Both the U.S. and global economies are dependent on an efficient and reliable transportation system. Highways, ports, railways, airports, transit systems, warehouses, distribution centers, and other facilities make up a complex system that is facing a number of challenges in terms of deteriorating infrastructure, lack of financing, increasing congestion, weather-related effects (climate change), growing need for national security preparedness, global connectivity, the application of intelligent transportation systems and technology, environmental stewardship, and the like.
This seminar will examine the nature of these challenges and their proposed prescriptions at the local, state, and federal levels of government in the United States and in different regions of the world. It will also analyze policymaking processes, strategic planning, and relevant legislation. Topics covered will include: transport policy development; transport plans and programs; innovative strategies to raise transport efficiency; sustainable development; global transport infrastructure needs; transport finance; transparency and public involvement; worldwide traffic congestion mitigation strategies; transport security; and the impacts of climate change.
Classes will entail lectures by the instructor, a series of guest speakers, and end-of-semester student presentations.
Readings: Students will be issued a copy “Multimodal/Intermodal Transportation in the United States, Western Europe, and Latin America,” Policy Research Project Report 130. Other assigned readings can be accessed on Blackboard by clicking Course Documents. Blackboard, available at http://courses.utexas.edu, is a web-based course management system in which a password-protected site is created for each course.
Grading: Class presentation 40%; Term Report 40%; Class Participation 20%