Transport has wide-ranging impacts across environment, energy, and public health. It’s a major source of greenhouse gases emissions, and one of the largest energy users globally, still heavily dependent on fossil fuel. Traffic noise affects urban populations, leading to stress, sleep disturbance, and reduced quality of life. Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death worldwide, especially among young people. Overuse of private vehicles leads to congestion, wasting time and fuel, and lowering productivity. Car-dependent systems can limit accessibility for non-drivers and worsen inequality. Despite these significant negative externalities, we are still far from achieving the objective of rebalancing the modal share, shifting demand from road, that is still the predominant mode both for passenger and freight transport, toward greener modes, such as public transport, rail, cycling. The research aims to determine how to reduce reliance on private cars and road freight, identifying policy packages (including mobility management strategies) that rebalance modal share, cut emissions, and maintain accessibility and economic efficiency. The methodology will include both case studies’ analysis and modelling. Quantitative data will be paired with qualitative insights from policy frameworks and user behavior studies. Scenario modeling will assess the impact of different categories of interventions, considering different geographical scales and different transport users.

The PhD student should have good skills in data analysis and modelling. A background in economic studies and a good knowledge of Stata or other econometric software is particularly appreciated. Good quantitative skills and transport and sustainability knowledge are valuable assets. Fluency in English, both written and spoken, and, possibly, a good knowledge of Italian is required. Ability and willingness to work in collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment and experience of both quantitative and qualitative research work are also very appreciated skills.

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The PhD student will be involved in the research group on transport economics of the University of Insubria’ Department of Economics (recognized as Department of Excellence 2023-2027 by the University and Research Ministry). She/he will work under the supervision of Elena Maggi, Full Professor on Applied Economics and other research team members. The PhD student will have the chance to take part in the interdisciplinary research platform on Sustainability and to participate in the Ph.D. program in Methods and Models for Economic Decisions. The research group collaborates with several national and international universities, specialized in Transport Analysis, Sustainability and Policy.

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