Cardiff University’s School of Geography and Planning are now working with Transport for Wales to provide a new module.

The unique transport modelling module will be provided to students on the Transport and Planning (MSc) programme.

The module will be led by academic and professional experts and will offer students the theoretical underpinnings of modelling and provide hands on experience.

Students on the programme will have access to VISUM, which is used to model transport networks and travel demand while developing solutions. Transport for Wales use this software in its three regional transport models to improve areas of the network.

Using this software alongside learning the theory will allow students to develop an understanding of how the software supports the development of networks using real-world data.

Dimitris Potoglou, Transport and Planning (MSc) Programme Director, said: “For a second year, we are really fortunate to collaborate with colleagues at Transport for Wales and offer students both the theoretical and the practical aspects of transport planning and modelling. Another advantage of this initiative is that we are using real-world data and models developed for Wales, which allows students to develop and test their own transport strategies using real-world data and assess the effectiveness of their proposed solutions.”

Rhian Watts, Head of Transport Modelling at Transport for Wales said: “I have enjoyed the opportunity to support Cardiff University and the students undertaking the MSc. The course uses one of Welsh Government / Transport for Wales Regional Transport Models and we have used several real-world scenarios and problems during the course that shows the importance for modelling and appraisal in shaping the future of transport in Wales. It has been a worthwhile and enjoyable experience.”