Q.1 “There is no objective rationale for the payment of an operating subsidy for the provision of public transport services”

Edinburgh Napier University ONLINE EXAM

School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment

Academic Session: 2024/5 Diet: Trimester 1

Module Title: Public Transport

Module Number CTR11730 Exam Duration 3 Hours

Total Time Available on the Exam Server: 4 hours 30 minutes Total number of pages (incl. coversheet)  7

Number of Questions: 5

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES: You must answer 3 questions in total, one from Section A (compulsory) and two from Section B.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

1. This exam will be available for the exam duration plus 50% additional time to provide an inclusive approach to ensure that the requirements of those students who need additional exam time are already accommodated within this time period.
2. It is also intended to allow sufficient time for all students to upload materials and as mitigation for any temporary network problems during the exam.
3. No additional time can be added and late submissions cannot be accepted. Students should be able to complete the exam within the expected exam time period.
4. In your answer file you must ensure that all questions and pages are clearly numbered and that you include the module code and your student matriculation number.

If you cannot upload your answer paper, please make sure to send a copy of your answer paper to the Exams Team email address before the deadline of the exam.

If you have technical issues, the Exams Team can then manually submit on your behalf. Please note no late submission beyond the deadline of the exam can be submitted.

You should also retain copy of your answer file in case of queries. Please be aware that examination answer paper will be subject to plagiarism checks.

SPECIAL ITEMS attached to Exam Question Paper NONE

Section A – All students must attempt this question

Q.1 “There is no objective rationale for the payment of an operating subsidy for the provision of public transport services”

In no more than 500 words, discuss the extent to which you either agree or disagree with the above statement. Note that in your answer, you can consider the situation prior to the Covid-19 global pandemic or relating to recovery from the pandemic, or some combination of the two.(Total Marks 20)

Section B – Students should attempt two of the following questions

Q.2 (a) Outline the key reasons for public ownership and/or control of public transport services.(15)

(b) With regard to the British experience with commercial urban bus services, outline what in your opinion are the main advantages and drawbacks of such a primarily private sector/free market based provision.(25)  (Total marks 40)

Q.3 (a) Outline your understanding of the ‘Morrisonian’ model of public transport provision, and how this has been ‘modernised’ to reflect more recent times.(15)

(a) For TWO of the listed modes of urban public transport, discuss under what conditions your chosen modes would be the most appropriate to upgrade a public transport system. In your answer you should discuss the critical factors in such decisions – for instance, system capacities, demand, finance and the impact on patronage levels - as well as other factors you think relevant, such as environmental, economic and social factors.

1. Bus Rapid Transit
   1. Light Rail Transit
   2. Metro or Suburban Rail.
   3. You may find the table in Appendix I of assistance.(25)(Total marks 40)

Q.4 (a) Outline your understanding of the rural transport ‘problem’, particularly from the perspective of providing public transport services in such areas.(10)

(a) Following on from (a), what are the main issues that need to be considered in the planning and running of rural public transport services?(15)

(b) Briefly outline the operation of Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) services and discuss how these potentially overcome some of the issues raised in parts (a) and (b) of your answer.(15)

(Total marks 40)

QUESTION 5 BEGINS ON THE NEXT PAGE

Q.5 (a)  Should the continuance of a bus service be based entirely on the cost of providing that service? Justify the reasons for your answer.(15)

(a) Calculate the cost per kilometre for urban and rural operations for the Hunter Nelson Omnibus Company using only the information provided below.

You should show all workings required in calculating this cost and round up the final figure to two decimal places.(10)

PARTS C AND D OF QUESTION 5 ARE ON THE NEXT PAGE

Q5 (c) Hunter Nelson is considering bidding on a local authority contract, which is to run for five years and based on the following details which are specified as per week:

Operational weeks per year: 50

The company normally looks for a 10% profit margin on its operations.

Using the above information and the cost per km calculated in part b, calculate Hunter Nelson’s tender price for this contract.(10)

Q5 (d) Hugh Nelson (CBE), co-owner of Hunter Nelson, informs you that there may be strong competition for this contract, particularly from Achille’s Speedie Coaches Ltd, and Mr Nelson is ‘very keen’ to keep them out of the market, particularly given the size of this contract. What would you advise Mr Nelson the company should do in order to considerably improve their prospects of winning the tender. (5)(Total marks 40)