Public transport planning has never been more important as cities seek to adapt to the challenges of climate change, congestion, and rapid population growth. Despite decades of policy intent to shift travel away from private cars, Australian cities remain highly car-dependent. This persistent gap between policy ambition and on-the-ground outcomes highlights the need for a stronger understanding of the principles that underpin effective public transport systems.

This course provides an introduction to public transport planning for practitioners, focusing on the theoretical and practical foundations that shape network performance and user experience. It introduces key concepts including generalised travel time, network connectivity and coverage, service frequency, and the relationship between land use and transport. The course also examines the economics of public transport, including funding, fare structures, and operating models, and considers how operational decisions influence planning outcomes.

The course is intended to equip planners with a practical framework for understanding public transport systems and for engaging more confidently with transport policy, service planning, and project development in professional practice.

Designed For

Town planners, strategic planners, traffic engineers – anyone with a interest in learning more about the workings of public transport

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the role of public transport in supporting sustainable, accessible, and less car-dependent cities.
2. Describe the core principles of public transport planning, including generalised travel time, service frequency, coverage, and network effects.
3. Interpret how network design and service planning decisions influence passenger experience and system performance.
4. Understand the basic economics of public transport, including funding models, fare structures, and operating costs.
5. Assess the relationship between land use patterns and public transport viability and performance.
6. Apply foundational public transport planning concepts to policy development, strategic planning, and project assessment in professional practice.

Presenters

Dr Eric Keys MPIA holds a Master’s of Transport Planning and a PhD in Planning. Throughout his 40-year career, he has focused on promoting and improving public transport outcomes. His work has included strategic planning, project design and delivery, operational and service reform and special event transportation. He has worked on most modes of public transport, including trains, trams, buses and ferries. 

Terms & Conditions

Registrations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the event date will not incur any fees and a full refund will be granted.

If you cannot attend and you are within 14 days of the event date, you can transfer your ticket to another person.

In all other situations we cannot issue a refund or credit.

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