ITS Monday: Edition 43, 2023

Effects of proactive and reactive health control measures on public transport preferences of passengers – A stated preference study during the COVID-19 pandemic

A new academic paper, co-authored by Tiantian Chen, Xiaowen Fu, David A. Hensher, Zhi-Chun Li, and N.N. Sze. There is a focus in the paper on Hong Kong, but the Australian experience is also mentioned.

“The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused unprecedented disruption to life and the economy worldwide. Governments have employed various pandemic containment measures such as lockdowns and travel restrictions, which has led to a huge decline in mobility. Since March 2020, residents in different countries or regions have experienced several waves of the COVID-19 epidemic, and they are now trying to adjust their life and work to this ‘new normal’. While people are returning to the transport system, their concern over the risk of catching COVID-19 through the use of public transport remains.”

Related iMOVE content: Working from Home: Info, Projects & Resources

Learning from the Evidence: Insights for Regulating E-scooters

A new working paper from the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, co-authored by Yuting Zhang, John Nelson, and Corinne Mulley.

“As a trending mobility choice, e-scooters have become popular in many cities. Many authorities have initiated shared e-scooter trial schemes to assess the feasibility of the vehicles prior to enacting official legalisation. This paper aims to provide an evidence review of shared e-scooters and investigate how existing evidence may inform long-term policies.”

Related iMOVE article: Micromobility Info, Projects & Resources

$16.9 billion dollars for the economy: New study shows positive impact of cycling in Australia

“A new study conducted by EY for WeRide Australia, the national independent voice for cycling in Australia, has revealed the profound impact cycling had on Australia’s economy, environment and population health in 2022.

The study shows that cycling contributed an estimated $16.9 billion to the economy, $954 million of which is from health and social benefits from cycling – the report finds that cycling saved the Australian health services $313 million in 2022.”

Related iMOVE content: Active Transport: Info, Projects & Resources

Victoria warned against ‘very inefficient’ hydrogen buses after trial announced

In last week’s ITS Monday we included a story on a city in France rethinking its stance on hydrogen-powered buses. Here we have a similar decision that’s a lot closer to home.

“Australia’s push towards hydrogen-powered buses could lead to governments repeating costly and energy-intensive trials that have failed around the globe, an expert has warned.”

“It’s very, very inefficient. And that means that you use a lot more energy in that process than if you just took electricity and you put it in a battery and then just ran a battery electric bus”, he said.

Related iMOVE content: Alternative Fuels: Info, Projects &; Resources

Autonomous warning system for Queensland level crossing

“A level crossing on the Carnarvon Highway at Thallon in South West Queensland has been upgraded with an innovative, autonomous system that displays clear warning signs at all times. The $1 million lighting upgrade is an Rail Level Crossing Active Safety (RAXS) System wireless safety system and is the second of its kind in Queensland, with one already operating at Oakey in the Toowoomba region.”

Easy street: How do we make walking and cycling to school number one?

“The share of Australian children travelling to school by bike or on foot has steeply declined in the last 40 years – from 75% to 25% – according to a report by the Western Australian government.” Also referenced in the article is research and observations from South Australia, and quotes from experts, including Elliot Fishman.

Related iMOVE project: The TRavel, Environment and Kids (TREK) Study: 15 years on

Australia’s first e-bike rebates go live in Tasmania

“Governments around the world are investing in e-bike rebates to accelerate adoption and tackle climate change. This week, Tasmania became the first Australian state to join them with a $1.2 million e-transport package. Within this, Tasmanian e-bike buyers will get a helping hand after 17 November through a $200,000 e-bike and e-scooter rebate scheme that will cover up to 12% of the cost of a bike.”

Box Hill ‘ghost platform’ touted as underground cycling highway

“”A bicycle highway through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs via an underground “ghost platform” at Box Hill station would ease road congestion and public transport crowding, according to a newly released government study that has fuelled calls to build the long-awaited project.”

Range Energy’s electric trailer can improve semi-truck mpg by 36%

“Range Energy’s electric trailer, which can “electrify” a diesel semi truck just by adding a trailer, has been found to improve efficiency by 36% in independent testing. The basic idea is that the trailer has a battery and motors in it and can sense acceleration through the trailer’s kingpin. When the tractor pulls forward, the motors kick in to help carry the load, meaning the tractor doesn’t have to do as much pulling.”

Navigating the Promise of Advanced Air Mobility: Ensuring Equitable and Inclusive Access

A LinkedIn article by Bradley McLees, Principal Advisor (Strategic Insights and Organisational Direction), within the Department of Transport and Main Roads (Queensland).

“In this article, I delve into the equity and inclusion aspects of AAM, pondering whether it will be a transport mode accessible to everyone or confined to a select few, reminiscent  (of) Uber Premium.”

Related iMOVE article: Drone Transport: Info, Projects, & Resources