PTV and Monash Uni establish world-leading public transport research hub

Public Transport Victoria and Monash University have officially launched one of the largest public transport research centres in the world.

Victorian Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan, Professor Graeme Currie and Public Transport Victoria CEO Gary Liddle officially launched the Public Transport Victoria – Monash University Public Transport Research Group, situation at the University, this week.

The research group is jointly funded by Public Transport Victoria and Monash University, with industry contributions from Metro, Yarra Trams, VicRoads and the bus industry.

“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,” said Public Transport Victoria CEO Gary Liddle in a statement.

“Applied research and innovation will help us deliver a competitive, effective, world-class public transport system,” he said.

Five million dollars in seed funding will support up to 18 PhD scholarships for students from all over the world to undertake independent, applied research into public transport planning and delivery.

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.

Prof. Currie, who holds Australia’s first professorship in public transport, will lead the new research group. Prof. Currie has over 30 years’ experience as a public transport planner and has worked for some of the world’s leading transport operators.

The new research group will form part of a world-first public transport research ‘cluster’ at Monash University’s Clayton campus, including the Institute of Rail Technology, the Monash University Accident Research Centre, the Institute of Transport Studies and the Transport Design School.