A public transport research centre, which Victorian minister for public transport Jacinta Allan says is one of the world’s largest, has been established at Melbourne’s Monash University.
Five million dollars in seed funding will support up to 18 PhD scholarships for students, including international candidates, to undertake independent, applied research into public transport planning and delivery at the university.
To date, 16 topics have been matched to students covering subjects including public transport safety, better coordination of transport modes, and train design and engineering, Allan said.
“This world-leading research centre will drive improvements, and keep us at the cutting edge of public transport research, design and delivery, both here in Victoria and internationally,” the minister said.
“The Andrews Labor Government is investing in the projects and services our network needs now, and in the strategic planning and thought leadership we need for the future.”
The research group is jointly funded by Public Transport Victoria (PTV) and Monash University, with industry contributions from Metro, Yarra Trams, VicRoads and the bus industry.
Graham Currie, who holds Australia’s first professorship in public transport, will lead the new research group. Professor Currie has more than 30 years’ experience as a public transport planner.
Allan said the new research group will form part of a world-first public transport research ‘cluster’ at Monash University’s Clayton campus, which will include the Institute of Rail Technology, the Monash University Accident Research Centre, the Institute of Transport Studies and the Transport Design School.
“This initiative demonstrates Monash’s reputation as a world-leading research University with significant community impact,” Monash University president and vice-chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner said.
“Applied research of this type can progressively address the challenges and opportunities facing Melbourne’s growing transport system into the future and advance international practice in this field critical to the success of growing cities throughout the world.”
PTV chief executive Gary Liddle said the research and innovation generated by the centre “will help us deliver a competitive, effective, world-class public transport system”.
“By funding academic enquiry into public transport we will access some of the brightest minds in public transport research, which will complement our extensive stakeholder engagement,” Liddle added.