Transport Economics and Appraisal

Program Overview

This module explores the economic principles and appraisal techniques used in transport planning. It covers topics such as transport supply, travel demand, economic models of transport choice, and economic appraisal methods. Students will apply these concepts through practical workshops and present and critique the results of an economic appraisal for a proposed transport scheme.

Program Outline

Outline:

Content:

This module examines the relationship between transport, the economy, and sustainability. It explores topics like:

• Transport supply and travel demand
• Different types of transport markets
• Economic models of how people make transport choices
• Economic arguments for policy levers (e.g., road pricing)
• Economic appraisal as a method for supporting decision-making
• Applying economic appraisal methods to assess costs and benefits of transport interventions
• Strengths and limitations of economic appraisal techniques

Structure:

• The module is delivered through lectures and workshops.
• Lectures explain the economic and appraisal concepts.
• Workshops provide practical exercises to apply these concepts.
• Culminating session: students present and critique the results of an economic appraisal for a proposed transport scheme.

Course Schedule:

• 12 sessions scheduled over 15 weeks.
• Each session lasts 3 hours.
• Weekly sessions.

Individual Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Transport Economics and Appraisal
• Module 2: Transport Supply and Travel Demand
• Module 3: Different Types of Transport Markets
• Module 4: Economic Models of Transport Choice
• Module 5: Economic Arguments for Policy Levers
• Module 6: Introduction to Economic Appraisal
• Module 7: Applying Economic Appraisal Methods
• Module 8: Strengths and Limitations of Economic Appraisal Techniques

Assessment:

Assessment methods:

• Report
• Presentation

Assessment criteria:

• Report: Critical analysis of the relationship between transport, the economy, and sustainability, using relevant economic principles.

Teaching:

Teaching methods:

• Interactive lectures
• Practical workshops

Faculty:

• Ben Clark, Course Director

Unique approaches:

• Focus on practical application of economic principles and appraisal techniques.
• Culminating session requiring students to present and critique the results of an economic appraisal.

Careers:

Potential career paths:

• Transport planning
• Transport economics
• Policy analysis
• Consultancy

Opportunities:

• Work for government agencies, transport consultancies, or private companies involved in transport planning and policy.

Outcomes:

• Graduates should be able to:
• Use economic principles to evaluate transport markets, travel behavior, and policy interventions.
• Explain and critique the relationship between economics and concepts of sustainability.
• Critically evaluate the principles of welfare economics that underpin cost-benefit analysis.

Other:

• This module can be taken as a stand-alone CPD course or used to build credits towards the following postgraduate qualifications:
• PG Diploma in Transport Engineering and Planning
• Masters in Transport Engineering and Planning
• Course dates
• Fees
• Online booking forms

| Cohort | UK participants | International participants | |---|---|---| | October 2023 | £792 | £1,333 |