USCSCHOOL OF POLICY, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
SPRING 2010
PPD360: URBAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND POLICY
TIME & ROOM:6:00 PM –9:20 PMTuesdayVKC 105
INSTRUCTOR: Michael Kodama
PHONE: 818 846-6272/cell 818 468-8593
FAX: 818 846-6262
E-MAIL:
MAILING 2740 W Magnolia Blvd #103
ADDRESS: BurbankCA91505
Almost everyone has an opinion on urban transportation. This class provides an analytical approach to urban transportation planning and policy. I will expect students to develop positions on this subject based upon inquiry through reading and asking questions, evaluating answers, and debate. This class provides the opportunity for students to understand positions or viewpoints they do not necessarily support.
Five elements comprise the course: lectures, reading assignments, written assignments with oral presentations, class discussions and exams (midterm and final). While the readings relate to the lectures, they will tend to be more theoretical. The writing assignments are exercises that parallel problems transportation planners address. It includes a public transportation report, a report outline, draft report (at least 15 pages) and final report (at least 20 pages) covering a transportation subject selected by the student. All late assignments will result in a lower grade. I expect you to be aware of current events in urban transportation. Because I am usually on campus only one day per week, class members are encouraged to consult with me regarding your assignments, readings, etc. before and after class, by telephone, fax, e-mail, or at selected downtown Los Angeles locations. I am available for office hours on other days by appointment only.
GRADING
I will weight your final grade according to the following schedule:
Attendance, In–class assignments and participation -- 5 percent
Mid Term Exam -- 20 percent
Final Exam -- 25 percent
Report outline -- 5 percent
Draft report (at least 15 pages)-- 5 percent
Final report (20%) and presentation (10%) -- 30 percent
Public transit assignment -- 10 percent
Total 100 percent
ABSENCES
Attendance is mandatory. I expect you to contact me (using e-mail or leaving a telephone message for me on my cell phone, no later than 4:00 p.m. of the day of class) if you have to miss class.
COURSE TOPICS –PPD 360
The issues we will discuss in the class are among the most current topics in urban transportation planning. In addition to the two texts, I will give you handouts of articles that are required material for your exams. Keep these handouts in a notebook. The required textbooks for this class are:
The Geography of Urban Transportation, 3rd edition. Susan Hanson and Genevieve Giuliano, ed. 2004
The High Cost of Free Parking. Donald Shoup, 2005.
DATETOPIC/READINGS
Week 1Perceptions of Los Angeles and the Role of Transportation
What is Transportation Planning?
Reading:Hanson, Chapter 1, pp. 3-29
Week 2Transportation and Development of Southern California -- A History of Urban Form and Transportation in American Cities
Readings:Hanson, Chapter 2, pp. 30-58
Week 3 Research day – no lecture
Week 4&5Institutional Aspects of Urban Transportation Planning
Readings:Hanson, Chapter 3, pp. 59-85
Due week 4:Report outline & presentations
Transportation Planning Process
Week 6Trends in Travel Behavior -- What are the Characteristics of Travel, Understanding Congestion
Reading:Brian Taylor article, “Rethinking Traffic Congestion”
Due:Public Transit Diary
Week 7Special Topic: Parking Management
Reading:Don Shoup, High Cost of Free Parking, Part I, II & III
Week 8Analysis of Aggregate Flows of Travel; Travel Model & Overview of the Urban Transportation Planning Process
Reading:Hanson, Chapters 5, pp. 115-140; Chapter 6, pp. 141-162
Week 9Midterm Exam
Spring Break
Week 10Transportation Planning and Urban Sprawl
Readings:Hanson, Chapter 9, pp. 237-273
Week 11Transportation Planning and New Technology
Reading:Hanson, Chapter 4, pp. 86-112 and 7, pp. 163-195
Week 12Transportation Planning and Air Quality
Readings:Hanson, Chapter 10, pp. 274-293 and 13, pp. 356-381
Due:Draft Report
Week 13Restructuring Urban Transportation in Southern California: What Should We Do with the Freeways? What is the Role of Transit?
Reading:Hanson, Chapter 8, pp. 199-236 and 11, pp. 294-331
Week 14Can Planners Create a “Fair Transportation System?
Class Presentations.
Readings:Hanson, Chapter 12, pp. 332-355 and 14, pp. 382-403
Week 15Class Presentations
May 6Final Exam -- 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Due:Final Report
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
The written assignments provide you an opportunity to address issues of importance to transportation planners and to familiarize yourself with the different transportation modes available. As part of your professional development, submitting assignments on time is critical. Also important is making sure you complete all facets of the assignment. Adhering to the contractual obligation is an important professional skill. Late completion or incomplete submittals of contractual obligations in the professional world results in financial penalties, poor evaluations, etc. Your penalty for handing me late assignments is that I will lower your grade (one full grade).
Assignment: Public Transportation Trip Diary - Due Week 6
You will prepare a diary of your experience riding public transportation in Los Angeles. You should set aside one day to make the following journey. Make sure you plan ahead and know your route, have enough change or purchase a day pass for the trip you will take. My preference is that you make this trip on a weekday to truly experience public transportation. You have three options.
OPTION 1: Pasadena
- By bus, travel from USC (Figueroa Street) to downtown Los Angeles. Find the Red Line station, transfer to a train and exit at Union Station. Exit the subway and walk around the railroad station. Walk through the terminal to the east side where the bus terminal and the LACMTA headquarters building are located.
- Transfer to the Gold Line and take it to Del Mar. Walk to Colorado Boulevardand walk around Old Pasadena. (Good place for lunch).
- Take the Gold Line back to Union Station. Take the Red Line, Blue Line and/or bus back to USC.
OPTION 2: Hollywood
- By bus, travel from USC (Figueroa Street) to 7th Street Metro Station and take the Red Line train to the Hollywood-Highland Station in Hollywood. Walk east on Hollywood Boulevard to the Hollywood-Vine station. Observe the redevelopment along Hollywood Boulevard. Stop at the new Hollywood-Highland shopping/hotel/theater center.
- Take the Red Line to 7th Street Metro Station. Exit the subway and walk around the station area. From here, you can return to USC via bus.
OPTION 3: LAX
- By bus, travel from USC (Figueroa Street) to 7th Street Metro Station.
- Take the Blue Line to the Rosa Parks/Green Line Transfer station. Take the Green Line to Aviation Boulevard and transfer to the LAX shuttle bus (Route G). Exit at the International Terminal. Locate the departure board and record the destinations of the next ten flights from the time you arrive.
- You may take the Green Line shuttle bus (Route G) and return to the Green Line. Take the Green Line to the Blue Line Transfer Station. You may also ride the LAX Flyaway to Union Station. Then take the Red Line to 7th Street Metro Station and a bus back to USC.
Provide me with a diary of your observations made during your trip. Include copies of any materials you obtain on the trip such as, timetables, transfers, tickets, etc. With your diary, you can submit photographs. You can submit a video in lieu of the diary, but you must submit written responses to the questions in the next section.
Group trips are encouraged. You can submit a group presentation. My approval of a group trip is required before you make the trip. I will grade a group presentation taking into consideration that it represents the effort of more than one student.
Please respond to the following questionsthat are applicable to your trip. You must submit this paper and the memo on your perceptions with your public transportation diary to receive your grade!
- What bus routes did you use? Supply me with bus schedules and indicate on which bus routes you rode. Could you have taken different bus routes? Identify them.
- What was the total fare you paid for your transit trip? Include a record of payments and transfers.
- Does your total fare cover the cost (do not confuse cost with price) to carry you? Explain.
- Include details on travel time, waiting time, and transfer times, etc. Explain if some portions of the trip seemed longer than the actual time. Discuss if weather or other factors affected your travel time.
- Did you have a seat? Were there standees? Did you find it difficult to transfer between bus and rail? Did you notice any differences among the riders on the different modes (bus, light rail, and heavy rail)? Describe your perceptions.
- Describe the Red Line stations including the artwork? Where do you buy a ticket for the subway?
- Provide a review of the redevelopment you observed along the route and at stations. Is thetransit system a critical element in the redevelopment?
- If applicable - Walk around Union Station. Describe your impressions of the building and the people you observe. Find out how and where in Union Station are Metrolink tickets sold. Find the train destination board in the station. From Union Station, what AMTRAK and Metrolink destinations were listed. If you wanted to go directly to USC from Union Station on the bus, where would you board the bus and which bus would take you directly to the campus?
- Describe your impressions of the rail line stations compared to bus stops. What differences or similarities did you observe? If applicable, include your impressions of using urban transit to access LAX.
- What planning or design suggestions could you offer either Los Angeles, LAX, Hollywood or Pasadena based upon your quick visit?
Memorandum
- Attach a memo to me commenting on the quality of the service and at least 3 to 5 changes that you would recommend.
- Memo should include summary of recommendations, issues and background.
Assignment: Final Report - Due Last Week of Class
The final report for this class is due during exam week. It is a 20-page double spaced paper. It should include graphics, pictures and tables as part of the report. However, most of the final report should be text. 11 or 12 point font is acceptable. Research efforts must include at least two primary interviews as well as at least five secondary sources of information. Make sure to cite all sources (Kodama, 2008), include a list of references, and number all pages.
Week 4: Present topic in class. Submit 2page project outline.
Week 11: Submit draft report. At least 15 pages. Five points awarded for completion of this assignment in a timely manner.
Week 14 and 15: 5 to 7 minute presentation followed by 10 minutes of questions and discussion.
End of class: Submit final report.
Students are encouraged to meet regularly with me and use my industry contacts to prepare for the final report.
Addendum to the Syllabus
"Any student requesting academic accommodations based on a disability is required to register with Disability Services and Programs (DSP) each semester. A letter of verification for approved accommodations can be obtained from DSP. Please be sure the letter is delivered to me as early in the semester as possible. DSP is located in STU 301 and is open early 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number for DSP is (213) 740-0776."
ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY
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"Students, faculty, and administrative officials at the University of Southern California, as members of the academic community fulfill a purpose and a responsibility.
The University must, therefore, provide an optimal learning environment, and all members of the University community have a responsibility to provide and maintain an atmosphere of free inquiry and expression. The relationship of the individual to this community involves these principles: Each member has an obligation
to respect:
1. THE FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS OF OTHERS
2. THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS BASED UPON THE NATURE OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS
3. THE RIGHTS OF THE INSTITUTION
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
The following statements and examples explain specific acts of academic dishonesty.
- Examination Behavior: Any use of external assistance during an exam is considered academically dishonest unless expressly permitted.
a. Communicating in any way with another student during the examination.
b. Copying material from another student's exam.
c. Using unauthorized notes, calculators or other devices.
2.Fabrication: Any intentional falsification or invention of data or citation in an academic exercise will be considered a violation of academic integrity.
a. Inventing of altering data for a laboratory experiment or field project.
- Resubmitting returned and corrected academic work under the pretense
of grader evaluation error, when, in fact, the work has been altered
from its original state.
3.Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the theft and subsequent passing off of another's
ideas or words as one's own. If the words or ideas of another are used,
acknowledgement of the original source must be made through recognized
referencing practice.
- Direct Quotation: Any use of a direct quotation should be acknowledged by
footnote citation and by either quotation marks or appropriate indentation
and spacing.
- Paraphrase: If another's ideas are borrowed in whole or in part and are
merely recast in the student's own words, proper acknowledgement must,
nonetheless, be made. A footnote or proper internal citation must follow
the paraphrase material.
4.Other Types of Academic Dishonesty:
- Submitting a paper written by another;
- Using a paper or essay in more than one class without the instructor's
express permission;
- Obtaining an advance exam copy without the knowledge or consent of the
instructor;
d. Changing academic records outside of normal procedures;
- Using another person to complete homework assignment or take-home exam
without the knowledge and consent of the instructor.
The above information is taken directly from the Campus and the Academic Affairs Unit of the Student Senate in conjunction with the Academic Standards Committee.
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PPD 360 Urban Transportation Planning and Policy
APPENDIX A: ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
SANCTION GUIDELINES
VIOLATIONRECOMMENDED SANCTION
(assuming first offense)
Copying answers from other students on exam.F for course.
One person allowing another to cheat from his/herF for course for both persons.
exam or assignment.
Possessing or using extra material during examF for course.
(crib sheets, notes, books, etc.)
Continuing to write after exam has ended.F or zero on exam.
Taking exam from room and later claiming that the F for course and recommendation for
instructor lost it.further disciplinary action (possible suspension).
Changing answers after exam has been returned. F for course and recommendation for
disciplinary action (possible suspension).
Fraudulent possession of exam prior administration.F for course and recommendation for
suspension.
Obtaining a copy of an exam or answer key prior toSuspension or expulsion from the
administration.University; F for course.
Having someone else take an exam for oneself. Suspension or expulsion from the
University for both students;
F for course.
Plagiarism.F for the course.
Submission of purchased term papers or papersF for the course and recommendation
done by others.for further disciplinary action.
(possible suspension)
Submission of the same term papers to more thanF for both course.
one instructor where no previous approval has been given.
Unauthorized collaboration on an assignment.F for the course for both students.
Falsification of information in admission applicationRevocation of university admission
(including supporting documentation).without opportunity to apply.
Documentary falsification (e.g., petitions andSuspension or expulsion from the
supporting materials medical documentation).university; F for course when related
to a specific course.
Plagiarism in a graduate thesis or dissertation.Expulsion from the university when
discovered prior to graduation;
revocation of degree when discovered
subsequent to graduation.
Please refer to Trojan Integrity: A Faculty Desk Reference, for more information on assessing sanctions. You may also consult with members of the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards at any point in the process, (213) 740-6666
Note: The Student Conduct Code provides that graduate students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations may be sanctioned more severely than Appendix A suggests.
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