Description: This course provides participants with the opportunity to undertake to gain hands on experience in transport demand analysis, strategic bus operations planning and evaluation (economic, financial and multi-criteria analysis) of a real major public transport project in South East Queensland.

Participants will be given an introduction to the project, and selected aspects of transport and economics theory as well as practical skills in applying this theory will be introduced as the case study unfolds.

Background readings will be provided as well as spreadsheets to assist with quantification of demand, calculation of economic benefits, and for discounted cash flow analysis.

Working in small groups, participants will recreate a pre-implementation evaluation and have the opportunity to discuss assumptions and make alternative ones. The emphasis will be on doing, rather than being lectured at.

Participants will be encouraged to apply the skills and knowledge gained to a current example in their workplace and report back to the group at a later date.

Date: Three days: 29, 30 September & 1 October 2004 — with an optional half day follow up in early 2005.

Location: UQ Business School Downtown, Level 19 Central Plaza One, 345 Queen St, Brisbane

 
Who should attend: The course is for transport and urban planning professionals that wish to gain practical experience in the analysis and evaluation of a major public transport infrastructure project.

Course outcomes: At the end of the course the attendees should have developed:
• Basic knowledge of the principles of transport demand analysis and the opportunity to apply this in a real situation;
• Knowledge of how to undertake a sketch analysis of bus operational proposals in a planning context;
• Basic economic and financial evaluation knowledge and skills in application using spreadsheets provided;
• Understanding of multi-criteria analysis;
• An appreciation of the significance of key assumptions and link to policy issues;
• The immediate ability to undertake an evaluation of another project relevant to their workplace; and
• Where to turn to for more information.

Participants: will be involved in practical small group exercises. Access to a laptop computer &/or financial calculator in each group is desirable.

Presenters: The program will be presented by Phil Sayeg, Prof Luis Ferreira (QUT) and Prof Phil Charles (UQ).

Registration fees: includes attendance at all sessions, course materials (course notes, comprehensive reference list), morning and afternoon refreshments and lunches. All prices are in Australian dollars & include 10% GST where appropriate.
• Full registration fee: $1,690 per person
• Staff of Queensland Transport / Queensland Main Roads / Queensland Rail: $1,270 per person
• Group of three or more paying together: $1,270 per person

Further information: contact Philip Sayeg Tel: 07 3844 5266 E-mail: p.sayeg@uq.net.au