The Transport Operations Research Group (TORG) would like to announce this week's seminar as part of our Wednesday lunchtime seminar series for 2009/2010.

About the TORG Seminars:

The TORG seminars are intended to disseminate ongoing research and encourage detailed discussions on a diverse range of transport topics in an informal environment. The seminars are part of a wider programme within the School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (http://www.ceg.ncl.ac.uk/seminars/index.htm) all of which are free of charge and open for external guests to attend. Please let Miss Emma Simblett ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) know if you wish to attend a TORG seminar to allow names of external guests to be noted.

This Week's Seminar:

This week we are delighted to announce two Wednesday seminars! Please note the different rooms for each seminar.

The first is entitled "Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation/Various Links with Transport" and will be presented by Mr Dave Cherry, Environmental Assessment Manager, Leeds City Council.


The talk will cover two aspects. 1. Transport and Climate Change Mitigation, including the basics of climate change and effects of GHG's, examine extracts from the Stern Report/CO2 Stabilisation and Local Transport Plan initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions and discuss the promotion of Low Carbon Vehicle Technologies. 2. Transport and Climate Change Adaptation, discussing the likely effects of climate change, UKCIP climate scenarios and projections, local observed weather trends in Leeds and examples of transport climate proofing, before presenting a climate proofing template for transport.

Dave Cherry has worked in Local Government for 30 years, including the Greater London Council, the West Yorkshire Metropolitan County Council and Leeds City Council.  His specialist areas involve transport related EIA/SEA, climate change (mitigation & adaptation), air quality and environmental noise. He is a member of the Institute of Acoustics, The Transport Planning Society, The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, and is a Chartered Environmentalist.

Please join us for this seminar on Wednesday 14/10/2009 from 1300-1400 in Room 3.25, 2nd Floor, Cassie Building, Claremont Road, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU.

Our second seminar this week is entitled "Faster, Better, Cheaper and Greener: The World's Most Advanced Ground Transport System.  Briefing for Design of a 500 km/h Maglev Route" and will be presented by Dr Alan James, Chief Executive, UK Ultraspeed.

The talk will discuss the proposal to bring the 500km/h (311mph) Transrapid maglev system to the UK.  Entitled, 'Faster, Cheaper, Better and Greener', the seminar will outline the main points of difference between the magnetic levitation technology and 300km/h TGV-style wheel-on-rail trains.  The seminar will explore the economic and environmental benefits of a major investment in UK ground transport infrastructure and present an update on the current status of the project.

Following a PhD focussing on the shifts in technological and political power in the post-war period, Dr Alan James has become known as one of Europe's leading experts in strategic economic development.  He has advised cities, regions and countries on how to capture and communicate competitive advantage in the global economy.  From his work in this field, it was becoming increasingly apparent that slow and outdated North-South transport links were condemning Northern England and Scotland to economic marginalisation, in contrast to the growing role of London as a true World City. As Chief Executive of the Ultraspeed pre-project company, Alan co-ordinates the multidisciplinary teams of specialists involved in planning, financing and communicating this radically new infrastructure project.

Please join us for this seminar on Wednesday 14/10/2009 from 1300-1400 in Room 2.32, 2nd Floor, Cassie Building, Claremont Road, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU.

How to find us:

We are located in the Cassie Building, building number 14 on the Campus Map (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/travel/maps/printable/Campus-Map-Print.pdf), about a 5-10 minute walk from Haymarket bus station, Haymarket or Jesmond metro stations, both of which are easily accessible from Newcastle Central station or Newcastle International Airport. Car parking in and around the University campus is limited, but Park and Ride options are available from seven metro stations within Newcastle - please see the Nexus website (http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Metro/Metro+map/) for more details.

For further information on the TORG seminars, please contact Dr. Dilum Dissanayake ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) or Mr. Gareth Evans ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>).

We look forward to welcoming you in Newcastle for two enjoyable seminars!