Helping transport professionals fast track their success
We’ve all seen it. The piece of infrastructure that looks perfect on paper, wins design awards, and yet… nobody uses it. In my new book, Set Strategic Direction, I call this the “Ghost Bridge” problem. Consider this scenario: A city council funds a multi-million dollar pedestrian and cycle bridge over a major highway. The engineering … Read more
A vision without a logic model is just a poster. Logic models help transport professionals and planners visually map the relationships between resources, activities, and results. They are particularly useful for translating strategy into delivery, aligning teams, and clarifying assumptions. 1. What is a Logic Model? A logic model is a structured diagram that links: … Read more
Policy provides the ‘why’ while strategy defines the ‘what.’ Your task is to bridge that gap. Policy statements often use broad, aspirational language. While inspirational, such statements can pose challenges when planning specific actions. Whether you are developing a regional strategy, local transport plan, or business case, your initial task is to align your efforts … Read more
If you can’t measure it or move it, it’s not an objective; it’s wishful thinking. The SMART Approach and Beyond Once strategic intents are clear, the next step is to define transport objectives that guide actions, allocate resources, and set the stage for monitoring progress. However, not all objectives are created equal. Poorly written objectives … Read more
Transport systems worldwide face a significant challenge: keeping pace with rapid technological advancements. New technologies, such as electric vehicles, smart traffic management systems, and autonomous transport, create opportunities for improving efficiency and sustainability, but also require existing systems to adapt quickly. These adaptations can streamline operations, enhance user experience, and even reduce environmental impacts. To … Read more
Top Takeaways 1. The Climate Imperative Transport emissions in Australia have grown steadily: in 2022, they hit 90 Mt CO₂-e (21% of national emissions), up 19% since 2005. Road vehicles dominate this footprint, with cars and light commercial vehicles alone contributing 62% of transport-related pollution. As electricity-sector emissions fall, transport risks becoming the largest emitter … Read more
Wooden bridges have long been integral to Australia’s transport network, possessing both historical significance and practical utility. The recent ABC News article, “Why wooden bridges still have a place despite upkeep challenges,” highlights the enduring relevance of these structures while acknowledging the maintenance hurdles they present. Advantages of Timber Bridges Sustainability: Timber is a renewable … Read more
A Contrarian Perspective on Urban Planning Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) are widely promoted as a solution to urban congestion, pollution, and road safety issues. Proponents argue that they create more walkable, cyclist-friendly communities while reducing car dependency. However, beneath the optimistic narrative lies a growing controversy. From increased congestion on surrounding roads to economic struggles for … Read more
New York City has taken a bold step toward addressing its notorious traffic congestion by implementing a congestion pricing scheme. Listen to a discussion on this article produced by NotebookLM: As of January 12, 2025, motorists entering Manhattan’s busiest districts must pay up to $9, a measure designed to ease congestion and generate funding for … Read more
Imagine a world where your daily commute is planned automatically, your car drives itself, and traffic jams are a thing of the past. Or you don’t have to drive to work at all! This is no longer a distant fantasy but an emerging reality driven by artificial intelligence (AI). AI is reshaping transport as we … Read more
