Research trends in urban transport science: Some empirical evidence from academic research

Abstract

The field of urban transport planning is now established as a scientific activity. Its historical evolution shows an intense search for the appropriate methodological approach, in view of the significant changes on the nature of the transport problem. This relationship between methodology and problem is studied on the basis of Kuhn's theory for scientific progress. Changes in paradigm are detected and analysed through the use of data from academic research leading for higher degrees in both the United Kingdom and the United States for a period of 20 years (1962–1981). A number of different classifications are proposed. The results of the analysis suggest that research in transport is passing through a transition phase, or paradigm shift, and that coping with the increasing level of complexity of the transport problem is the next step forward.