Transport

Transport is indispensible to society and the economy. It also causes traffic jams, accidents, air pollution and the emission of greenhouse gases. How can we ensure the efficient, safe and reliable transport of people and goods? And how can we be kind to the environment whilst doing so?
Our research focuses on the development of knowledge concerning efficient, reliable, safe and clean transport. The TU Delft researchers working on this theme belong to the global Top 5 in the transport field.

Measuring, modelling, optimising

Characteristic of our research is the attention paid to measuring, modelling and optimising transport. We carry out research into the transport of people and goods by road, but also, for example, by rail or over water; we examine traffic flows, the provision of information to travellers and road users, the planning of ports and waterways, and the improvement of public transport. Information and communication technology is increasingly being used for efficient, reliable, safe and clean transport.

Transport facilities and their efficient utilisation

We carry out research in three related research fields:

1. The design and planning of infrastructure and infrastructural networks
   We carry out research into the design of reliable, sustainable multimodal transport networks for the Randstad conurbation in the Netherlands whereby attention is primarily paid to the linking of various forms of public transport. How can the range of multimodal transport be attuned to spatial developments such as housing and industrial estates? What is the relationship between reliability and speed in a heavily-used public transport system? This knowledge is used to design new multimodal transport networks for new housing estates and urban areas.
2. Interaction between the demand for transport and the provision of facilities
   We carry out research into the effect of travel times and the reliability of modes of transport (bicycles, cars and public transport) on travellers’ transport choices. What effect does building or widening a connection or providing public transport have on traveller behaviour? This knowledge is used to improve and assess the efficacy of measures aimed at improving transport. 
3. Efficient use of transport facilities
   We, for example, measure how many cars traverse a particular section of motorway within a specific amount of time and examine which traffic density leads to the development of traffic jams: what happens if you provide more traffic information to motorists? What effect do variable speed limits have on the development of traffic jams? This knowledge leads to new ways of improving traffic flow progress, for example, by homogenising traffic flows and improving the utilisation of alternative routes within the road network as a whole.

The CEG faculty collaborates with other TU Delft faculties in the field of transport as well as with other universities in the Netherlands and abroad, but also with Rijkswaterstaat [the Directorate General of Public Works and Water Management], TNO, engineering firms and the industry. Together we devise solutions based on the latest scientific insights which are applicable in practice. All knowledge is immediately translated into education which therefore always consists of the latest scientific insights.

Prof. ir. Bart van Arem

Theme leader and Professor of Mobility

Further information

Further information on research

• Transport and Planning
• Ports and Waterways

Further information on study programmes

• BSc Civiele Techniek
• MSc Civil Engineering
• MSc Transport, Infrastructure & Logistics

Further information on cooperation

• Cooperation  

Further information on the Delft Research Initiative Infrastructure and Mobility

• Delft Research Initiative Infrastructure and Mobility