Week 1 Introduction History

Introduction Transportation - The movement of good and people between 2 points Transportation Engineering - Planning and design of all facilities and operations

Need to know

History

Questions How does the internet effect travel? What would happen to Albany if HSGT (300 mph) was begun between NYC & Albany? What are the common threads among the “new” transportation modes through the ages (What are “new” transportation modes)

Transportation Demand System serves people’s economic, social, & cultural activities derived or indirect demand - people move due to need not desire –The only time you really desire to drive is when you first get your license (before you start chauffeuring you siblings)

System Fixed Facilities Flow entity Control system –vehicular control –flow control

System Classification 3 major classes –ground –air –water 5 major modes

Modes Highway –car –taxi –truck –bus –bicycle –pedestrian

Modes Rail –Passenger –freight Air –private –commuter –jets –freighters

Modes Water –Inland Waterway –canals –ocean going Pipelines –liquids and gases

Modes For hire (public) –contract carrier –common carrier (buses and taxis) Not For hire (private)

Cost Fixed Costs - build it, maintain it, operate it –not related to production or utilization Variable Costs - depend on utilization Variable cost / fixed cost gives economy of scale (EOS) EOS - production increases $/unit decreases, profit increases

EOS Exists when FC are high and VC is low Which transportation modes have EOS?

Freight Motor Carriers –25.4 % of intercity freight –72% of revenues Railroads –26% of intercity freight –5% of revenue

Freight Pipelines –16.3% of intercity freight –3% of revenue Water - Inland and Coastal –24.4% of intercity freight –4.1% of revenue

Freight Airplanes –0.1% of intercity freight –2.3% of revenue Parcel, Postal Courier –0.4% of intercity freight –9.2% of revenue

Travel People look at $, time, schedule, service Need to look at total travel time –Is it faster to drive or fly to Washington, DC? –Driving 7: miles cost: $ rt –Flying 1:15 to Albany, 1:00 wait, 1:20 flying, 1:20 into city Cost: $322 rt

Questions What accounts for the difference in the percentage of freight carried and the revenues? How will intermodal freight ventures help to increase revenues (profits) for trucks, rail, shipping?