Insegnamento a.a. 2026-2027

Classes: 31 (I sem.)

Instructors:
Class 31: EMANUELA RONDI

The mobility and transport sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by rapid technological innovation, the transition towards low-carbon mobility, increasing digitalization, and evolving travel behavior (demand). These changes require skills for understanding transportation systems from both engineering and managerial perspectives, combining analytical methods with knowledge of emerging mobility technologies and policy evaluation. The course provides students with the analytical knowledge and practical skills needed to understand, model and evaluate transport and mobility systems. It covers travel demand analysis, transport supply modelling, traffic simulation and the assessment of transport policies, deep diving into technological innovations shaping the future of mobility, including electric mobility, connected vehicles, charging infrastructure and alternative fuels. Through quantitative methods, real-world case studies and a project based on a state-of-the-art transport simulation tool, students develop the ability to analyze transport systems, evaluate mobility scenarios, and support planning and investment decisions towards more sustainable, efficient and resilient mobility.

The main topics of the course are: 

- Transportation systems: definitions, system identification, demand and supply modeling and assignment 

- Transport simulation and policy assessment: traffic flow simulation for private and public transport, impact estimation and assessment 

- Emerging mobility technologies and trends: connected mobility, IoT and digitalization, future mobility trends 

- Electric mobility systems: e-mobility market, electric vehicle technologies, charging infrastructure, environmental (Life Cycle Assessment) and economic (Total Cost of Ownership) assessment 

- Development of a transport modeling exercise using a state-of-the-art simulation tool

At the end of the course student will be able to...

- Explain the fundamental principles of transport systems, including mobility demand, transport supply and their interactions. 

- Describe the main quantitative methods used for transport planning, simulation and mobility demand forecasting. 

- Discuss the role of transport policies, technological innovation and emerging mobility trends in shaping sustainable mobility systems. 

oriented innovation and design applied by real business.

- Illustrate the methodologies used to assess the environmental and economic performance of alternative mobility solutions. 

- Recognize the opportunities and challenges associated with the transition towards low-carbon, connected and future mobility systems. 

At the end of the course student will be able to...

- Analyse transport systems by exploring socio-economic data, travel demand, transport supply and system performances. 

- Apply quantitative methods and simulation tools to evaluate alternative mobility scenarios. 

- Assess the environmental and economic impacts of different mobility policies and technologies. 

- Develop a transport planning project addressing a real-world mobility challenge through the application of analytical methods and simulation tools. 

- Present technical analyses and project results, supporting conclusions with quantitative evidence. 

• Lectures
• Guest speaker's talks (in class or in distance)
• Collaborative Works / Assignments

Guest speaker’s talks. Guest speaker’s talks Guest speakers from companies will present real-world applications and current challenges related to sustainable mobility, transport planning and emerging mobility technologies. Their contributions will complement the theoretical lectures by providing practical insights into current practices, technological developments and decision-making processes. 

 

Collaborative works / Assignments. Students will work in groups to develop a project focused on analyzing a transport planning problem using a state-of-the-art transport simulation tool. The project requires students to assess alternative mobility scenarios, interpret simulation results, and formulate evidence-based recommendations. The assignment concludes with a group oral presentation of the project findings. 

	Continuous assessment	Partial exams	General exam
Written individual exam (traditional/online)			x
Collaborative Works / Assignment (report, exercise, presentation, project work etc.)	x

Students are assessed through two complementary components:

 

- Individual written examination (50% of the final grade) consisting of a combination of open-ended and closed-ended questions. The written exam assesses students' knowledge and understanding of the main topics covered throughout the course. It also evaluates their ability to analyze transport planning-related problems and interpret quantitative evidence. 

- Group Project work and oral presentation (50% of the final grade) involving the analysis of a transport planning problem through the application of a state-of-the-art transport simulation tool (VISUM package). Students, organized in groups, are required to develop and evaluate alternative mobility scenarios, interpret simulation results and formulate evidence-based recommendations. The oral presentation assesses the ability to communicate technical analyses effectively and to discuss project outcomes. 

 

The final grade is determined by combining the results of the individual written examination (50%) and the group project work, including its oral presentation (50%). 

The teaching materials for the course consist of: 

- Course slides. 

- A collection of scientific articles and technical reports. 

- Dedicated files and materials for the development of the Project Work.