Ed Downer

A-Z of Transport Economics: T for TAG This week’s edition is a bit of a love letter to TAG, the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom's Transport Analysis Guidance. For appraisal practitioners in the UK, this is the first point of call for all things modelling and appraisal related (not forgetting that Wales and Scotland also have their own versions of appraisal guidance, WelTAG and STAG respectively). TAG contains a comprehensive set of ‘Units’, which are documents each focusing on a separate area of appraisal – e.g. unit A3 deals with environmental appraisal, A4-3 deals with place-based analysis and so on. These units tackle a given topic in depth, outlining how they should be approached when it comes to producing a transport appraisal. It was great to see updated modelling units released recently, developed by Arup along with partners from AECOM and Systra – especially the new Agent-Based Modelling Unit M5-4, an area that our City Modelling Lab has been championing for years. There are also a range of spreadsheets and workbooks intended to assist with estimating impacts – the TAG Data Book contains loads of information about things like values of time, vehicle occupancy, journey purpose and much more, whilst the Active Mode Appraisal Toolkit can be used to appraise active travel schemes. The DfT’s Transport Appraisal and Strategic Modelling division makes refinements over time to keep it up to date and ensure that it captures the latest findings and research. A welcome introduction in the past couple of years has been the TAG Conference (aka ‘TAG Fest’) which includes a range of presentations on topical issues and hopefully will have the same longevity as Glastonbury! TAG is available from here and is very near the top of my bookmarks bar! https://lnkd.in/eN6qfyuF #WeAreArup #TransportEconomicsAtoZ #transporteconomics #TAG #TPSE #transportanalysisguidance

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I often get asked about the differences between the two books I’ve written, “Traffic Signals” and “Traffic Control”. Traffic Signals (now in its second edition), is an introduction to the topic and is extensively used by companies for their apprentices, graduates and new entrants to the sector to provide a good grounding about the fundamentals of signal operation and equipment. It is also on some degree reading lists and has even been quoted in a few dissertations! Traffic Control is a much more in-depth book, written primarily as a traffic systems companion to Chapter 6 of the DfT Traffic Signs manual, but also works as a standalone reference book. It provides a wide range of advice and guidance for practitioners undertaking designs for signalised junctions and crossings. Both books are written in plain English, they don’t assume any prior knowledge, and include lots of photos, diagrams and worked examples. Both are available from Amazon in paperback and hardback, and there is also a Kindle version of Traffic Signals, use these links to view: Traffic Signals - https://amzn.to/3Cpx1lj Traffic Control - https://amzn.to/40I4KjJ Incidentally, I noticed that there is currently a small discount on the paperback versions, so don’t miss that opportunity if you are interested! Don’t forget to get this on your festive present list, so that Santa (or your loved ones 😉) get you something more interesting than a pair of socks this year!!! Please feel free to visit our website at: www.ITSNow.org to find out more, or have a look at our large collection of ITS related videos at: YouTube.com/@ITSNow #futuremobility #THISisITS #TrafficSignals #TrafficControl #CPD #ITSNow

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📢 FTE Research Report on Railway Sidings Now Available Imagine a freight train in delay, missing its slot at the freight terminal and therefore in need to find a parking place at the most convenient siding. The importance of accessing sidings becomes immediately apparent. Time consuming coordination, a lack of up-to-date information and no suitable siding can result in traffic jams stretching hundreds of kilometres and unexpected costs for many parties. Now imagine a passenger train, that cannot be parked overnight near its last/first station and has to be stored dozens of kilometres away. Who will bear the cost of this movement and the extra hours for the drivers? Recognizing the significance of service facilities in the logistics chain, FTE has conducted research to address the challenges of integrating them into capacity management processes. In our latest news article, we are pleased to announce the release of our first draft report, focusing on storage sidings. This comprehensive report tackles key issues such as definitions, long-term availability and capacity considerations, data accuracy, coordination with Temporary Capacity Restrictions (TCRs), and transparency in allocation processes. Its findings set a solid groundwork for future discussions among RUs, IMs, and Regulatory Bodies. Moreover, the research aligns with the spirit of the European Commission’s proposed Regulation on capacity management, reflecting market needs and advocating for harmonized processes and IT standards across Europe, including service facilities. We extend our sincere gratitude to Giuseppe Miccoli for his invaluable contributions to this research while working with us. 👉 Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gshyRBmt #ForumTrainEurope #Rail #Railways #EuropeanRailways #RailTransport #CrossBorder #CapacityRegulation #Siding #Parking #ServiceFacility #ConnectingEurope #GreenDeal 🌍🌱

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📢 New paper alert - 'Practitioner views on transport planning's evolution - a Sisyphean task still ahead?' by Daniela Paddeu, Glenn Lyons, Kiron Chatterjee and Tom Calvert Transport planning as a formalised profession is relatively young and there is no doubt it has evolved over time. In Europe, Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans reflect a change in emphasis from keeping traffic moving to place-based, people-centric planning. Three new developments of significance present themselves to contemporary transport planning: the collision and merging of the digital age with the motor age; a widespread sense of deep (and possibly deepening) uncertainty about the future; and the imperative to address the climate emergency and decarbonise transport. Taken together, such developments are reflected in the recent notion of Triple Access Planning which sits within a so-called ‘decide and provide’ paradigm – contrasted with traditional transport planning within the ‘predict and provide’ paradigm. The world is changing significantly with a strong sense that transport planning needs to change accordingly. This paper draws upon the ‘7 Questions Interview’  technique to explore with 23 practitioners in the UK their experience of transport planning practice over time, their hopes and fears for its future and what could be achieved, and their views on enablers of, and barriers to, positive change. The interviews reveal a strong sense that transport planning can face a Sisyphean (seemingly impossible) task of advocating measures that could push towards realisation of  economic, social and environmental aspirations, only to find progress with measure approval and implementation thwarted by perennial challenges including lack of political will and public buy-in. While the three new developments mentioned represent potential catalysts for significant change, such change relies on multiple other factors. These include collaborative cross-sector working, a long-term perspective, appropriate funding and political agency, and enhanced communication skills to win hearts and minds. The paper concludes that Sisyphus may continue to struggle to push the transport planning boulder to the top of the hill; unless perhaps Hercules can lend a hand. Download for free here: https://lnkd.in/eEQtagg8 #transportplanning #decideandprovide #tripleaccessplanning

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Are you ready to reimagine Bristol's mass transport system proposals? When you think of mass transit in Bristol, what comes to mind? Buses, Metrobus, and perhaps the tantalising idea of an Underground System. But let's face it, the current network lacks integration and falls short of meeting the needs of this vibrant city. In Enroute’s latest blog post - "Bristol Mass Transport: An Alternative Vision" – our new transport analyst, Jacob Cook, delves into and challenges the status quo. While we fully support existing Underground proposals, Enroute believe it's time to explore fresh perspectives on this politically sensitive issue. Curious to learn more? Dive into our blog to discover our recommendations and join the conversation on reshaping Bristol's transportation future. We welcome your feedback and comments. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/e-KsW_-T Together, let's pave the way for a brighter, more accessible Bristol. #BristolMassTransport #TransportationRevolution #SustainableTransport #publictransportrevolution #publictransportinvestment

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A ‘Rail and Urban Transport Review’ commissioned by the Labour Party while in opposition has published recommendations to accelerate the unlocking of benefits from rail and urban transport infrastructure investment, calling for a greater role for private funding. Read More >>> https://lnkd.in/ehn_puDQ #RailandUrbanTransportReview #LabourParty #UrbanTransportInfrastructure #PrivateFunding #TransportInfrastructure

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📢 I’m delighted to announce that the CIHT CLIMATES research survey is now live and ready to receive your contribution (closing date Friday 14 February 2025). Whether or not you are a Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) member, and wherever you are, please have your say: https://lnkd.in/dFKAC3r7 Climate change is arguably the biggest challenge that has faced humanity. With that in mind we hope it is not too much to ask for about 30 minutes of your time to hear your views on what might lie ahead and what you think needs to be done in the highways and transportation sector. The research survey has been designed to give you an equivalent ‘at speed’ experience of the full-day CLIMATES workshop. It’s more than a survey – it can contribute towards your CIHT continuing professional development on decarbonisation. The research survey includes climate change insights, AI-generated imagery of possible futures, and thought-provoking questions for you to engage with. Please take a beat and consider setting aside some time to become part of CIHT CLIMATES (details about the overall initiative here: https://lnkd.in/dUkcC97k). The more people we hear from, the more the CLIMATES initiative will be able to reflect the breadth and depth of views from professionals in our sector. We would really appreciate you forwarding this to your own colleagues and networks. And those who complete the survey are in with a chance winning a limited edition CIHT CLIMATES tour t-shirt. Here are a few climate change quotes to get you in the mood: 🟢 “Twenty-five years ago people could be excused for not knowing much, or doing much, about climate change. Today we have no excuse.” Desmond Tutu 🟢 “I’ve starred in a lot of science fiction movies and, let me tell you something, climate change is not science fiction. This is a battle in the real world, it is impacting us right now.” Arnold Schwarzenegger 🟢 “Right now, we are facing a man-made disaster of global scale. Our greatest threat in thousands of years. Climate change. If we don’t take action, the collapse of our civilisations and the extinction of much of the natural world is on the horizon.” David Attenborough 🟢 “Build back better. Blah, blah, blah. Green economy. Blah blah blah. Net zero by 2050. Blah, blah, blah. This is all we hear from our so-called leaders. Words that sound great but so far have not led to action. Our hopes and ambitions drown in their empty promises.” Greta Thunberg 🟢 “We don’t have time to sit on our hands as our planet burns. For young people, climate change is bigger than election or re-election. It’s life or death.” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 🟢 “We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it.” Barack Obama 🟢 “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” Native American Proverb 💚 💙 🤘

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📌 Electrification of Track at Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre 🛤️ #Porterbrook, a British rolling stock company, has announced a significant update to electrify the 3.5-kilometre track at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre. After completion, the track will support #testing including #ETCS in-cab signaling. 💰 Investment The project is a part of over £75m invested in the centre since 2021. 🚄 Capabilities The electrified track will accommodate #testing at speeds up to 50mph and support various forms of traction like hydrogen, battery, and diesel. 🛠️Tech Integration It includes adoption of the European Train Control System (ETCS) alongside other traction forms like #hydrogen, #battery, and #diesel. 🗓️ Completion Scheduled by the end of 2025. According to Mary Grant, CEO of Porterbrook "The track upgrades mean that we can deliver the best level of service with our manufacturing partners to provide a full turnkey solution for new rolling stock entering service.” Source: railway-news.com #RailInnovation #UKTransport #SustainableRail #Electrification #InfrastructureDevelopment _ _ _ 👍 Like if you find value, re-post ♻️, and follow for more interesting tech, and innovation insights.

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How can a vision-led approach help us create better transport networks to support our changing mobility needs? Find out more ahead of this week’s National Planning Policy Framework #NPPF announcement in this blog by James Williams. Click to read more: https://ow.ly/MEIA50Uo40I #TransportPlanning

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Rail Christmas learning tid-bits 4/12. Railways beauty isn't just skin deep. What's underneath, like skyscrapers, is as important as what is on top to influence stability and performance. Substructures such as ballast, subgrade, and drainage systems are vital in supporting the immense weight of trains over decades of service ensuring smooth operations. Find out more in this 7 min video. https://bit.ly/49fXspL #RailwayEngineering #rail #railway #engineering #STEM #rail101

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For the rail industry, the travelling public and freight, rail reform is one of the top priorities a new government. Read the Railway Industry Association recommendations to the next government.

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DTAG asks Dorset Council to support car reduction targets in the new Transport Plan, writes Giles Watts. DTAG have written to Cllr Jon Andrews (portfolio holder for Transport at Dorset Council UK) to ask whether the council will support Low Traffic Future’s “Transport Choices Challenge”. Low Traffic Future (LTN) is an organisation set up by Roger Geffen MBE (ex policy lead for UK cycling). The group has been supporting councils with guidance to local authorities over their Local Transport Plans when none was forthcoming from government. Now, LTN has set up a “Transport Choices Challenge” which encourages local authorities to reduce car-dependence locally, by setting ambitious targets in their Local Transport Plans, together with some headline policies to achieve these targets. Several councils including Reading Borough Council, Oxfordshire County Council, West Midlands and City of York Council have joined the scheme and proposed or set out genuinely ambitious targets to reduce motor traffic. Now DTAG is asking Dorset Council whether it will do the same. Roger Geffen writes: “Low Traffic Futures have invited all Local Transport Authorities in England to signal their aspirations to reduce car-dependence locally, by setting ambitious targets in their Loccal transport Plans. Several other LTAs have already signed up and we were wondering if Dorset would consider doing so as well ?” https://lnkd.in/g7T4j-_N

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Central government decision-making in rail investment and electrification has led to a constant cycle of boom and bust. Right now, we’re in one of the low points. In contrast, when regional leaders are given control, they tend to invest more consistently and sustainably in high-quality public transport. Quiet, green, frequent, and reliable trains directly impact the quality of life for the people they serve—and the voters they answer to. We all want to get work/school/hospital on time and have a seat. We have to change the way projects are funded in the UK, if we ever want to break the cycle. My thoughts in New Civil Engineer https://lnkd.in/eRGf__GM

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🗣️ BLOG - Planning reform: in defence of democratic planning Planning reform has been a major theme of every December for the last 15 years. Each announcement has not, on the whole, been an ideal Christmas present, argues the TCPA's Director of Policy. With the publication of the revised NPPF imminent and a new Planning Bill due in January, this blog reflects on the fate of the democratic values which the TCPA has long advocated in town planning. https://lnkd.in/eqNqtG7Y

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re: https://lnkd.in/ewBQtqfs This report shows a shortfall in transport infrastructure spending and we should take note that across the board infrastructure is coming up the agenda of what is fundamental to civilised existence (water for example) but environmentally, land use wise and that of cutting emissions, it is more and better rail infrastructure where the deficit is felt. Modal shift in many cases cannot happen without reopening programmes of real local lines and associated infrastructure projects to enable small to large modal shift transfer of freight and people travel patterns from road to rail. In Bedford, it is East-West Rail which dominates, but is sluggish in progress regarding accessing Bedford and notions of rails to the East which needs proper leadership with a discernment and based on sound local knowledge. BRTA has said what it feels is best, we have offered to look at maps of Bedford Midland layout and discuss what could be rearranged to enable a twin bay additional infrastructure for Oxford-Cambridge passenger operations and two twin track access to existing Midland Main Line slows for freight. Ford End Road Bridge may be listed, but is a problem for enabling optimum rail redesign and 8 coach platforms for example. In our view, the station booking hall should go back to the old station site, looking down Midland Road towards the town centre, not an urban Parkway design, in the middle facing a housing estate! Likewise, we want attention for Stations North of Bedford, and a way forward may be to direct Thameslink trains to serve Corby and focus EMR trains on a seamless Bedford-Leicester electric fast and slow service, windowing reopening of local stations and a shuttle to link into principal main line stations feeding to and from accordingly. Should one have 2-3 changes to get to Sheffield or Leeds from the Midland Main Line? We don't think that is optimising infrastructure! So, we keep on, and lack of like the Northampton-Market Harborough deficit, should be being led on by paid, professional agencies and lead organisations from councils to government, with public input on how it may work, not NIMBYISM verus dire need. The stalemate cannot go on. So, head-in-sand is to reject local rail solutions like East-West Rail, but it has been handled badly, too remotely and East of Bedford via St John's should be the prescription with councils and leaders all on board. Get to link with ECML at Tempsford area first, then yes, the new ECML-Cambridge alignment, due to extensive blockages of the old varsity route from Sandy to Trumpington, is the way it has to be. The roads are being dualled, development is happening, so prudence calls for rail alternatives surely? That is where, of whatever shade, a new government will need to make a priority now, not 10 years time! https://lnkd.in/dhC42vZ

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Do you know of a historic railway item that should be preserved? As explained in this Rail Director article 👇 this is the job of the Railway Heritage Designation Advisory Board. They need help understanding what should be preserved once it is no longer required operationally. Recent examples include HST power cars, but they are interested in the whole range of potentially historic items. Please complete their short questionnaire to help them understand what is out there. https://rb.gy/w7hnda

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Today's rail headlines - #InTheNews: Rail and Urban Transport Review, the way in which rail schemes are financially assessed could change, the 2874 Trust awarded grant, and the famous Stourbridge Junction station cat. Listen here: #UKrail #railways #headlines

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Alan Patching and David Freer Land Use and Mobility had an exciting discussion on urban transformation where David shared insights about Birmingham’s transition from a car-centric city to one that embraces active transport. David Freer Land Use and Mobility highlighted the importance of creating integrated, user-friendly public transport systems and explored the need for seamless ticketing solutions in Brisbane, where payments and bookings are managed through an all-in-one app. As we continue to evolve, and our time is more precious, the need for wi-fi on public transport systems is becoming increasingly more apparent, to give people the opportunity to work while commuting. We have loved hearing from our sub-committee members on their views on connectivity, not to mention hearing about how other cities approach their transport systems and what we can do here to adopt and learn from them to create sustainable and efficient transport solutions. You can listen to the podcast on our website below https://lnkd.in/gA-KFwfM #UrbanTransport #ActiveTransport #SustainableCities #PublicTransport #BrisbaneConnectivity #Innovation

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The Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) updates and Bus Connectivity Assessments (BCA) deadline is fast approaching! Developed in partnership with WSP in the UK, we launched a BCA toolkit in Podaris that automatically assembles all the relevant data and runs key accessibility analyses – reducing days worth of work to mere minutes. It’s not too late to take advantage of this, so if you’re still analysing the five quantitative connectivity metrics of the BCA, please get in touch! The Podaris platform is supporting LTAs and their consultancy partners to: 🔢 Establish the costs and benefits of your network changes; 👥 Understand how accessible your bus network is to certain groups or places like healthcare, education or work; or, 🕸️ Visualise your network and share this with colleagues and stakeholders Reach out to the team at [email protected] to see how we can help you  📧 #transportplanning #bus #departmentfortransport #publictransport #BCA #BSIP #BusBackBetter

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