About

Established in 2023, the Public Transport Research Committee is a branch of the Australasian Transport Forum (ATRF). The committee, a group of professionals leaders in the field of public transport, aim to contribute through innovative research ideas and provide support to the annual ATRF conference. Its membership is representative of Australia and New Zealand, with leaders from academia and industry. Anyone can become a member of ATRF by applying here. (it's free)

“to promote, improve and enhance quality public transport research in Australia / New Zealand and to better focus research on the needs of Australasian public transport (applied research).”

As a standing committee, its members carry out public-transport focused webinars on topics relevant for both industry and researchers worldwide. Members also engage in providing guidance for funding allocation towards public transport research with an applied output for industry.

The current president of ATRF-PTRC is Professor Graham Currie from Monash University, who is supported by two vice-chairs, Dr Pedro Camargo and Dr Subeh Chowdhury from the University of Auckland. Current secretary is Dr James Reynolds, Monash University, and Dr. Geoffrey Clifton is the Research Needs Coordinator. The committee has a student stream, led by Mr. Fuad Huda, doctoral candidate at Monash University.

To become a member or friend of the PTRC contact the committee chair. All members of the PTRC must be members of ATRF (it's free)

PTRC compiles a list of research projects which are needed in Australasia. This includes:

44th ATRF

• Location: Perth
• Date: 29 Nov-1 - Dec 2023

Trackless Trams - a New Mid-Tier Transit System

The need for mid-tier transit in Australasian cities is growing as we recognise the role that can be played as a high-capacity connector down main roads and an enabler of urban regeneration around station precincts. This is part of the global process described as a Movement and Place Strategy which was started by TfL. Added to this is the new dimension of net zero. The Webinar will build on a research project at Curtin that has worked with communities, local governments, state agencies and industry (including Stantec) across Australasia, to help better define what can be done to create a Transit Activated Corridor (TAC) or a Net Zero Corridor (NZC). It is globally significant work that has been recognised by groups like the World Economic Forum and the UNFCCC in Sharm El Sheikh at COP 27. Videos, academic papers, industry reports and media have all helped to present the perspective of the three presenters and there has been considerable debate as the concept was applied to Townsville, Liverpool (Syd), Wyndham (Melb), Perth and Bunbury. Two trackless trams are due to arrive in Australia for testing in August and new opportunities are emerging for their application.

ACADEMICS SUPPORTING ADVOCATES - improving effective collaboration

Many researchers are comfortable assuming the role of advocate. However, this isn`t always possible with constraints often imposed by institutions, funding arrangements or the need to maintain relationships with key stakeholders. Building relationships between academics and advocates can ensure that research, ideas, and findings can reach a broader audience. In this webinar we will explore the role that researchers and academics can play to support public transport advocates to encourage change and build support for new policies or investment, including understanding advocacy and resource limitations, opportunities for research and researchers to support advocacy, and working together to drive change