This is a study of a group of Swedish travellers, and of the traveller community, a marginalized group named 'tattare', skojare, tavring, knävling, dinglare, resande (Gypsies, pikeys, tinkers, travellers), whose origins and history are unknown to most people. The purpose of the study is to find out what it is like to be a traveller and look at the culture of travellers, in older times and today. I have focused particularly on the women's situation within the culture, in the past and present. The study is based on interviews with 4 persons, from the traveller community, one man and three women. During the interviews other travellers joined and participated in the discussions and the reasoning. My conclusion is that the traveller community is a group, which has been subjected to severe abuse by authorities, but still managed to preserve their culture. The interviewed travelers share a culture, in which women play a prominent role as breadwinners, for the family cohesion and in raising the children. Functions that gives women the role of culture bearers, meaning that it’s through women the culture is carried onwards.

This dissertation is concerned with travel time uncertainty in transportation networks due to ephemeral phenomena such as incidents or poor weather. Such events play a major role in nonrecurring congestion, which is estimated to comprise between one-third and one-half of all delay on freeways. Although past research has considered many individual aspects of this problem, this dissertation is unique in bringing a comprehensive approach, beginning with study of its causes, moving to discussion of its effects on traveler behavior, and then demonstrating how these models can be applied to mitigate the effects of this uncertainty. In particular, two distinctive effects of uncertainty are incorporated into all aspects of these models: nonlinear traveler behavior, encompassing risk aversion, schedule delay, on-time arrival, and other user objectives that explicitly recognize travel time uncertainty; and information and adaptive routing, where travelers can adjust their routes through the network as they acquire information on its condition. In order to accurately represent uncertain events in a mathematical model, some quantitative description of these events and their impacts must be available. On freeways, a large amount of travel data is collected through intelligent transportation systems (ITS), although coverage is far from universal, and very little data is collected on arterial streets. This dissertation develops a statistical procedure for estimating probability distributions on speed, capacity, and other operational metrics by applying regression to locations where such data is available. On arterials, queueing theory is used to develop novel expressions for expected delay conditional on the signal indication. The effects of this uncertainty are considered next, both at the individual (route choice) and collective (equilibrium) levels. For individuals, the optimal strategy is no longer a path, but an adaptive policy which allows for flexible re-routing as information is acquired. Dynamic programming provides an efficient solution to this problem. Issues related to cycling in optimal policies are examined in some depth. While primarily a technical concern, the presence of cycling can be discomforting and needs to be addressed. When considering collective behavior, the simultaneous choices of many self-optimizing users (who need not share the same behavioral objective) can be expressed as the solution to a variational inequality problem, leading to existence and uniqueness results under certain regularity conditions. An improved policy loading algorithm is also provided for the case of linear traveler behavior. Finally, three network improvement strategies are considered: locating information-providing devices; adaptive congestion pricing; and network design. Each of these demonstrates how the routing and equilibrium models can be applied, using small networks as testbed locations. In particular, the information provision and adaptive congestion pricing strategies are extremely difficult to represent without an adaptive equilibrium model such as the one provided in this dissertation. / text

Public transit is considered a cost-effective alternative to mitigate the effects of traffic gridlock through the implementation of innovative service designs, and deploying new smart systems for operations control and traveller information. Public transport planners use transit assignment models to predict passenger loads and levels of service. Existing transit assignment approaches have limitations in evaluating the effects of information technologies, since they are neither sensitive to the types of information that may be provided to travellers nor to the traveller’s response to that information. Moreover, they are not adequate for evaluating the impacts of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) deployments on service reliability, which in turn affect passengers’ behaviour. This dissertation presents an innovative transit assignment framework, namely the MIcrosimulation Learning-based Approach to TRansit ASsignment – MILATRAS. MILATRAS uses learning and adaptation to represent the dynamic feedback of passengers’ trip choices and their adaptation to service performance. Individual passengers adjust their behaviour (i.e. trip choices) according to their experience with the transit system performance. MILATRAS introduces the concept of ‘mental model’ to maintain and distinguish between the individual’s experience with service performance and the information provided about system conditions. A dynamic transit path choice model is developed using concepts of Markovian Decision Process (MDP) and Reinforcement Learning (RL). It addresses the departure time and path choices with and without information provision. A parameter-calibration procedure using a generic optimization technique (Genetic Algorithms) is also proposed. A proof-of-concept prototype has been implemented; it investigates the impact of different traveller information provision scenarios on departure time and path choices, and network performance. A large-scale application, including parameter calibration, is conducted for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) network. MILATRAS implements a microsimulation, stochastic (nonequilibrium-based) approach for modelling within-day and day-to-day variations in the transit assignment process, where aggregate travel patterns can be extracted from individual choices. MILATRAS addresses many limitations of existing transit assignment models by exploiting methodologies already established in the areas of traffic assignment and travel behaviour modeling. Such approaches include the microsimulation of transportation systems, learning-based algorithms for modelling travel behaviour, agent-based representation for travellers, and the adoption of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This thesis presents a significant step towards the advancement of the modelling for the transit assignment problem by providing a detailed operational specification for an integrated dynamic modelling framework – MILATRAS.

Public transit is considered a cost-effective alternative to mitigate the effects of traffic gridlock through the implementation of innovative service designs, and deploying new smart systems for operations control and traveller information. Public transport planners use transit assignment models to predict passenger loads and levels of service. Existing transit assignment approaches have limitations in evaluating the effects of information technologies, since they are neither sensitive to the types of information that may be provided to travellers nor to the traveller’s response to that information. Moreover, they are not adequate for evaluating the impacts of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) deployments on service reliability, which in turn affect passengers’ behaviour. This dissertation presents an innovative transit assignment framework, namely the MIcrosimulation Learning-based Approach to TRansit ASsignment – MILATRAS. MILATRAS uses learning and adaptation to represent the dynamic feedback of passengers’ trip choices and their adaptation to service performance. Individual passengers adjust their behaviour (i.e. trip choices) according to their experience with the transit system performance. MILATRAS introduces the concept of ‘mental model’ to maintain and distinguish between the individual’s experience with service performance and the information provided about system conditions. A dynamic transit path choice model is developed using concepts of Markovian Decision Process (MDP) and Reinforcement Learning (RL). It addresses the departure time and path choices with and without information provision. A parameter-calibration procedure using a generic optimization technique (Genetic Algorithms) is also proposed. A proof-of-concept prototype has been implemented; it investigates the impact of different traveller information provision scenarios on departure time and path choices, and network performance. A large-scale application, including parameter calibration, is conducted for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) network. MILATRAS implements a microsimulation, stochastic (nonequilibrium-based) approach for modelling within-day and day-to-day variations in the transit assignment process, where aggregate travel patterns can be extracted from individual choices. MILATRAS addresses many limitations of existing transit assignment models by exploiting methodologies already established in the areas of traffic assignment and travel behaviour modeling. Such approaches include the microsimulation of transportation systems, learning-based algorithms for modelling travel behaviour, agent-based representation for travellers, and the adoption of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This thesis presents a significant step towards the advancement of the modelling for the transit assignment problem by providing a detailed operational specification for an integrated dynamic modelling framework – MILATRAS.

This thesis is about the idea of public transport and the discussions stirred in the media during changes in ownership. More specifically it is a study of the historical situation of Stockholm, Sweden, where the periods chosen are the 1910s, 1960s and 1990s.During the 1910s Stockholm’s first and largest tram company was taken over by thecity, and a period of public ownership began, which in the 1960s changed form whenthe county council took over the city’s principal authority and formed the politicallyadministered company SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik, Greater Stockholm LocalTransit Company). Between these periods the word kollektivtrafik (public transport)was established in the Swedish language. This study describes and compares the ideasconcerning the phenomenon of public transport. The aim of the study is to analyse the ideas, values and ideals concerning public transport in the media, defined as newspapers. The questions asked are: What doespublic transport involve as phenomenon and concept? For whom is the publictransport, and who is the owner? Which depictions of the passenger are presentedand what is their position in the traffic and the city? The conclusions drawn are that while the aims of the traffic-companies are mostly the same regarding the passengers and the economic priorities, the methods and technologies for realising these changes over time. The almost non-existingsurveillance in the 1910s tramcar, the emerging radio communication in the 1960sunderground railway of Stockholm and the establishing of video monitoring in the 1990s is one of the processes that suggest the changed situation of the passenger. Another line of development is the political question of ownership, which in theperiod of the study is ended by a deregulation of Stockholm’s public transport. The changes in ownership runs parallel to the evolution of the concept kollektivtrafik andthe question of who is to use and who is to own the public transport — but offer no final explanation to these maers.

Este estudo consiste em uma análise dos elementos e estratégias constitutivos da prosa de Antonio Tabucchi, especificamente observados no romance Notturno Indiano. O romance apresenta-se sob a forma de uma viagem em busca de alguém que se perdeu na Índia, sugerindo uma questão policial. A questão policial será enfocada em consonância como o método investigativo, que se insinua por todo corpo textual, e a sua relação com o desvio de um capítulo. Margeado pela reversão entre ficção e crítica este romance breve afirma-se como referência ilusória que mascara, mas não esconde, as outras vozes que se insinuam na narrativa / The present study is an analysis of the elements and strategies which constitutes Antonio Tabucchi\'s prose, specifically observed in the novel Notturno Indiano. The novel\'s plot is about a journey in which a search for somebody who got lost in India suggests a detective question. This detective story will be treated in consonance with the investigative method which is insinuated through the whole text, and its relation with the deviation of a chapter. Framed by the reverse between fiction and criticism, this short novel shows itself as an illusory reference that masks but does not hide the other voices which insinuate themselves into the narrative

A travel management programme allows an organisation to manage corporate travel expenditure, and through a well-formulated travel policy, to control its travel expenses. Traveller non-compliance of the travel policy is an increasing area of concern with surveys conducted amongst travellers showing various reasons for non-compliance, both deliberate and unknowing. This study goes beyond established reasons and argues that non-compliance may also be the result of underlying factors not yet fully investigated or recognised by management and industry in general. Two broadly conceptualised factors that influence travel policy compliance are identified. The first is termed corporate related factors and the second, personal related factors. The overall purpose of this study was to conceptualise and test a model of travel policy compliance based on these factors. To achieve this, a literature review as well as empirical research was conducted. Finally, a conceptual model for policy compliance was proposed which served as the framework for the empirical research and from which hypotheses were derived and tested. The empirical research was conducted as a formal, descriptive and explanatory study. Corporate travel management, Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and corporate travellers made up the target populations of the study. Non-probability sampling methods, namely purposive and convenience sampling were used in this study. The researcher used qualitative as well as quantitative methods to gather data. In depth interviews and the Delphi technique, a qualitative method; was used to collect data from TMCs and management for the purpose of establishing an exhaustive list of possible determinants of policy non-compliance. Quantitative methods used to collect data from corporate travellers included self-administered, structured questionnaires. A multinomial logistic regression modelling technique was used to test the conceptual model in order to identify the factors that have the most significant influence on policy compliance. A limitation of the study within which data analysis occurred was the low response rate. This limitation was taken into account in the interpretation of the results and the recommendations. The study shows a number of significant results and as such provides a valuable contribution to the corporate travel literature by being the first study of its kind to measure the impact of factors not previously identified. This study shows that travel policy non-compliance within organisations needs to be viewed at a much deeper level than previously considered. The results show corporate-related factors such as an ineffective travel policy, lacking control measures and perceived organisational injustice have a significant influence on policy compliance. Personal related factors such as self-interest could also impact policy compliance significantly. The results should enable corporate travel management to identify factors within their organisations that could lead to non-compliance. The implementation of the tested model could lead to a higher compliance rate within organisations and ultimately to considerable cost-savings. / Thesis (DCom)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Tourism Management / unrestricted

This thesis deals with Canadian traveller problem (CTP), which can be defined as the shortest path problem in a stochastic environment. The overview of different CTP variants is presented in theoretical part of this thesis, as well as known solutions to these variants. In the next parts, the thesis focuses on the stochastic variation of CTP (SCTP). For this variant chosen solutions (strategies) are discussed more in depth. At the same time, the original strategies named UCTO and UCTP are presented. Further, the thesis deals with the description of a window application implemented in Java, which has been developed to validate and test the functionality of selected strategies. The final part contains experiments and comparison of selected strategies.

This master's thesis deals with the crab of a traveller crane of 50,000 kg load capacity. The aim of the thesis is a functional calculation of travelling and lifting crab mechanisms and strength frame calculation in compliance with applicable ČSN standards and respective literature concerned with the calculations of cranes and their parts. The attached drawings show the crab, lifting and travelling mechanisms.

Public rail transport interiors must be adaptable and cater to a wide target market to address the diverse needs of the South African public. Local rail transport competes directly with air travel for market share. Currently, local rail transport fails on both accounts. The failure to invest in and update rail infrastructure has resulted in a desperate need to play catch up with decades of international railway evolution – a need especially visible in the interiors of local long-haul trains. The design and aesthetic identity of transport interiors are generic, dated and fail to address the functional and aesthetic needs of contemporary South African travellers. As a result, these interiors fail to establish an identity synonymous with our unique demographic makeup. The current state of local long-haul passenger rail interiors was investigated through the use of a heuristic inquiry. An Electro Star Multiple Unit train structure was then selected in which an interior insertion is made. Hamba-Kahle addresses the physical and psychological discomfort in the train interior, the absence of social spaces, the disregard for wayfinding and the lack of contextual identity. The design challenges the insular train interior layout and divides the interior into different spatial zones. A Budget Sitter car, Premium Sitter car, Budget Sleeper and Universal Car provides seating variation for passengers and in turn integrates a wide target market. Break-away spaces are also incorporated. The programme and the spaces it creates assist the interior in mediating between private and public spaces. It facilitates chance encounters and supports retractable privacy. The interior reinforces adaptability in the use of spaces while adhering to universal design principles. The scenery from the surrounding landscapes is used in the design to enrich the interior spaces and improve the embodied experience of the user. In establishing a contemporary South African identity, a sense of place is created with which passengers can identify and feel physically, psychologically and socially comfortable in. / Dissertation (MInt(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2014. / Architecture / MInt(Prof) / Unrestricted