Increasing suburbanisation has created a need for neighbouring authorities to collaborate in providing public transport by forming metropolitan public transport authorities. This course will address the potential scope of MPTA activities, including alternative approaches and voluntary vs. obligatory PTAs. It will provide examples of successful MPTAs and address potential legal barriers and political obstacles.
Even if the route from home to destination is safe and comfortable for cycling, if the bike parking is insufficient or unsafe, people will be discouraged from cycling for transportation. This course will look at different types of bike parking and what types are appropriate for different locations. It will also address the value to businesses and to employers of providing bike parking for their customers and employees.
Both parking prices and parking problems vary greatly among cities, but no city is entirely free of parking challenges. Charging for something that was previously free can be an unpopular, but necessary, decision for a city to take. Using examples from cities that have successfully implemented new parking pricing schemes, this course will address issues such as: How can you increase citizen acceptance of a new (or higher) parking charge? Is it fair to make drastic changes in transport conditions? How do you find the “correct” level of charging? And what is the role of enforcement in parking pricing?
It’s not easy to find out what customers – and equally important, potential customers – want from their public transport provider. Market research can help you better understand transport preferences and behaviour, the demand for public transport and its perceived quality. This course will look at market research in PT and the range of (internal and external) data sources available to you. It will address timing, financing and evaluating your market research as well as the quality and quantity of data you need and how it can be strategically used to further improve the service you offer.