Research Interests

Taxi studies, access to employment, transport economics, transport & society and gender issues in transport.

James has the dual roles of working as Knowledge Transfer Co-ordinator for the Transport Research Institute, and heading the TRI Taxi Studies Group. His work provides an exciting opportunity to develop local transport, taxi transport and transport in rural communities in all their aspects. His recent work has included the development of new approaches to the regulation of taxi services, currently applied across a number of UK cities, and in the development of access solutions in rural communities in Scotland. James has 20 years experience in delivering transport analysis and research, including experience working for the UK Department for Transport, Engineering Consultants Acer Freeman Fox, and 15 years experience as an academic and researcher.  

Transport Research and Knowledge Transfer

Link to Knowledge Transfer Website 

Knowledge Transfer plays a vital role in the development of understanding, in the application of research, and in the design of appropriate new research to meet the current and future needs of universities and communities alike. KT should, thus, be seen as a vital two way exchange of information, ideas and concepts between universities, communities and governments. The Transport Research Institute is one of a small number of institutes offering a subject focused KT coordinator, with the key and explicit task of developing and expanding links between TRI and its key partners. 

As KT coordinator, James is active in developing relationships between the University, industries and communities. Current KT activities include relationships and joint working with the Scottish Government, Local Authority and Scottish Enterprise. New work is in development and potential partnerships are welcome, to be addressed to James at the contacts shown above.

Taxi Studies Group

Link to Taxi Studies Website 

The taxi is an instantly recognizable form of transport the world over. Yet despite the common appearance and consistency in use the mode of transport has received less attention than other forms of mainstream transport. The TRI Taxi Studies Group works with industry and government in the development of taxi analysis, building on a solid foundation of analytical and applied research. The group regular delivers projects across all levels of government, trade and industry. The group has recently develop a link to the University of Missouri at St Louis, and has established a strong name in international as well as local research. 

Taxi Studies Reports are available to Download, click this link. 

Current and Recent Research Projects

James has a detailed knowledge of local public transport, urban and rural issues in transport provision, and specialises in taxis, demand responsive transport and  specialist needs modes. How recent work includes the development of rural transport analysis and social impact models; and in the development of new approaches to taxi demand modelling and analysis. He regularly contributes to international forum specific to taxis and rural transport and is chair of the Transportation Research Board ABJ70 Education and Outreach committee. Recent publications and presentations include analysis of rural transport accessibility, and will soon include a first, the delivery of a theory and practice text looking at taxi supply, accepted for publication this autumn.

T2E Transport to Employment

Lead Partner: James M Cooper, Edinburgh Napier University/T2E Transport to Employment Ltd.
Project Partners: The Highland Council, European Social Fund, Working for Families, Scottish Executive / Scottish Government, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Enterprise, 2005 – 2008. 

The Transport to Employment project has moved to full commercial service operating in the Highlands.

For current information click this link. 

Taxi Studies Projects 

Irish Taxi Regulator, Republic of Ireland, Review of Taxi Supply at Ranks 

Hamilton TOA, Review of the South Lanarkshire Taxi Tariff 

Glasgow Taxi Tariff Review.  July/August 2007.
Project Partner: City of Glasgow Council.

Significant Unmet Demand Study, Glasgow. May to July 2007.
Project Partner: Glasgow Taxis Ltd., City of Glasgow Council.

Glasgow Taxi Tariff Model, from January to May 2007.
Project Partner: City of Glasgow

Significant Unmet Demand Study, West Dunbartonshire. From July to November 2006.

Project Partner: West Dunbartonshire Council