Claude Lynch

Pathways to Socially Equitable Net Zero Cities and Regions

First and second supervisors

Prof Adam Dennett
Dr Esra Suel
Dr Gerry Casey (Arup)

Abstract

The project aims to consider the role of Sub-National Transport Bodies (STBs), specifically looking at Transport East, in the context of socioeconomic inequalities in transport. The drive to address these inequalities is considered in the context of the challenge to reach net zero in the UK, and the attempt to overcome it through the use of innovative planning support systems such as Agent-Based Models. By evaluating the model that Transport East currently have in maturation, and using its data outputs for quantitative analysis, this project looks to build a framework around how to best conduct an equity analysis through agent-based models, for example, considering questions such as: “what might a consistent, easily-parsed measure of equity in transportation look like?” or “what characteristics do agents need to adequately model socioeconomic variables across policy interventions?” Ultimately, the aim is to offer some insight on what a good simulated transport network looks like, and how we might measure it with respect to reality.

There are two pieces of work tied into this central plank. First is the “how did we get here?”: what is the history of transport equity? When did it come of age? How does a concept of equity differ from other measures of social impacts when put into practice? Are there indications as to why equity, and why now? Second is the “where are we now?”: understanding the way data from transport models is managed to build cases for transport projects. Do planners stand in good stead when consultants (and their associated skill sets) leave the organisation? How do planners aim to use model outputs in the long-term? How does a regional dynamic change the answer to these questions? In sum, this project looks at how the dial is moving in transport planning to determine how policy interventions can secure positive outcomes at this crucial time.

Biography

Claude Lynch is a researcher in transport geography. His academic background is in critical theory and urban studies, with work experience primarily in public sector delivery. His research sits under the umbrella of critical GIS: the intersection of transport justice, the right to the city, and new regional geography. He uses mixed methods analysis to inspect the city with this in mind. Claude’s principal supervisor is Prof Adam Dennett, and he sits under the new CASA City Modelling Lab.

Publications

Suel, E., Lynch, C., Wood, M., Murat, T., Casey, G., & Dennett, A. (2024) ‘Measuring transport-associated urban inequalities: Where are we and where do we go from here?’, Transport Reviews, pp. 1–23.

Funding

UBEL DTP (2023-2026)