Mock Exam, December 2011

INSTITUTE FOR TRANSPORT STUDIES (ITS)

The recommended time to be spent on each question is noted in the table above each exam question. Please also take note of any instructions. The maximum time allowed to complete the mock exam is four hours. If you finish before other students please leave the room quietly and give your answer booklets to the invigilator.

Module: Programmes which take this module:

TRAN5020M Principles of Transport Modelling MSc (Eng) Transport Engineering MSc Transport Planning MSc Transport Planning and Environment MA Transport Economics

Time recommended for question: 1. (a)

One hour

The performance of a traffic assignment model is measured by the convergence parameter (also called disequilibrium indicator) given below:

T
ijr

ijr

min (C ijr C ij ) min ij

T C
ij ij

min Explain the meanings of Tijr , C ijr , C ij and Tij in the equation

(10%)

(b)

Figure 1 shows the road network between two zones (1 and 2). The demand flow is 6000 in each direction (total 12,000)

Figure 1 The cost-flow relationship on link AC and BC is: C = 5 + F/1000 whereas on link AB it is: C = 1 + F/500 where F = total (2-way) flow on the link

Please Turn Over (Question continues on next page) By splitting the demand flow into three fractions (50%, 30% and 20%), carry out an incremental assignment, use empty link costs to start Calculate the value of the convergence parameter (c) Explain why the incremental assignment in b(i) is a user equilibrium (UE) model, and describe how to develop it into a stochastic user equilibrium (SUE) model Perform a SUE model to assign the first 50% of demand flow using the incremental assignment in b(i) and the Dials method with = -0.5, and compare with the first incremental in b(i).

(40%) (10%)

(15%)

(25%)

Module: Programmes which take this module:

TRAN5031M Transport Data Collection and Analysis MSc (Eng) Transport Engineering MSc Transport Planning MSc Transport Planning and Environment MA Transport Economics

Time recommended for question: Instructions: Part A: Statistics 2 (i)

One hour Answer Part A and Part B

Prior to the introduction of a weight limit for HGVs on a particular stretch of road, a survey was undertaken which found that for a sample of 28 vehicles, the mean weight was 22 Tons and the standard deviation was 9.1 Tons. Calculate a 95% confidence interval for the mean weight of HGVs, clearly stating any assumptions (25% that you make. ) A long term survey of HGV weights on a particular stretch of road found that the mean weight was 24.5 Tons. Following the introduction of a weight restriction, a survey of 35 HGVS was undertaken and the mean weight was found to be 18.2 Tons with a standard deviation of 7.3 Tons. Define appropriate hypotheses, and test whether the weight limit is having any effect, stating clearly any assumptions that you make.

(ii)

(25%)

Part B: Core Transport Data 3 (i) (ii) (iii) What are the key issues in data acquisition? Describe the UKs National Travel Survey (NTS). In particular, list and detail what sorts of data variables are collected via interview and travel diary? Give examples of some other database repositories for Transport data and briefly list any advantages/disadvantages of databases? (10%) (25%) (15%)

Turn Over (more questions on the next page)

Module: Programmes which take this module: Time recommended for question: Instructions: EITHER 4.

TRAN5050M Principles of Transport Economics MA Transport Economics One hour Answer either question 4 or question 5

Urban Rail Limited (URL) is a marginal-cost-pricing firm which operates rail services between Here and There. The hourly demand for trips from Here to There is given by: pH = 14 0.4qH The hourly demand for trips from There to Here is given by: pT = 11 0.6qT The railway currently has the capacity to cope with 10 movements in each direction every hour. The marginal operating cost is 2 per train movement, and the marginal unit capacity cost (that is, the cost of providing the capacity to cope with one extra movement) is 4. Once a unit of capacity has been provided for a trip in one direction, it can be used for a trip in the opposite direction at just the marginal operating cost. (a) (b) (c) At the given capacity level, what are the welfare maximising prices and quantities? Assuming perfect divisibility, determine the socially optimal capacity, prices and quantities. In fact, capacity can only be added in lumps of 3 units. Determine: (i) (ii) (iii) (d) The socially optimal capacity; The capacity likely to be chosen by URL; The relative economic efficiency of (i) and (ii) (20%) (20%)

(30%) (30%)

In general, is it preferable to price at long run marginal cost or at short run marginal cost? Discuss using relevant transport sector examples.

OR 5. Why and how is price discrimination applied in transport? . (100%)

Please Turn Over (More questions on next page) Module: Programmes which take this module: Time recommended for question: 6. TRAN5060M Welfare Economics and Cost Benefit Analysis MA Transport Economics One hour

Explain the alternative philosophies of cost benefit analysis as an application of the compensation test, or as a measure of the change in social welfare derived from a social welfare function. Which do you think is the most appropriate?

(100%)

Module: Programmes which take this module: Time recommended for question: 7 (a) (b)

TRAN5072M Principles of Transport Engineering MSc (Eng) Transport Engineering MSc Transport Planning and Environment 30 minutes (60%) (40%)

With the aid of sketches, describe the purpose and characteristics of the various elements of a flexible road pavement. Heavy goods vehicles inflict a great deal more damage to the road pavement than cars. Describe how this fact is taken into account when designing flexible pavements.

End of Exam