This project investigates drivers and processes of change within Australian metropolitan transport systems to identify future options and directions for policy development.

  • Project dates: 2019–2020

Australia’s major cities are experiencing rapid population growth which is bringing new demand for travel. Current travel mode share in Australia’s major cities is dominated by the automobile but this pattern is likely to impose increasing costs as travel demand increases. Meanwhile new potentially disruptive technologies and approaches to transport are emerging, such as electric and autonomous vehicles while challenges of climate change, environmental impacts and social and economic inclusion persist.

This project aims to investigate how Australian urban transport programs and policies are responding to changes to transport technology, travel patterns, environmental imperatives, economic shifts and spatial development dynamics to offer guidance about future directions and options.

The project approach comprise three main elements:

  • An international research and policy literature review to test emerging and best practice in response to transport system change
  • An Australian review of emerging policy and programs to identify innovations including at the metropolitan and local scales
  • Expert insight and guidance from a reference group and workshops of senior policy officials

The results of the project will offer new insights into potential directions for Australian urban transport policy and programs to respond to the major issues of the mid-21st Century, reported via an International Policy Review and Australian Policy Review, plus a project Final Report.

Key People

Lead researcher

Professor Jago Dodson

Professor Jago Dodson

Director of the Urban Futures Enabling Impact Platform

Key Researchers

Related Content

Research Programs

Research Programs

Planning & Transport in City Regions

The Planning and Transport in City Regions Program seeks to understand processes of urban development and patterns of mobility at the metro-regional scale.