290037 VO Geography of Transport Systems: State and Market - Focus on Transport (2014S)

For any lecture on transport geography there are many possible topics. We will start by defining the object of research, explaining relevant basic terms as well as identifying many task areas.
Specific attention is given to the different perceptions of transport activities and development according to region and customer groups. Beside the study of spatial and socioeconomic basics we will deal with transport structures and the requirements of the market in passenger and freight transport.
In this context the pros and cons of rail and road transport modes, as well as the specific conditions for access and restrictions, marketing concepts and the legal framework will be focused in the analyses.
Separate chapters are devoted to the development and the volume distribution of competing traffic modes (modal split).
Finally we will pose the question of how several different traffic systems operate, which theories are pursued and which approaches are applied when solving traffic problems.
A calculated estimate of future traffic demand (traffic forecasting) and hence the resulting freight- and passenger traffic flows are the basis for regionally meaningful planning as well as the borrowing requirement of infrastructure.
Within the transport policy the state pursues the objective of planning and realizing infrastructure assets with foresight and demand-orientation whilst minimizing costs.
The objectives of the lecture are to come to an understanding of the influence of important stakeholders on several traffic structures and processes, to identify cost drivers, to distinguish frame conditions and present-day problems as well as to demonstrate steering mechanism and future trends in theory and experience.