Modasti Consulting

Profile

Modasti Consulting provides consulting services in four fields of expertise. Services are conducted by Arjen Jaarsma, sometimes in close cooperation with other experts.

1 – Public Transport Strategies

Public transport visions and strategies – also called public transport master plans – are long-term plans for the development of public transport in a geographical area, very often an urban or metropolitan area. A public transport vision can be part of a broader vision which includes freight transport, mobility by car, cycling, walking and future transport forms (like autonomous transport).

We assist you – as transport authority or municipality – with the development of your Public Transport Strategy, Vision, Policy Paper or Master Plan. If you are a Public Transport Operator, we can assist you with developing the umbrella vision and framework for your Rail or Bus Service Bid.

Services in this domain include:

• converting mobility trends, your ideas and those of stakeholders into concrete business strategies;
• assessing demographic, economic and transport data to develop a solid vision for the public transport system;
• assessing transport model output to develop a more concrete strategy for the public transport system, including route networks which meet passengers’ demand;
• advising on the best public transport mode for your city, like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), light rail or metro;
• developing route networks for this transport mode;
• advising about energy source like electricity (for urban rail or electric buses), diesel, gas (like CNG or biogas) or hydrogen;
• giving a quantitative description of assets and investments needed.

2 – Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Electric Buses

Bus transport in cities is changing rapidly. BRT systems – bus systems with mass transit features like segregation from other traffic rail – are on the rise worldwide. The bus industry has also started a transition from diesel buses to zero emission buses (mainly battery electric buses).

We believe that both (light) BRT systems and electric buses will be the main elements of the new bus systems of the 2020s. Although range of electric buses is still a barrier, it is expected that many cities will consider Electric Bus Rapid Transit (eBRT) as a serious option.

We assist you – as transport authority or operator – with nearly all aspects of your BRT system or the deployment of electric buses. From strategic decisions, development of route networks till the ideal composition of bus fleets (including detailed calculations of Total Cost of Ownership), we can be your partner in the journey to your BRT systems or large-scale deployment of electric buses. Or both!

Services in this domain include:

• developing the right BRT network which meets passengers’ demand;
• advising on the best concept of the BRT routes (open system where other buses can also enter or a closed system which is only accessible for BRT buses);
• calculating Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for deployment of electric BRT buses;
• developing solutions to tackle financial challenges (high upfront costs) and problems of limited driving range;
• advising on the best charging concept (overnight or opportunity charging) and developing a cost-efficient plan or charging points en route (at bus stops and/or at the end of lines);
• assisting with several financial aspects of the BRT system like the height of passengers’ fares, the need of government subsidies for its operations etc.

3 – Finance and Governance of public transport systems

Finance and governance are two key aspects of an effective and sustainable public transport system. Sources of finance are necessary for public transport investments – e.g. the building of a metro line or the purchase of buses – and for the day-to-day operations of the public transport system. Passengers’ revenues, through the sale of tickets, are often the main source of finance for public transport operations, yet also sources like government subsidies or the sales of advertisement space can be important.

Governance of the public transport system is in that respect very important. Who is in charge of the operations, which institution is responsible for realizing investments and who is in charge of asset management? Cities with an efficient public transport system generally have a well-defined governance structure, often with a strong (Public) Transport Authority.

We assist you with nearly all aspects of challenges regarding to Finance and Governance of your public transport system. That includes:

• developing a Road Map to achieve a positive business case of your public transport system;
• advising on the most suitable financing mechanisms for new investments in public transport infrastructure;
• giving Institutional Support to existing agencies responsible for investments in and operations of public transport;
• assisting in developing the best governance model for your city;
• assisting with the introduction of Public Service Contracts and/or Competitive Tendering (via public transport concessions/franchises).

4 – Integrated Risk Management for public transport systems

Risk Management is a relatively new domain within the public transport sector. It is an important aspect to guarantee safe and continuous operations of the system for the public and keep the public transport system financially stable. Risks like flooding, terrorist attacks and financial shockwaves (e.g. through decreasing usage of public transport lines) can be a huge threat to your public transport system.

However; assessing opportunities that can help reach the strategic goals and determining the right response to those opportunities is also part of Integrated Risk Management.

We assist you with nearly all aspects of Integrated Risk Management for your company or public transport system. That includes:

• assessing of present risk management activities and advising on how to integrate and improve them;
• assisting in setting up an integrated risk management system on a strategic and/or operational level;
• advising on the adequate risk response and the control measures to be taken for (previously) identified risks;
• conducting risk and control assessments in cooperation with management;
• advising on maintaining or reaching a healthy balance between procedures and checklists on the one hand, and unconditional trust on the other.