Phil Charles

The Drivers of Transport Demand

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A Deep Dive into Demographics, Economics, and Technology This discussion explores the key factors driving transport demand, focusing on the interplay between demographic shifts (population growth, aging, urbanisation), economic conditions (growth, employment patterns, globalisation), and technological advancements (electric vehicles, smart solutions, shared mobility).  It highlights how these interconnected forces shape travel patterns and proposes strategies for transport planners to adapt to … Read more

Evaluating and Selecting Transport Solution Options

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Decisions in Addressing Transport Challenges This is a discussion on Chapter 5 Decisions from Addressing Transport Challenges is a guide to evaluating and selecting transport policy options. This discussion outlines a multi-stage process beginning with a strategic analysis to determine if an option aligns with overarching goals, followed by a rapid analysis to assess its potential for delivering net benefits, and … Read more

Strategy in Addressing Transport Challenges

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The best strategy is worthless without effective execution, and the best execution is directionless without a sound strategy. Strategy Spotlight: The Three Horizons Framework A practical approach to managing transport initiatives across different time frames: This excerpt from Addressing Transport Challenges focuses on the strategy and concepts behind creating effective transport policies. The chapter explains that … Read more

Why Transport Planners Should Embrace Uncertainty: Instead of Trying to Predict the Future

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Predicting future needs and trends has long been considered a cornerstone of effective strategy in transport planning. However, as our world becomes increasingly complex and rapidly changing, the limitations of long-term forecasting are becoming increasingly apparent. It’s time for transport planners to shift their approach from attempting to predict the future to embracing uncertainty. The … Read more

Multimodal Integration: Strategies for Seamless Connectivity Across Transport Modes

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“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, but a seamless journey integrates many modes.” – Adapted from Lao Tzu The Power of Seamless Multimodal Integration In an era of increasing urbanisation and environmental concerns, multimodal integration has emerged as a crucial strategy for creating efficient, sustainable transport systems. By seamlessly connecting … Read more

Sustainable Urban Mobility 

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The measure of a city’s greatness is to be found in the quality of its public spaces, the happiness of its people and in the extent of its provision for the needs of all. Jan Gehl, Danish architect and urban design consultant Global Innovations in Sustainable Urban Mobility As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of … Read more

Driving Change: How Strategic Planning Can Solve Transport Woes

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“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker Strategic Planning: The Cornerstone of Transport Solutions In an era of rapid urbanization, climate change, and technological disruption, strategic planning has become the cornerstone of effective transport solutions. Far from being a mere bureaucratic exercise, well-executed strategic planning can be the … Read more

Road User Charging, or Road Pricing

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The car has become an article of dress without which we feel uncertain, unclad, and incomplete in the urban compound. – Marshall McLuhan Road user charging is a hot topic in the transport world, and for good reason.  As cities grapple with the twin challenges of congestion and sustainable mobility, putting a price on road … Read more

The Role of Transport in Building Liveable, Sustainable Communities

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A city should be built to give its inhabitants security and happiness. – Aristotle Transport plays a vital role in shaping the livability and sustainability of our communities.  As a transport professional, I’ve seen firsthand how well-designed transport systems can enhance quality of life, improve access to opportunities, and reduce environmental impacts.  Whether it’s creating … Read more

The Future of Urban Freight

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Rethinking the Rush Toward Urban Freight Innovation As urban centres continue to grow, the clamour for innovations in last-mile delivery and city logistics grows louder. Advocates tout drones, autonomous vehicles, and AI-powered logistics as the future of urban freight, promising faster delivery times, reduced traffic congestion, and lower emissions. However, a deeper analysis may reveal … Read more