Curriculum Vitae Richard F. Di Bona

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PLEASE NOTE THIS IS MY MODELLING CV – CONTACT ME FOR CV’s

CONCENTRATING ON OTHER AREAS

Tel: +852-9869-3276 (mobile) • Email: rfdibona@yahoo.com

British Citizen • Hong Kong Permanent Resident

Personal Profile and Areas of Primary Expertise

Over 20 years’ international experience in the transport sphere (18+ post-MSc.), spanning over 25

countries/ territories. This covers urban, inter-urban and international passenger and freight transport

infrastructure, operations and services. Substantial experience managing, auditing, developing,

enhancing and review transport models, using in particular EMME (since 1995) and inter alia JICA

STRADA, SATURN, TRANPLAN and TRIPS “hands on” and managing, reviewing and supervising

modelling using Cube, TransCAD and VISUM. Experienced in Excel/ Visual Basic modelling for

demand (sub-)models (either in conjunction with or separate from off-the-shelf modelling software),

economic and financial assessment (including risk simulation modelling) and sketch planning models.

Advised developers, investors, lenders, governments and development agencies on project feasibility

and risk, including due diligence analysis for project finance (re-)structuring, BOT bids, IPO’s, M&A

and bond issues, as well as operators on performance enhancement. Project appraisal skills cover

economic, financial and accessibility analyses, including Balanced Score Cards for multi-criteria

appraisal. Market research experience includes the design, supervision and analysis of data from

adaptive stated preference surveys. Experienced in transport planning both for inter-modal integration

and development master planning. Also experienced in transport policy and institutional analysis.

“Hands on” development, advice on and audit of urban transport models for Abu Dhabi, Amman,

Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Lisbon, London, Luton-Dunstable, Macau, Masan,

Mashhad, Messina, Pusan, Reggio di Calabria, Shah Alam, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tehran,

Tianjin and Yiyang. Rural, inter-urban and multi-country modelling experience in Australia, Cambodia,

China, Germany, Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, UAE, UK and Vietnam.

Managed remote and multi-office, multi-cultural project teams, including sub-contractors. Worked

across disciplines. Interfaced between technical specialists and clients. Substantial experience in leading

and training teams; this includes lead consultants’ in-house staff, client/ receiving agency staff as part of

a project and also training-only assignments alike.

Language Capabilities and International Experience

Fluent: English • Good: Italian • Fair: German, French • Very Basic: Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic

Work and Project Experience in: Australia • Cambodia • China • Georgia • Germany • Hong Kong

Indonesia • Iran • Iraq • Italy • Jordan • Laos • Macau • Malaysia • Mauritius • Myanmar • Nepal

Pakistan • Philippines • Portugal • Singapore • South Korea • Spain • Sri Lanka • Thailand

United Arab Emirates • United Kingdom • Vietnam

Education, Qualifications and Affiliations

MBA, Henley Management College, UK, 2007 (Course Prize Winner)

MSc, Transportation Planning and Policy, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, 1992

BA(Honours), Economics, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, 1991

Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CMILT), 1995

Member of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (MCIHT), 1995

Graduate Member of the Association of MBA’s, 2007

Chairman of the Henley Association (Hong Kong), 2007-2010

Employment History Richard F. Di Bona

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Independent Consultant, 2002–present: Di Bona Consulting Ltd. (Hong Kong)

Undertaking a variety of assignments, including transport policy analysis, economic appraisal,

transaction advisory, market research and transport modelling. Also including expert advisory work

(e.g. World Bank Expert Missions, Expert Testimony for Judicial Review, due diligence analysis for

the financial sector on PPPs), project troubleshooting, project management and staff training (both for

multilateral development agencies and within corporate and JV environments).

Technical Director, 2004-2006/ Director, 2006–present: LLA Consultancy Ltd. (Hong Kong)

Part-time assistance in business development, strategy, technical support and staff development to

local consultancy employing over 30 staff in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Foundation Co-Ordinator (pro bono), 2003: Getting Back To Work Foundation (Hong Kong)

Worked for Charity set-up to help unemployed professionals during the SARS crisis in Hong Kong:

Organised seminars; analysed feedback; implemented recommendations: attendance increased by

45% and satisfaction by 23% within one month; audited business plan; prepared press

Transport Planner/ Senior Transport Planner, 1995–2002: Scott Wilson Ltd (Hong Kong)

A global multi-disciplinary consultancy, with 600 staff in Asia-Pacific. Reported to Director of

Transport Planning. Managed project teams (staff and sub-contractors) across the region.

Identified and pursued priorities and specific opportunities; liaised with country managers

Managed projects from tendering to execution, delivery and follow-up service; troubleshooting

Managed project teams, suppliers and sub-contractors across Asia-Pacific; travelled extensively

Developed technical teams in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Nanjing and Canberra

Key achievements:

Built “support” capability into market penetrator with presence across China, Asia and Australia

Helped establish Singapore presence; attained market leadership shortly thereafter

Cross-sold for employer’s entry into market to service logistics companies

Pioneered and attained market leadership in demand forecasts and risk analysis for operator IPO’s

and advising lenders and operators of transport infrastructure concessions

Transport Analyst, 1992–1995: MVA Ltd. (UK)

A specialist market research and transport planning consultancy, employing 300 in Europe and Asia.

Project assignments undertaken in Hong Kong, Italy, Portugal and the UK.

Scoped and supervised market research surveys; analysed data

Modelled transport infrastructure demand; recommended pricing points; conducted risk analysis

Also undertook training of junior staff and external clients’ staff

Diplomarbeiter/ Researcher, 1992: Dornier GmbH (Germany)

Undertook overseas placement in connection with MSc Dissertation research.

Operations Manager, 1988–1992: Dibco Ltd. (UK)

A family terracotta import, wholesale marketing and distribution business (in University vacations):

Managed sales agents; sold direct and opened accounts; managed pre- and post-sales servicing

Sourced product internationally; determined pricing and discounting strategies

Liaised closely with suppliers in UK, Italy and Spain to manage supply of product

Planned and scheduled distribution; managed inventory and vehicle fleet

Attended trade association meetings; exhibited at trade fairs

Selected Project Experience Richard F. Di Bona

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Transit & Multi-Modal Demand Forecasting, Modelling and Business Case Appraisal Projects

International – Business Case Analysis for Possible Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) Systems, various

confidential locations (2011)

China – Jiangxi Fuzhou Urban Integrated Infrastructure Improvement PPTA: Economist for Asian

Development Bank (2011)

China/ Georgia/ Nepal/ Pakistan/ Sri Lanka – Sustainable Fuel Partnership Study: Exploring an Innovative

Market Scheme to Advance Sustainable Transport & Fuel Security: Economist for Asian Development Bank

(2011)

Malaysia – Appraisal of 3 Potential MRT Lines for Potential Developer, Kuala Lumpur (2010, EMME)

United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi-Al Ain & Al Ain-Dubai His Speed Passenger Rail Initial Study (2009)

Iraq (Kurdistan Region) – Preparation of Rapid Transit System Concepts for Sulaimaniyah (2009)

China – Tianjin Urban Transport Management Institutional Strengthening and Public Transport Study:

Modeller, Stated Preference expert, Economist for World Bank (2006-2009, EMME & TransCAD)

United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi Surface Transport Master Plan: Modeller/ Troubleshooter (2008-2009,

EMME)

Jordan – Technical Assistance to Public Transport Regulatory Commission: Public Transport Modeller/

Economist: for European Commission EuroAid (2006-2008, VISUM)

United Arab Emirates – Dubai Urban Development Framework: Transport Strategist/ Modelling Advisor on

study to advise Executive Council on land use development trends in the Emirate (2007-2008, VISUM)

Iran – Services for Improving Urban Transport Planning and Bus Transport Services in Tehran and Mashhad:

for World Bank (2007, EMME)

Cambodia/ China/ Laos/ Myanmar/ Thailand/ Vietnam – Greater Mekong Sub-Region Transport Sector

Strategy Study: Transport Modeller to evaluate/ prioritise policy measures & infrastructure schemes. Covered

passenger & freight: by land, waterway and air: for Asian Development Bank. (2005-2006, JICA STRADA)

United Arab Emirates – Peer Review of Transportation System Implementation Plans for Dubai: Member of

Expert Team advising on development of Dubai’s land use-transport strategy to 2020 (2006, VISUM)

Philippines – Preliminary Route Viability Analysis for Prospective Inter-City Bus Operator (2005)

China – Guangzhou-Foshan Metro Feasibility Study (2004)

Singapore – North East (Metro) Line Before & After Study: Transport Modeller (2002-2004, EMME)

Hong Kong – Review of Planning Department’s transport model: for consultancy assessing bid (2003, Cube)

Hong Kong – Preparation of Conceptual Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) Scheme, Kowloon Bay (2003)

Singapore – Public Transport Demand Forecasting Model Development for SMRT (2000-2003, EMME)

China – Jiangsu Province Strategic Transport Study: scoped 18-month passenger and freight study (2002)

Singapore – LTA Transport and Economic Model Parameters and Framework Update: including assessment of

property development/ land value benefits from proximity to metro stations (2001-2002, EMME)

Australia – Audit of Sydney Rail Travel Model for Rail Infrastructure Corporation, NSW (2001, EMME)

Thailand – Chaloen Ratchamongkhon (Bangkok MRTA Blue Line): for potential lenders (2001, EMME &

TRIPS)

Singapore – LTA Review of Public Transport Fares Structures (2000-2001, EMME)

Singapore – MRT Corporation Acquisition of TIBS Bus Services (2000, EMME)

Malaysia – Shah Alam Integrated Transport Study: Deputy Project Manager/ Lead Modeller (2000, EMME)

Thailand – BMA Monorail Study, Bangkok (1997, TRIPS & EMME)

Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur International Airport Public Transport System (1996, EMME)

United Kingdom – Luton-Dunstable Public Transport Study: Modeller-Economist (1993-1995, TRIPS)

United Kingdom – Bedfordshire County Council Transport Planning Package Bid: Modeller (1994, START &

TRIPS)

United Kingdom – Heathrow Surface Access Model: Transport Modeller and Trainer (1993, TRIPS)

Portugal – Vasco de Gama Bridge, Lisbon: Transport Modeller/ Risk Analyst for BOT Bid (1993, TRIPS)

Italy – Straits of Messina Crossing: Transport Modeller for BOT Bid (highway & rail) (1992-1993, TRIPS)

Selected Project Experience Richard F. Di Bona

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Other Public Transport, Development Masterplanning, Interchange Design and Institutional Projects

Mauritius – Setting Up of a Mauritius Land Transport Authority: for World Bank (2010-2011)

United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) Transportation Impact Study (2010,

EMME)

Hong Kong – Review of West Kowloon Cultural District Broad TIA & pedestrian plans (2006, SATURN)

China – Sunco Town, Luoyang, Henan: Transport review of 255,300m2 GFA development masterplan (2005)

Hong Kong – Prepared and Delivered Training in Transport Planning, Traffic and Network Management to a

visiting delegation from Jiangsu Province, China (2004)

China – Weiyang Plaza & Sports Park, Xi’an, Shaanxi: 66ha development masterplan (2004)

China – Planning of Public Transport Interchange and freight handling facilities in Shenyang (2004)

China – Hong Ta Factory, Residential, Recreational & Tourism Complex Enhancement, Yuxi, Yunnan (2004)

China – Huangdao Economic & Technical Zone Masterplan, Qingdao, Shandong (2004)

China – Beijing Olympics: Olympic Green & Wukesong Sites: pedestrian & public transport planning (2002)

China – Planning Study for Logistics Centres and Public Transport Interchanges in Jiangsu Province (2002)

China – Luchaogang New Town Conceptual Planning, Shanghai: transport needs for 500,000 pax (2001-2002)

Hong Kong – Economic Appraisal of Travellators on Elevated Walkway Along Gloucester Road (2001)

Hong Kong – Penny’s Bay (HK Disneyland) Development: reviewing transport planning and economic

assessment of multi-modal internal and external links (2001)

Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur Public Transport Integration Concept Study (2001)

Hong Kong – Development at Tai Ho, North Lantau: masterplan review and internal & external multi-modal

transport needs assessment for development for 90,000 inhabitants (1999-2000)

Hong Kong – Potential Housing Site near San Wai Court, Tuen Mun: assessed pedestrian and bus service

requirements and advised on SATURN modelling for 48,000 inhabitant development (1998-1999, SATURN)

Hong Kong – Potential Housing Site at Area 54, Tuen Mun: assessed public transport and cycle lane

requirements and reviewed modelling for development for 47,000 inhabitants (1999)

Hong Kong – Development at Yam O Wan, North Lantau: advised on internal and external transport

requirements, including potential internal LRT for new town incorporating a cross-boundary ferry hub (1999)

Hong Kong – Study of Military Sites in New Territories for Residential Development (1995-1997, EMME)

United Kingdom – Electrification of the Edinburgh-Aberdeen Railway: Transport Economist (1993)

Hong Kong – Chek Lap Kok Comprehensive Traffic Forecasts: Analysed air passenger survey data (1993)

Other Highway Projects (including Due Diligence for Privatisation/ PPP)

Australia – Old Wallgrove Road Traffic Modelling, Sydney (2011, EMME)

China – Car Parking Demand Forecasts for 10 Retail Sites in 7 Provinces/ Municipalities (2010)

United Arab Emirates – Al Ain to Saih As-Sidira Highway, Abu Dhabi: demand/ feasibility study (2009,

EMME)

Cambodia/ China/ Indonesia/ Laos/ Malaysia/ Myanmar/ Philippines/ Thailand/ Vietnam – Research project

(for MBA) on demand and financial risks to private sector in start-up inter-urban expressways (2005-2006)

Hong Kong – Review of Tate’s Cairn Tunnel Traffic and Revenue Forecasts: for potential lender (2006,

TRIPS)

Hong Kong – Update of Future Traffic Forecasts for Eastern Harbour Crossing: for operator (2005-2006)

Macau – Praça de Ferreira do Amaral Traffic Study (2005, SATURN)

China – Tianmu Traffic Management, Shanghai: won design competition; did follow-up works (2004-2005,

EMME)

China – Shanghai Elevated Highways: Technical Advisor to local modelling team (2004, SATURN)

Hong Kong – Goods Vehicle Travel Characteristics Survey 2003: Lead data modeller (2003-2004, EMME)

Hong Kong – Judicial Review of Central Reclamation Phase III: Transport Expert (2004)

China – Jiangsu Expressway Co. Ltd: Appraised widening plans and tolling strategy (2003, EMME)

Malaysia – Appraisal of SMART Tunnel, Kuala Lumpur: BOT appraisal for GAMUDA (2002, EMME)

Selected Project Experience Richard F. Di Bona

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Australia – Sydney Cross-City Tunnel: debt-side due diligence for potential lenders on BOT bid (2001, TRIPS

& EMME)

South Korea – Masan Bridge: BOT traffic and revenue audit (2001, TRANSTEP)

Australia – Economic Appraisal of Upgrading Mt. Lindesay Road (Woodenbong to Legume), NSW (2001)

Malaysia – New Pandan Highway: BOT traffic and revenue forecasts (2001)

South Korea – Soojungsan Tunnel, Pusan: BOT traffic and revenue audit (2001, TRANSTEP)

Malaysia – Karak Highway Audit: appraisal of highway upgrading, traffic & revenue forecasts (2001)

Hong Kong – Widening of Yuen Long Highway: appraisal for Transport Department (1999-2001, SATURN)

Malaysia – North-South Highway (“PLUS”): audit and enhancement of forecasting model (2000)

China – Shandong Infrastructure Co. Ltd.: Shanghai “A” Share Issue and for World Bank (stakeholder)

economic evaluation of benefits accrued from the Jinan-Qingdao expressway (1998-2000, EMME)

Indonesia – Re-Audit of Jakarta Bekasi-Kampang Melayu Toll Road: for financial restructuring (2000)

China – Haihe Bridge, Tianjin: traffic and revenue forecasts and risk analysis (2000, EMME)

China – Jiangsu Expressway Co. Ltd.: Shanghai “A” Share Issue & Infrastructure Acquisition (1999, EMME)

China – Greater Beijing Region Expressways Ltd.: revised (1997) and re-based (1998-9) forecasts (EMME)

China – Guangdong Provincial Expressway Development Shareholding Co. Ltd.: USA Bond Issue (1998,

EMME)

China – Shuijing-Guanjingtou Expressway, Shenzhen: BOT traffic & revenue forecasts/ risk analysis (1998)

Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur Northern Region Traffic Study: BOT traffic and revenue forecasts (1997, EMME)

China – Jiangsu Expressway Co. Ltd.: Hong Kong “H” Share Issue (1997, EMME)

China – Sichuan Expressway Co. Ltd.: Hong Kong “H” Share Issue (1997, EMME)

China – Greater Beijing First Expressways Ltd.: private placement and USA Bond Issue (1997, EMME)

China – Jinan-Qingdao Expressway traffic and revenue forecasts (1996-1997, EMME)

China – Jiangmen Highways, Guangdong: BOT appraisal for Cheung Kong Infrastructure (1996, EMME)

China – Anhui Expressway Co. Ltd.: Hong Kong “H” Share Issue (1996, EMME)

China – Jiangsu Province North-South Highway Corridor: appraisal and prioritisation of over 1,700km of

highways and 5 Yangtze River crossings. Technology transfer: for World Bank (1995-1996, TRANPLAN)

China – Guangdong Provincial Expressway Development Shareholding Co. Ltd.: Shenzhen “B” Share Issue

(1995-1996, ENVPLAN)

China – Yangjiang-Zhanjiang Expressway, Guangdong: BOT appraisal (1995, ENVPLAN)

United Kingdom – M5 Widening: Junctions 17 and 21: Transport Modeller-Economist (1994, TRIPS)

United Kingdom – London Transportation Studies: Seconded to LTS team as Transport Modeller (1994,

TRIPS)

Germany – Research project (for MSc.) on evaluation of motorway traffic control strategies (1992, SIMONE)

Selected Project Experience Richard F. Di Bona

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Publications

“How Will Upswings in Price Inflation and Interest Rates Change Toll Road Risk Profiles? A Study of

Developing East Asian Economies with Broader Implications”, 34th

Australasian Transport Research

Forum, Adelaide, Australia, 28-30 September 2011 (abstract accepted; paper being prepared)

“Behavioural Values of Time in a Chinese City: Stated Preference methodology and results from

Tianjin” (with Jiang, Y., Wan, T. and Lu, Q.), 34th

Australasian Transport Research Forum, Adelaide,

Australia, 28-30 September 2011 (abstract accepted; paper being prepared)

“What is often missed from transit planning and demand forecasts? Lessons from East Asia and the

Middle East”, 12th International Conference on Competition and Ownership in Land Passenger

Transport (Thredbo 12), Durban, South Africa, 11-15 September 2011 (abstract accepted; paper being

prepared)

“Transport Modelling for Transport and Land Use Sustainability: lessons and challenges from East

Asia and the Middle East”, 4th

Annual San Francisco Bay Area ITE Modeling Workshop, San

Francisco, USA, 1 April 2011

“Institutional, Planning and Demand Risks for Urban Mass Rapid Transit Projects”, The Fifth

Annual China RailWorld Summit 2011, Beijing, China, 13-14 January 2011

“Lessons in Parking Demand Forecasting from Hong Kong and China” (with Lam, W.),

TrafficInfraTech Volume 1, Issue 3, December 2010 – January 2011, pp 50-53

"Challenges to Mass Transit Implementation and Methods to Support Project Viability and Success:

Experience in Rapidly Developing Cities", Urban Transportation Summit 2010, Kuwait, 10-12

October 2010

“Migrants Handed Triple Whammy”, The Development Observer, No. 1, June 2009, pp 13-14

“What are the Key Risks Associated with Private Investment in Start-Up Toll Road Projects in

Developing East Asian Economies?”, MBA Dissertation, Henley Management College (now Henley

Business School), UK, 2006

“Discussion of Future Development, Management and Use of the Greater Mekong Subregion Transport

Model” (with Corbett, V.F.), Workshop on ADB TA 6195-REG: GMS Transport Sector Strategy Study,

Vientiane, Laos, 21 March 2006

“GMS Transport Model”, Workshop on Draft Final Report of ADB TA 6195-REG: GMS Transport

Sector Strategy Study, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 8-9 December 2005

“Case Studies in Urban Transport Planning and Management”, Lecture given to Visiting Delegation of

City-Level Traffic and Transport Management Officials from Jiangsu Province China, Hong Kong

University, 7 August 2004

“An Assessment of Ramp Metering and Speed Limits as Motorway Traffic Control Strategies”, MSc.

Thesis, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 1992