Design of Bus Passenger Experience in Zero Emission Buses.

From 2025, Victoria will cease purchase of fossil-fuelled buses and to introduce this technology the Victorian Department of Transport is funding Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) trials across the state. Monash is providing research and development capability to one of these trials, led by ComfortDelgroCabcharge (CDC) Victoria. The project sits within a “Living Lab” approach, operating buses in real service, offering a rich setting for this research.

Zero Emission Bus at Monash University, Clayton Campus
Zero Emission Bus at Monash University, Clayton Campus

The Opportunity

Applications are invited from appropriately qualified individuals for a PhD scholarship funded by The Victorian Department of Transport and the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

From 2025, Victoria will cease purchase of fossil-fuelled buses and to introduce this technology the Victorian Department of Transport is funding Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) trials across the state. Monash is providing research and development capability to one of these trials, led by ComfortDelgroCabcharge (CDC) Victoria. The project sits within a “Living Lab” approach, operating buses in real service, offering a rich setting for this research.

This project is undertaken in Monash’s Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture as an Industrial Design Studio PhD. Following on from success with this format in two Volgren PhD Projects and four SEPT-GRIP projects, the studio PhD requires the development of innovative design solutions in response to real-world needs which are defined by the ZEB trial. Based in the living lab, areas of focus could include enhancing passenger experience to attract new bus riders, or capitalising on vehicle design opportunities presented by the new generation of electric chassis and body. The research will lead to new designs, and could include for example improvements to passenger certainty on travel times, ride comfort, passenger amenity and integration with the broader public transport system.

The successful candidate will mainly be involved in the research and development of enhanced bus passenger experience through industrial and service design.

This project is based in the Mobility Design Lab, in the Department of Design.

Requirements

This scholarship opportunity is open to domestic and international applicants.

The successful applicant will have an excellent academic track record in industrial design.

Applicants must fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University. Details of eligibility requirements to undertake a PhD in MADA are available at here.

Candidates will be required to meet Monash entry requirements, which include English-language skills, where applicable. Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus.

Demonstration of research ability through publications in high impact journals is desirable.

Applications closed

Candidates are expected to commence in the second half of 2023.

Enquiries concerning this opportunity should be directed to Dr Robbie Napper, Deputy Director, Mobility Design Lab. Robbie.napper@monash.edu

Scholarship available

The successful applicant will receive a tax-free living allowance of $35,000 per annum for 3.5 years, for the duration of scholarship. There may also be opportunities for suitable students to enhance income as a sessional academic.

How to apply

Undertaken with

Mobility Design Lab

Research lab

Associate Professor Robbie Napper

Supervisor

Associate Professor Selby Coxon

Supervisor