As part of the Victorian Government’s Victorian Travel Plan, the Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas, has announced the release of the SmartRoads network operating plans.

SmartRoads is a planning tool which uses complex economic modelling to designate which modes of transport have priority on particular roads. This is designed to improve the efficiency of the metropolitan road network, reducing delays and congestion for commuters and maximise existing road space. SmartRoads will be used to guide planning into the future and encourage smarter road sharing.

A comprehensive list of Operating Plans for each metropolitan council area is available via the VicRoads website, along with an overview video and a variety of background information.

The SmartRoads network operating plans are a work in progress and are being developed by VicRoads in partnership with the Department of Transport and local governments, setting mode priorities in each municipality – with 24 local governments already indicating their support.

Updates on SmartRoads will be posted on Thinking Transport as they come to hand. A Victorian Department of Transport media release is also available with further details.

The Melbourne Transport Forum (MTF) is hosting a Transport Economics Forum on Tuesday 16 March, entitled 'The proper use of cost-benefit appraisal in transport infrastructure project assessments'.

The Forum will be presented by Henry Ergas, author of research paper: 'Is there any evidence of evidence-based policy? The case of Infrastructure Project Assessment', addressing the transport aspects of the paper, which explores the role of 'proper' cost-benefit appraisal in policy decisions. The paper is available through SSRN. 

The forum will be  held from 5pm to 6.30pm at the AECOM offices, Level 9, 8 Exhibition Street, Melbourne.

Bookings are essential for security reasons. Please indicate your attendance by emailing e [dot] hustonaciltasman [dot] com [dot] au by 3pm Monday 15 March.