Transport Nodal System

Adolf K.Y. Ng, Changmin Jiang, Paul Larson, Barry Prentice, David Timothy Duval

• Publisher: Elsevier
• Year: 2018
• ISBN:
  9780128110683
• Topic: Tecnología e ingeniería
• Subtopic: Transporte y navegación

Transport Nodal System provides a comprehensive introduction to the development of transport nodes and nodal systems, focusing on economic, operational, management, planning, policy, regulation and sustainability perspectives. Through a deep analysis on different types of transport nodes from diverse perspectives, this book shows the major issues and challenges that transport node planners, managers, and policymakers face, and how to address them. The book provides a clear framework for identifying the common attributes across all nodes that contribute to the efficient operations, planning, and management of transport facilities.

Transport nodes such as seaports, inland terminals, airports, highways, and railroads are hubs in a multimodal transportation network that facilitate the smooth operation of passengers and freight. The book uniquely uses the transport node itself rather than a specific type of structure for a specific type of transport mode as the primary focus of analysis. While stressing the importance of transport nodes in developing efficient logistics and supply chains, the book also demonstrates that transport nodes are geographically embedded within a particular location, and that operations are inevitably affected by local factors, such as culture, the economy, the political and regulatory environment and other institutions.

• Provides a unified look at multimodal transportation nodes to gain a better understanding of total system performance
• Includes numerous case studies from developed and emerging economies
• Uses an interdisciplinary approach where policy, regulations, economics, strategic management, operations, sustainability and technological innovation are considered together
• Features chapters by scholars who specialize in different transport modes (land, sea and air)
• Up-to-date outcomes utilizing author's original research provide a systematic investigation of the nodal system in both theory and practice

Chapter 1

Introduction

Abstract

This chapter introduces the objective and focus of the book. It also introduces the chapters.

Keywords

Nodal systems; Transport

Contents

1.1 Setting the Scene

1.2 The Structure of the Book

References

1.1. Setting the Scene

This book is the first from the University of Manitoba Transport Institute (UMTI) Book Series that offers a comprehensive introduction to the contemporary development of transport nodes and nodal systems, including economics, operations, management, planning, policy and regulations, sustainability, and innovation. In this regard, “transport node” refers to any infrastructure or facility that facilitates the smooth operation of passengers and/or cargoes along transport networks and systems. Notable examples include, but are not restricted to, seaports, inland terminals (also known as “dry ports”), airports, highways, and railroads. As such, the focus of this book is not on the “moving” components of the transport systems (e.g., ships, trucks, trains). By undertaking an in-depth analysis of different types of transport nodes from diversified angles, including empirical case studies from both the developed world (e.g., Canada) and emerging economies (e.g., China), the book will enable readers to understand the major issues and challenges that transport node planners, managers, and policymakers are facing, and enable them to put their theoretical knowledge into practice.

With diverse backgrounds from Canada, China, and the United States, the authors are affiliated to two major universities located in the center of North America, namely, the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg. All the authors are affiliated to UMTI, either as staff or associates, and possess rich research experience in nearly all modes of transport. Of course, the authors make no pretense that they are the first people to try to address the problems and issues of transport nodes and nodal systems. Indeed, far from it, with Brooks and Cullinane (2007), Cullinane and Talley (2006), Forsyth et al. (2010), Graham (2013), Liu (2012), Monios and Bergqvist (2016), and Young and Wells (2011) serving as illustrative examples. However, most of these stated works on transport nodes focus only on one particular type of node dedicated to a specific type of transport mode (e.g., ports), while many are also either highly technical or look at the issue from one or two narrowly defined angles (e.g., economics, governance). The contents of the aforementioned books, especially the edited ones, are often splintered and disconnected between different chapters. Indeed, it is not difficult to discover that a coherent message on transport nodes is sometimes lacking in these books. By inscribing the latest information and research outcomes, especially original research conducted by the authors, this book plays the role of an efficient channel in facilitating the transferring of the newest academic and original knowledge to researchers and practitioners, as well as bridging the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice. Also it stresses the importance of transport nodes in the development of efficient logistics and supply chains. Despite its criticality due to its nodal status, where different stakeholders within the transport and logistics sectors interact, transport nodes are one of the most overlooked components. Moreover, understanding that transport nodes, in nearly all cases, are geographically embedded within a particular location, their operation and management would inevitably be affected by local factors (e.g., culture, institutions, etc.). This is something that the aforementioned books, and indeed previous research, have largely overlooked. Understanding such deficiency, this book puts much emphasis on the dynamic interactions between “nodes” and “transport systems.”

A main feature is that this book is a pioneer attempt to identify transport “node” (rather than a specific type of infrastructure for a specific type of transport mode, e.g., seaport) as the primary focus of analysis. Through close collaboration between reputed transport scholars from diversified academic backgrounds specializing in different transport modes (land, maritime, and air), the book identifies the common attributes (or “lessons learnt”) that would contribute to the efficient operations, planning, and management of transport infrastructures and facilities in general, and establishes a strong framework for this purpose. Hence we believe that it poses substantial interest to researchers, policymakers, and industrial professionals involved in aspects of the transport sectors (e.g., port authorities, airport managers, highway planners, etc.). Readers can easily understand the major trends of development of transport nodes and nodal systems, and develop an effective approach and skills to address diversified challenges on the planning, management, and policymaking of different types of transport nodes. For researchers, the book can play a significant part in the inspiration of new research ideas, especially in geography, planning, economics, environmental studies, transport, logistics, and supply chain management. It is a quality companion to researchers, policymakers, and industrial practitioners and a solid platform for further research, planning, and development of appropriate policies and effective industrial practices in transport nodes and nodal systems.

In terms of pedagogy, this book is an ideal companion for graduate students (PhD, MBA, and Master's degree) who are pursuing courses and/or conducting research in sustainable transport and supply chains, including public policy and regional development, either as a major textbook or supporting reading material. Some examples of course and modules include transport infrastructure planning and management, transport strategy and policy, port and airport development, transport geography and economics, logistics management, global supply chains, environmental management, public policy, regional development, developmental economics, and assessment methodologies in transportation, to name but a few.

Before ending this section, it is noted that some of the contents of this book are based on several papers published in scholarly journals, including Lau et al. (2014) and Ng et al. (2015).

1.2. The Structure of the Book

The rest of this chapter introduces the contents of the book. Chapter 2 discusses transport networks and the impacts on transport nodes. A modern economy has overlapping transport networks, principally road, rail, air, and marine. Each mode of transport has its strengths and may be used exclusively in some circumstances, but more often two or more modes of transport are involved in the delivery of freight. Nodes are the locations where goods are transshipped from one mode to another. As a derived demand, transport networks expand to serve the needs of shippers and receivers. Larger population centers generate more demand and consequently are the best equipped with infrastructure to accommodate transportation. However, size is not all that matters. Some important nodes form at particular locations because of geographical and political barriers. Distance and terrain usually dictate the routes with less resistance, and in these areas corridors become established. The chapter presents the logistical rationale and economics for the formation of transport gateways, hubs, and corridors at specific locations. The growth and success of particular locations are explored with respect to changes in technology and input costs. These forces help to explain the integration of maritime–land networks, and how the fortunes of location can wax and wane for transshipment and industrial location.

Chapter 3 measures transport nodes and nodal systems. A transport system is a realization of spatial network, a structure of connected infrastructures that permits the flow of people and/or commodities. A global perspective of a transport system can be obtained from network analysis, typically using graph theory, the study of mathematical structures used to model pairwise relations between objects. A flow network in graph theory can, among other things, measure the relative importance of various nodes within a transport network, describe the relationship between these nodes, and demonstrate the structure of the network. Efficiency measurement methodologies, such as data envelopment analysis, are also useful tools for transport network analysis. Through these methodologies, we can compare the relative efficiencies of various nodes within a transport network. In this chapter, we apply these analytical tools to showcase the developmental pattern of the Chinese high-speed rail system.

Chapter 4 investigates the policy and regulations of transport nodes and nodal systems. The purpose is to provide a wide assessment of airport policy and regulatory systems in general, with a specific focus on Canada. Consideration is given to recent government-initiated reviews of the regulatory processes and regimes (e.g., Commerce Commission, Airport Authorities Act, and Canada Transportation Act Review). In so doing, broader issues of regulation and policy as they pertain to nodes and nodal systems are considered. The chapter begins with a spatial and economic assessment of the role of nodes in transport systems. It shows that spatiality, nodal concentration, network density, and gravity are variables to consider in the economic viability of nodal systems. This presents an interesting challenge both for government regulation and commercial efficiencies, namely, how best to ensure that the two intersect to achieve maximum social benefits. The chapter then considers salient regulatory, legal, and policy issues in more detail that surround airport systems, including ownership, governance, and management. Next, it pulls together a detailed overview of airport policy and governance by focusing on recent regulatory reviews in Canada. Airports in Canada's capital cities (managed through airport nonshare capital corporations as authorities), along with those with passenger movements exceeding 200,000 per annum, are, on the other hand, part of the National Airport System, where ground rents are payable to the Federal Government of Canada. The chapter demonstrates that the varying approaches to regulation of airport services are grounded in principles of economic geography, historical approaches to regulation and competition in general, and the perceived usefulness of specific policy levers. There is, by way of conclusion, no single prescribed policy that results in a universally accepted efficient regulation of airport services.

Chapter 5 addresses the problem of congestion in transport nodes and nodal systems. Congestion is a condition on transport networks that occurs as use increases, and is characterized by slower speeds, longer trip times, and increased vehicular queuing. It has long been one of the major issues in urban transportation, as well as a growing concern for other transport modes such as aviation. Congestion is the result of a mismatch between travel demand and infrastructure capacity, caused by the tragedy of the commons. It induces a series of negative effects, imposing substantial costs on travelers (delay and prolonged travel time), the economy (impediment of economic development), as well as the environment (increased energy consumption and pollution). However, under some conditions, it can bring positive impacts, such as stimulating airport concession revenues. In this chapter, we introduce various theories of traffic congestion from different perspectives, such as engineering and economics. Potential solutions to congestion, such as capacity building, capacity rationing, congestion pricing, as well as slot trading and auctioning, are discussed and compared.

Chapter 6 introduces the basic principles and practices of transport node and nodal system planning, with a focus on the roles of institutions on the planning process and outcomes of transport infrastructure projects. Through an investigation of two projects undertaken during the past two decades in East Asia and North America, namely, site selection for the construction of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (a transport node in Hong Kong, China) and the construction process of CentrePort Canada Way [a highway dedicated to enhance the connection between CentrePort Canada (Winnipeg's inland terminal) and the Trans-Canada Highway in Canada], respectively, it identifies the major issues in transport project planning, notably how institutions would act as barriers and catalysts in affecting the planning process and outcomes. We argue that institutions can act as both a barrier and a catalyst, depending on real circumstances as well as how decision-makers react to shocks and challenges. Indeed, one is unlikely to comprehensively understand and implement (often capital-intensive) transport projects effectively and efficiently if they do not understand the impacts that institutions can have on them. Hence it adds substantial insight into a very important aspect that transport planners, managers, and policymakers need to tackle when undertaking project planning.

Chapter 7 investiga...

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• About the Authors
• Preface
• Chapter 1. Introduction
• Chapter 2. Transport Networks and Impacts on Transport Nodes
• Chapter 3. Measuring Transport Nodes and Nodal Systems
• Chapter 4. Policy and Regulations of Transport Nodes and Nodal Systems
• Chapter 5. Congestion in Transport Nodes and Nodal Systems
• Chapter 6. Planning Transport Nodes and Nodal System Projects
• Chapter 7. Sustainability and Resilience of Transport Nodes and the Nodal System
• Chapter 8. Transport Nodes and Supply Chain Sustainability
• Chapter 9. Innovation in Transport Nodes and Nodal Systems: Airship Transport Systems and Aerodrome Requirements
• Chapter 10. Climate Change and Its Impacts: Opening Up the Arctic Seas for Maritime Transport
• Index