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Economics and Appraisal

PGR-RA-159

Expertise of research area
Econometric modelling of transport costs and efficiency; electric cars; freight choice models; hybrid cars; Impact of reforms on economic efficiency; incentives; pricing; rail passenger demand forecasting; regulation; Transport costs; transport efficiency; transport investment; transport regulation; value of time studies


<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<p>The <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-economics-appraisal">Economics and Appraisal</a>&nbsp;research is divided into three research areas:</p> <h5>Transport costs, efficiency and regulation</h5> <p>Research topics:</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> <h5>Transport demand modelling, covering both passenger and freight</h5> <p>Research topics:</p> <ul> <li>Demand for electric and hybrid cars &ndash; modelling vehicle replacement and type choice</li> <li>Freight choice models</li> <li>Rail passenger demand forecasting</li> </ul> <h5>Economic appraisal of transport investments and policy interventions</h5> <p>Research topics:</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> <h5>Relevant industry/institute links</h5> <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.&nbsp;</p> <p>We have 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 recently 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> <h6>PhD opportunities</h6> <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&nbsp;work in industry, consultancy and academia.</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&nbsp;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&nbsp;Transport Studies,&nbsp;Research&nbsp;and Innovation</a></li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a href="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, your development, and your overall experience.</p>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<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&#39;s website</a>.</p>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

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


<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked funding opportunities</h2>