Conducting research on the economic, social and environmental costs, and benefits of urban transport systems.
We provide advice on sustainable transport solutions and offer tailored products for our clients. We undertake community consultation and original research, develop policy papers and design strategic transport plans.
Our approach to transport is holistic. Sustainable transport systems must be designed in conjunction with land use policy, education, health, economic and social equity considerations. Sustainable transport systems minimise congestion, noise, pollution and accidents and are economically efficient and equitable. They offer integrated options that favour active transport (walking and cycling) and public transport, both of which contribute to healthier, more liveable cities.
PROJECT | 2016-2020
Responsive Passenger Information Systems
Researchers on this project addressed the problem of crowding on Sydney’s metro train stations by developing a system that monitors passenger behaviour and operational characteristics of passenger trains in real time. The research initially focused on the foundational technology required for the system’s sensing and perception function, then went on to explore ways in which the data captured by the system could be used to influence passenger behaviour to target larger system objectives and optimistation.
Project outcomes included devising, implementing, and empirically validating and demonstrating a monitoring system to collect raw data (multi-sensor automated, online passenger behaviour, train operations diagnostics, and vehicle condition monitoring during operations, raw data sensing and perception system) and a series of algorithms for extracting valued information in real time during operations, specifically: advanced detection technologies and algorithms for passenger behaviours for perceiving behaviours such as passenger flow/movements through the station and predicting future events/situations.
ISF partnered with colleagues Dr Nathan Kirchner and Dr Alen Alempijevic for this project.
Client: Sydney Trains
Partner: Downer Group
PROJECT | 2010
Integrated resource planning for transport
ISF was contracted by TransLink to develop a framework for the prioritisation of diverse projects in the transport sector. The ISF team developed a prototype prioritisation model based on an Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) methodology. The Integrated Resource Planning methodology allows for the comparison of diverse types of projects in order to determine what is the most cost effective method of providing a given service. In this project the IRP framework was utilised to determine the most cost effective means of increasing patronage on the TransLink network.
Location: Brisbane
Client: Translink Queensland
Researchers: Stuart White, Joanne Chong, Tim Brennan, John McKibbin
