabling him to take technical, methodological, and strategic decisions in the context of planning, implementing and managing a public transport network.  The course aims to provide the future specialist in urban mobility with the necessary technical and scientific background to promote public transport in the context of sustainable development. A special focus is given to the economic sustainability of public transport, bringing the technical credibility of the future specialist to the levels required by the position of a strategical and operational manager. Additionally, the course seeks to raise the awareness about the socioeconomic impacts produced by decision-makers acting in the transport sector, as well as the importance of being part of a multidisciplinary team. 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

a.    Technology and public transportation services:
i.    Modes: vehicles and infrastructure (road, heavy rail, and light rail);
ii.    Type of services (suburban train, metro, tram, bus, express bus, BRT, dial-a-ride)
b.    Performance of public transport systems:
i.    Capacity, productivity, efficiency, and use;
ii.    Evaluation and monitoring of quality in transport systems: indicators of performance and service.
c.    Demand estimation
i.    Pivot-point models;
ii.    Synthetic models.
d.    Planning public transport networks: frequency, vehicle capacity, route design, space-time diagram; demand-route diagram.
e.    Integrated information systems:
i.    Passenger, management, and operations;
ii.     Traditional solutions and new ITS solutions.
f.    Tariff and ticketing options
g.    The Legal Regime of the Public Passenger Transport Service
ii.    The exercise of local and metropolitan authorities as transport authorities

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Project: 50.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Ortúzar, J. and Willumsen 2011 – Modelling transport, 4th Edition;  Wiley Publishers;

Button , K., 2010 – Transport Economics, 3th Edition,  Elgar, Edward Publishing, Inc.

Vuchic, V. R. “Urban Transit. Operations, Planning and Economics”, John Willey & Sons,

(2005).

Vuchic, V. R.” Urban transit systems and technology”, Hoboken : John Wiley & Sons, Inc., cop. 2007.