ITS Monday: Edition 19, 2023

How did Perth’s CBD end up with 19% more private transport commuters in 2021?

“ABS census data tells us that Perth’s CBD experienced a massive 19% jump in the number of private transport commuter trips between 2016 and 2021. That’s over 5000 more journeys – mostly as car drivers – and is quite likely to have made traffic congestion worse. So how did that happen?”

Planes, trains and automobiles – David Hensher’s moving life

An interview with Professor David Hensher. Covered is his opinions on transport matters, the history and scope of the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, examples of his work that have had the most impact, and his advice for young transport researchers.

See our interview with David, at : David Hensher: Transport economist

Transportist: MaaS or SaaM: Mobility-as-a-Service Pro and Con

David Levinson‘s latest blog. “Is this (MaaS) likely to be here in 10 years time, or is it another example of faddism in the transport sector, as people look for solutions that don’t require real political pain (like pricing and taxing policies)?”

Related content: MaaS (Mobility as a Service) in Australia

Uber, BP strike charging deal to drive EV uptake in Australia

“Ride-hailing giant Uber has struck a deal with BP to offer discounted electric vehicle charging to its Australian drivers as it launches a service dedicated to lower-emissions rides and seeks to persuade reluctant drivers to make the switch to electric cars.”

Related iMOVE project: Electric vehicles: Supporting uptake, investigating smart charging

How is population density changing in Australian cities? (2023 update)

Our second entry this week from Chris Loader’s Charting Transport blog. “With the release of more detailed 2021 census data and June 2022 population estimates, it’s now possible to look more closely at how Australia’s larger capital cities have changed, particularly following the onset of the COVID19 pandemic in 2020.”

Related iMOVE content: Working from Home page.

The Impact of 2020 Low Traffic Neighbourhoods on Levels of Car/Van Driving among Residents: Findings from Lambeth, London, UK

“We examined how residents’ driving changed after the implementation of low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Lambeth, London. We used postcode plus numberplate data from controlled parking zones, matched to annual MOT records. From 2018-2020 (‘pre’) to 2021-2023 (‘post’), mean past-year driving decreased by 0.7km/day among residents living inside the new LTNs and increased by 0.6km/day among residents in control areas elsewhere in Lambeth. This represents a difference-in-differences decrease of 1.3km/day (95% confidence interval 0.3 to 2.4) in LTN versus control areas, or a 6.4% relative decrease. Our findings suggest that residents started driving less once their area became an LTN.”

American Cities Are Starting to Thrive Again. Just Not Near Office Buildings.

“While office towers sit empty and nearby businesses struggle to pay their bills, residential neighborhoods in America’s biggest cities are bustling again. The pandemic and remote work have done little to dent the overall appeal of cities such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, foot-traffic and rent data show.”

Transdev launches environmental dashboard for emissions fleet data

“Global operator Transdev has launched an environmental dashboard that automates the collection of real-time transport fleet data from power use to diesel emissions. The dashboard measures the quantity of fossil fuels used (diesel, compressed natural gas, petrol and electricity) as well as water use across more than 2000 Transdev buses, trams and ferries in Sydney and buses in Perth and in Brisbane.”

Busways expands Sydney electric bus fleet

“Australian bus operator Busways has expanded its Sydney electric bus fleet to 18 zero emissions buses, allowing it to now operate the second largest electric bus fleet in NSW.”

Related iMOVE projects: Electric school buses for Western Australia: Feasibility study | 3P vehicle design and prototype | Charging requirements for Melbourne’s electric bus fleet

The impact of the pandemic on logistics and supply chain digitalization

“The coronavirus pandemic led to supply chain disruptions resulting in adverse economic impacts on global supply chains. Nationwide lockdowns in countries that play key roles in global manufacturing restricted freight movements through air, ocean, and land routes resulting in delivery delays, higher freight rates, and congestion. This chapter will review recent developments, long term impacts and opportunities for growth in the context of this important sector and illustrate some of the key impacts of the pandemic using the example of the emerging economy in India. It concludes by synthesising key takeaways and conclude by reflecting on the future of the sector.”

Europe is trying to ditch planes for trains. Here’s how that’s going

“Ever since the “flight shame” movement began encouraging travelers to seek greener alternatives to jet planes, many in Europe have been looking to the continent’s extensive rail network to replace short-haul air travel.”