Shaping Future Transport Systems: Rail Industry Challenges and Solutions

1.Seven issues choose one of them, recommended choice questions 5 or problem 7
2.May need to find related data, the data must be true and reliable

Coursework Assignment 2: 3000 word report.

You should choose one question from the list below. Your report should be 3000 words. (Information on word count at the end of the document). This piece of assessed work counts for 75% of the overall module mark.

TRAN5015 Question

1: a) Discuss the different potential sources of inaccuracy in the transport models used for forecasting, and the impacts of these inaccuracies.(60%)

b) Discuss how you might allow for such inaccuracies when appraising projects, using the kinds of model used in the 4-stage modelling approach as examples. (40%)

(This question is most relevant for those enrolled on the Transport Economics program).

TRAN5015 Question 2: Provide a description of the Low Emission Bus Zones (LEBZ) now operational in London and their reported impacts on air quality. You may also wish to analyse published data (where available). Then go on to compare the relative air quality impacts from LEBZ with the changes experienced and reported from the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions

. Provide a discussion of the comparison and go on to provide recommendations how the LEBZ could be improved and implemented in other Cities. The following resource could be useful: http://www.londonair.org.uk/LondonAir/Default.aspx TRAN5015 Question 3: Choose one city or country and identify, using evidence the significant demographic changes (for example, changes in age profiles) we should anticipate in the near future. Interpret that evidence to show how these changes might impact on the transport system and on passenger travel behaviour. Then using evidence identify two measures (from different perspectives, e.g., engineering, planning) that combined respond to the challenges resulting from the demographic changes. Explain how the measures would work together.

TRAN5015 Question 4: It is often claimed that by eliminating the human from the driving task and therefore eliminating human error as a contributory factor to crash risk, the introduction of automated driving will make road traffic substantially safer. Does the experience with automated driving systems to date support this contention? And how should the introduction of vehicles with automated driving capability (not just systems designed to support the human in the driving task) be managed so as to ensure that those vehicles can drive safely safe?

TRAN5015 Question 5: Provide a description and analysis of the death rate due to traffic accidents in low, middle and high- income countries. Choose one low or lower-middle income country* and describe the pattern of traffic accidents over the past two decades (approximately); explain the underlying reasons for this pattern. Go on to identify two measures (from Road Engineering, Enforcement or Education) and assess the potential of each on reducing the road traffic accidents in that country. *a list of low and lower-middle income countries is provided in the word document

TRAN5015 Question 6: Explain the arguments for and against the introduction of road pricing, with reference to economic principles where appropriate. (40%) Critically evaluate an example of implementation of urban road pricing, covering its key objectives and features, drawing on theory and evidence where possible to argue how successful it has been. (30%) What prevents this scheme from achieving the principle of first best pricing and can you suggest changes which could be made to the scheme to better reflect this principle? (30%) (This question is most relevant for those enrolled on the programmes that completed the economics stream: Transport Planning; Transport Planning and Engineering; Transport Planning and Environment; Sustainability in Transport).

TRAN5015 Question 7: What are the main challenges facing the rail industry today? What steps can the industry take to overcome them? (This question is most relevant for those enrolled on the Railways, Operation, Management and Policy programme). [End of list of questions]

Word limit

The word limit for this assignment is 3000 words. You should submit an essay to the exact word length. EVERYTHING EXCEPT the title, reference list, titles for figures and tables, and any appendices are included in the word count for this essay. Figure and table title text should not be used to add interpretative text into the report but should simply describe the content of the figure or table in a limited number of words. The interpretation needs to be contained within the main report text and thus be considered within the total word count. Feedback We will provide feedback and a mark for the report. This is to help you to improve your work. Feedback will be given within the 15 days of submission. We will let you know if there are any delays to the feedback.

The assessment criteria for this coursework are below: Quality of argument This means that the answer given is:

• Clear and easy to follow and the writing does not detract from the meaning.

• Supported by evidence and makes effective use of that evidence.

• Demonstrating critical insight through the choice and recognition of the quality of the evidence and how well the evidence is used to support the argument.

• Demonstrating an accurate understanding, e.g., in definitions

• Demonstrating originality and innovation Structure and organisation of argument and material

• Demonstrates clarity of essay structure, organisation of argument and material

• Appropriate and brief use of aims and conclusions

• Consistent focus on the topic

• There is a structure that supports the argument. Use of evidence and material

• Uses relevant illustrative examples

• Uses relevant material General comments may be provided on the following:

Referencing and citation.