CENV6169 Transport Planning: Policy and Governance
Module Overview
This module introduces students to key concepts in transport planning and policy-making, and provides them with the background knowledge necessary to understand transport system development. It makes use of a range of case studies from around the world, and includes a residential field trip to give students first hand experience of the issues connected with transport system operation in a major city.
Aims and Objectives
Module Aims
The main aims of this module are to i) describe recent trends in transport and the development of current transport policy in the UK and around the world, ii) examine the interlinkages between transport planning, policy and governance systems, and iii) explore how these interlinkages play out in practice. This module is designed for students on the MSc in Transportation Planning and Engineering. However, it will also be open to all students at Masters level and above within the University, including those studying for an iPHD or EngD in the Doctoral Training Centres.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The historical development of transport systems.
- Characteristics of, and influences on, transport network development
- Recent trends in transport and the major drivers behind travel behaviour
- The transport planning process.
- The transport policy-making process.
- Current guidance on transport and land use planning, with particular reference to the UK.
- Regulation, ownership and funding structures for transport systems
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Explain why transport planning is a necessary aspect of governance.
- Describe the transport policy process and key issues determining policy options.
- Discriminate and interpret between different policy options and their implications.
- Critically analyse the development of transport systems in a major city.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Time management.
- The use of creativity and innovation in problem solving.
- Collating, synthesising and prioritising information.
- Learning, studying and researching independently.
- Reporting your work effectively.
- Working as part of a team to solve a problem.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Review a range of literature.
- Manage and organise time.
- Support arguments with appropriate source references.
- Identify the outcomes of transport planning and policy interventions in the field.
Syllabus
Contact time in the module will include the following sessions, with each session including a mix of different delivery modes as decided by individual lecturers in consultation with the module lead: 1) Introduction to Transport Policy and the Planning Process 2) Historical Development of Transport Systems 3) Theory of Transport and Land Use Development 4) Transport Trends and Virtual Mobility 5) UK Transport Policy 6) EU and World Transport Policy & Government Structures 7) Local Authorities’ Role in Public Transport Systems 8) Field Trip 9) Transport and Land Use Planning in the UK 10) Development of Strategic, Master and Local Transport Plans 11) Regulation and Privatisation in Rail Transport 12) Regulation in the Bus Industry 13) Transport Funding Structures and Sources 14) Professional and ethical conduct in transport management 15) Interaction between industry, public bodies and communities in policy development
Special Features
Overnight residential field trip to a major city (such as London), including site visits, research for coursework assignment, and a group challenge competition.
Learning and Teaching
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 16 |
| Revision | 45 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Completion of assessment task | 25 |
| Wider reading or practice | 20 |
| Follow-up work | 10 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Hensher D A et al (eds) (2008). Handbook of Transport Geography and Spatial Systems.
Button KJ & Hensher D (eds) (2005). Handbook of Transport Strategy, Policy and Institutions.
Gilbert R & Perl A (2010). Transport Revolutions: Moving People And Freight Without Oil.
Rodrigue, J-P (2013). The Geography of Transport Systems.
Assessment
Assessment Strategy
Ongoing formative assessment opportunities will be offered through online self-completion ‘check your knowledge’ tests, available on Blackboard, and classroom interactive tests using ‘Kahoot’ or a similar tool.
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 25% |
| Examination (120 minutes) | 75% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination (120 minutes) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External
Costs
Costs associated with this module
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.
In addition to this, students registered for this module typically also have to pay for:
Field Trips
Lunch on the two days of the overnight field trip - students can choose where they purchase this.
Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.