Transport Geography

Objectives

a) Recognize the importance of transport for modern society;
b) Understand historical, spacial, technical, political, economic and social contexts that determine transport network development and evolution;
c) Understand the complexity of relations existing between transport systems, levels of economic and social development and spatial organization;
d) Develop critical reasoning about major challenges faced by transport sector in developed societies;
e) Analyse the consequences of transport development for human activities, territory and environment;
f) Develop methodology and analysis techniques for transport networks and systems;
g) Apply achieved knowledge and skills to practical situations, especially to studies of transport demand and offer of  particular terrirory;
h) Develop technical reports about transport systems´ evolution and organization from geographic perspective.

General characterization

Code

711041072

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

João Alberto Figueira de Sousa

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - 168

Teaching language

Portuguese

Prerequisites

N/A

Bibliography

  • Bavoux, J.-J., Beaucire, F., Cahpelon, L., Zembri, P. (2005). Géographie des Transports. Paris: Armand Colin.
  • Hanson, S., Giuliano, G. (2004). The Geography of Urban Transportation. New York: The Guilford Press.
  • Hoyle, B., Knowles, R. (ed) (1998). Modern Transport Geography. London: John Wiley & Sons.
  • IDAE, PMUS (2006). Guía práctica para la elaboración e implantación de planes de movilidad urbana sostenible.
  • Madrid: Ministerio de Industria, Turismo y Comercio.
  • Mérenne, É. (1995). Géographie des Transports. Paris: Éditions Nathan.
  • Vuchic, V. R. (2005). Urban Transit: Operations, Planning and Economics. New Jersey: Wiley.

Teaching method

- Theory classes (50%): expository and involving participation (debates);
- Practical classes (50%): presentation and discussion of case studies, debates, application of specific methodology and techniques

Evaluation method

Continuous assessment - - Complete an individual written test; - Develop a group report related to the themes of the curricular unit. This task suggests pratical application of knowledge achieved during classes and through reading of recommended bibliography (max. 15 pages)(100%)

Subject matter

1) Historical context and physical constraints for the development of transport systems;
2) Political, economic, social and spatial factors;
3) Transport modes;
4) Techinical performance of different transport modes;
5) Competitiveness and complementarity of different transport modes;
6) Transport offer and demand;
7) Accessibilty and competitiveness of a territory;
8) Mobility growth and problems of circulation;
9) Urban mobility challenges;
10) Innovation in transport sector: alternative transport modes and new energy resources;
11) The role of a state and other actors in organization and functionning of transport systems;
12) Social function of transport: public transport vs private vehicle;
13) Transport as economic activity;
14) Impacts of transport sector;
15) Reconciliation of transport policy and environmental policy.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: