CENV6169: General theories have been developed as to how transport systems develop over time: Transport Planning: Policy and Governance Coursework, UK

The Development of Urban Transport Systems

Task

While a range of general theories have been developed as to how transport systems develop over time, and how these systems influence and are influenced by spatial development more generally, in practice the details of this interrelationship can vary significantly between different spatial locations. Your task for this piece of coursework is to produce an essay that describes the historical development of transport systems in a city of your choice, examines their relationship with the more general spatial structure of the city, and considers the factors which may influence the development of these systems in the future.

The essay should cover the following areas:

1) Describe the historical development of transport systems in a city of your choice up to the present day.

2) Discuss the underlying factors which have influenced the development of these systems (e.g. topography) and the impacts of their influence (in other words, the reasons why the systems have developed in the way they have).

3) Critically analyze the extent to which the development of these systems can be explained by the general theories and models of urban and transport network development that have been discussed during the taught sessions.

4) Consider which factors are likely to have the most significant influence on the development of these transport systems over the period to 2050, and discuss their potential impacts on these systems.

You should support the statements you make in your essay with references to a range of evidence from the literature. Make sure that you are fully particular with regard to potential future developments in the city’s transport system.