Managing transport demand

The challenge

Global transport is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and carries a high economic, social and environmental cost. In Australia, for example, transport accounts for around 17% of the nation’s total emissions. The effort to rapidly reduce transport-related emissions not only relies on the development and roll-out of renewable energy technologies, it also requires improved analysis of transport demand to inform better policies in the near term. In fact, comparative global evidence demonstrates that land use patterns, infrastructure investments, prices, and supportive policies can dramatically influence the carbon intensity of travel.

Why this research is valuable

The transition to net zero transport is essential if Australia is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Moreover, most people who use our transport systems are open to approaches that impose a lower cost while still providing the desired service.  Our research seeks to provide a better understanding of transport demand, which in turn can guide better infrastructure design and transport policies. In this way we aim to reduce the both the cost and the emissions associated with our transport systems.

Managing Transport Demand – Research themes

1. Rethinking land use patterns in our cities so that people can work, learn, shop, socialise and be healthy without needing to travel as far, or drive at all.
2. Designing algorithms to maximise the benefit of the next generation of shared and automated transport services.
3. Identifying factors — including the built environment, weather and disruptions — that influence use of sustainable transport modes such as walking, biking, and public transport.

Want to know more?

This research will help to shape the future of sustainable travel. Click here if you want to know more or are interested in joining our research team.