Economics and Appraisal Group

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Details

The Economics and Appraisal Group at the Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds, brings together world-leading expertise in transport demand modelling, economic appraisal, and regulatory analysis. 

With a strong foundation in econometric methods and non-market valuation, the group evaluates both passenger and freight systems, quantifies wider economic impacts of transport investment, and advises on pricing, incentives, and policy reform. 

Our work underpins national and international guidance — including contributions to the UK Department for Transport’s value of time studies and TAG — and supports decision-making across rail, road, and urban mobility sectors.

Our staff and PhD students 

Please click here for more information about our staff and click here for PhD students.
 

Current Research Projects

For more information about our current and previous projects, please click here.

Research degrees

We have opportunities for prospective postgraduate researchers. Example projects and funding opportunities can be found in our PhD directory. Previous topics have been based on the following:

•    Transport costs, efficiency and regulation, including econometric modelling of transport costs and efficiency, regulation, pricing and incentives, impact of reforms on economic efficiency

•    Transport demand modelling, covering both passenger and freight: including demand for electric and hybrid cars – modelling vehicle replacement and type choice; freight choice models; rail passenger demand forecasting

•    Economic appraisal of transport investments and policy interventions, including wider economic benefits from transport investment; value of time studies;  access to economic opportunities; land value uplift and capture
 

Collaborations & Partnerships

Our group works widely with a range of governmental, industrial and academic partners in areas related to economics across all modes ranging from theoretical research to policy guidance. 

Locally, we have partnered with Transport for the North and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) on projects such as Land Value Uplift for northern rail projects, and we are active contributors to the new Centre for Transport in Cities (Centric), a strategic alliance between ITS at the University of Leeds and the Institute of Railway Research at the University of Huddersfield, and WYCA.

Nationally, our work includes major engagements with the Department for Transport, including the UK national value of time study and rail demand forecasting and TAG guidance, as well as collaboration with Network Rail, rail operators, the ORR and the Rail Delivery Group. We are part of the CQC Efficiency Network (Cost, Quality, Customer) , a joint initiative National Highways and Transport Network (NHT)) and the University of Leeds.

Internationally, we work extensively with the European Commission on transport demand, csot and appraisal projects in both road and rail. Beyond Europe, We maintain an active partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Transport.

Contact us

Email: Dr Dan Johnson and Dr Alex Stead