Transport Economics

Module Code: EC4060

Module Title: Transport Economics

• ECTS Weighting: 15
• Semester/Term Taught: Michaelmas + Hilary Term
• Contact Hours: 44 hours of lectures
• Module Personnel: Lecturer - Dr. Sean Barrett

Learning Outcomes

A cutting edge understanding of a major area of applied economics with expertise in project appraisal, productivity and pricing, market analysis and policy evaluation.

Module Content

This module examines the evolution of transport policies and their impacts in transport markets. It begins by examining the history, rationale and mechanisms for intervention by governments in transport. The techniques of evaluation of externalities and government intervention are examined. Theories of contestable markets and regulatory capture are also covered. The nature of infrastructure is examined, as are the problems of pricing and investment. The module examines applications in the areas of urban transport, the railways, roads, bus, truck, shipping, ports and aviation: - 1. Record of government intervention in transport markets; 2. Market failure in transport; 3. Appraisal techniques; 4. Deregulation and the theory of contestable markets; 5. Case studies - the Irish railway system, the bus industry, the freight market, road infrastructure, aviation, ports and shipping.

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Recommended Reading List

Dr Barrett's books on Transport Policy in Ireland (IMI and Gill and MacMillan) and European Aviation (Routledge)

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Module Pre Requisite

EC2010

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Assessment Details

Assignment due in Hilary Term: 20%
Annual exam: 80%

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Module Website

TBC

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