Economics and Appraisal

We have a common interest in understanding the economics of transport from demand and supply-side perspectives, how this impacts on individual travel decisions, and assessing the overall business case for transport investment and wider interventions. We have world-leading academics in this area producing high-quality, high-impact research with a clear link to the policy.

<p>The <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-economics-appraisal">Economics and Appraisal</a> research is divided into three research areas:</p> <h3>Transport costs, efficiency and regulation</h3> <p>Research topics include:</p> <ul> <li>econometric modelling of transport costs and efficiency</li> <li>regulation, pricing and incentives</li> <li>impact of reforms on economic efficiency</li> </ul> <h3>Transport demand modelling, covering both passenger and freight</h3> <p>Research topics include</p> <ul> <li>demand for electric and hybrid cars – modelling vehicle replacement and type choice</li> <li>freight choice models</li> <li>rail passenger demand forecasting</li> </ul> <h3>Economic appraisal of transport investments and policy interventions</h3> <p>Research topics include:</p> <ul> <li>wider economic benefits from transport investment</li> <li>value of time studies</li> <li>non-market valuation of qualitative aspects of transport systems and services</li> <li>access to economic opportunties</li> <li>land value uplift and capture</li> </ul> <h3>Relevant industry/institute links</h3> <p>We have worked extensively with the Department for Transport, including the recent UK national value of time study and rail demand forecasting and WebTAG guidance.</p> <p>We are part of the CQC (Cost, Quality, Customer) Efficiency Network initiative, which is is a joint venture between the National Highways and Transport Network (NHT) and the University of Leeds. We have also conducted Highways benchmarking for the Highways Agency.</p> <p>We work extensively with the European Commission on projects involving transport demand, cost and appraisal aspects in rail and road, including SUSTRAIL (the SUSTainable freight RAILway), NETIRAIL (Needs Tailored Interoperable Railway Infrastructure) and SMaRTE (Smart Maintenance and the Rail Traveller Experience).</p> <p>In rail, we have worked with Network Rail, various operators, the ORR and the Rail Delivery Group. We have recently worked with TfN and WYCA to model Land Value Uplift for rail projects in the North.</p> <h3>PhD opportunities</h3> <p>We have opportunities for prospective postgraduate researchers. We have a common interest in understanding the economics of transport from a demand and supply side perspective, how this impacts on individual travel decisions, and assessing the overall business case for transport investment and wider interventions. We have world leading academics in this area producing high quality, high impact research with a clear link to policy. Our postgraduate researchers work in industry, consultancy and academia.</p> <h5>Why do your PhD at Leeds?</h5> <p><strong>Study in an active research environment </strong><br /> Studying your PhD with us means you’ll be working in a professional research environment, using UK-leading facilities to bring your project to life – alongside active researchers who are at the forefront of their area. <br /> <strong>A strong network of support  </strong><br /> The Leeds Doctoral College connects our community of researchers and can offer you the guidance, services and opportunities you’ll need to get the most out of your PhD. <br /> <strong>Close industry links </strong><br /> Our partnerships and links to companies and academic institutions give you the opportunity to network at industry talks, seminars and conferences, building connections that'll benefit your next steps after you complete your PhD. <br /> <strong>Professional skills development  </strong><br /> We think of the whole picture at Leeds. That’s why we offer a range of workshops and courses that'll enhance your skillset further and transfer into your professional career. <br /> <strong>Personal and wellbeing services </strong><br /> Mental health and wellbeing support are integral to who we are at Leeds and you’ll have access to the full range of services we offer to ensure you’re feeling your best – and reaching your potential in your studies. <br /> <strong>Join our global community </strong><br /> We welcome students, researchers, academics, partners and alumni from more than 140 countries, all over the world. This means, as a university, we’re bringing together different cultures and perspectives which helps strengthen our research – and societal impact.</p> <h3>Useful links and further reading:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-research-degrees">Research degrees within the Institute for Transport Studies</a></li> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-economics-appraisal">Economics and Appraisal research</a></li> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-research">Institute for Transport Studies, Research and Innovation</a></li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a aria-label="Link Doctoral College" href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college">Doctoral College</a> supports you throughout your postgraduate research journey. It brings together all the support services and opportunities to enhance your research, development and overall experience.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>.</p>

<p>For general enquiries and details regarding the application process, please contact the Graduate School Office:<br /> e: <a href="mailto:env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk">env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 5326.</p>