Research capability profile

Professor Hussein Dia – Chair, Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Program Leader, Future Urban Mobility Research Program

Dr Hadi Ghaderi – Associate Professor, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Department of Management and Marketing, Stream Leader, Future Urban Mobility Research Program

Stream 1: Intelligent Transport Systems and Infrastructure

Research in this stream is focused on reducing the need for new transport infrastructure through better utilisation of existing assets.

The capability in this area includes development of algorithms for network operations, and data-driven management of transport systems. It also includes researching new sensors and communication systems.

The four themes under this stream include:

• Network management and control
• Smart infrastructure and asset management
• Technology, sensors, communications, and control systems
• Enhanced personal mobility

Stream 2: Transport Modelling and Traffic Simulation

In this stream, our research focuses on evaluating the impacts of mobility solutions using transport and traffic modelling methodologies.

These include a hierarchy of models ranging from strategic through to operational traffic simulation and agent-based models. Key facilities that support our research include Swinburne’s Virtual Smart Mobility Research Facility, with state-of-the-art modelling platforms for the assessment of economic, social and environmental attractiveness of mobility solutions and land-use transport interactions.

The four themes under this stream are:

• Large-scale optimisation
• Gamification
• Predictive intelligence, traffic forecasting, AI and data analytics
• Agent-based traffic simulation and behavioural modelling

Stream 3: Disruptive Mobility

Research in this stream is focused on shaping the future directions of urban mobility through rigorous research that evaluates emerging and new modes of transport and business models.

This includes estimation of transport demands for new solutions and scenarios of potential shifts in supply and demand. Our research looks beyond the hype and establishes long-term impacts of new technologies. It also develops rigorous but flexible evaluation frameworks for agile and outcome-focused regulations that encourage transport innovations.

The four themes under this stream include:

• Emerging modes of transport and autonomous shared mobility
• Urban air mobility
• Low and zero emissions urban transport solutions
• End-to-end freight solutions

Workforce implications of transport digitalisation and automation
This project aims to develop a deeper understanding of the workforce implications resulting from the digitalisation, and automation of transport in the context of the Australian market. Although not the main focus of the study the project will also consider other adjacent technologies and trends – such as electrification – which are evolving at the same time.

Low-cost IoT-based solution for tracking and monitoring of freight
This project will develop, test and deliver a low-cost IoT-based solution for live tracking and condition monitoring of freight consignments across multiple freight carriers and transport modes.

Replacement bus patronage counting and wait time measurement
This project aims to identify and trial suitable system(s) for automatic real-time patronage counting for replacement bus services during rail disruptions in Melbourne. It will focus on passenger detection technologies that can be applied in passenger waiting areas rather than installed on buses.

Digitisation in transport and freight: Lessons for Australia
This research aims to undertake a comprehensive systematic literature review of international best practice in digitisation in the transport and freight sectors. Key case studies demonstrating the benefits and impacts in terms of enhancing network performance, efficiency and productivity will be identified and analysed.

Exploring the Movement and Place Framework
The purpose of this research is to use the Movement & Place Framework and Safe System approach to develop a series of evidence-based design principles and guidelines for balancing vehicle movement and place-making, to enhance the development of safe and successful places.

Hussein Dia: Tackling the urban transport future
An interview with Professor Hussein Dia, covering his research work, his academic journey, his thoughts on the future of transport and more.

Disrupting urban mobility: Trends transforming the future
The text of a presentation Professor Dia delivered at the 2019 Transport of Tomorrow conference. “The 2020s are predicted to be a decade of transformation for urban mobility. There are at least six forces that are expected to disrupt the urban mobility landscape. From self-driving vehicles and the sharing economy, through to vehicle electrification, mobile computing, IoT and blockchain technologies, each of these trends is quite significant on its own.”

VIDEO: Transport digitisation – lessons/opportunities for Australia
Watch Professor Hussein and Dr Ghaderi speak at our May 2022 webinar, Digitisation of transport and freight: How are we tracking in Australia, and where are the opportunities?, in which findings from their work on our Digitisation in transport and freight: Lessons for Australia project are discussed.

The final report for this project is downloadable at World best practice digitisation in transport/freight: And Australia?

iMOVE bus data study project’s award nominations

An iMOVE project led by Sydney Trains and Transport for NSW, with the research work carried out by the Swinburne University of Technology’s Smart Cities Research Institute, was nominated for two awards.