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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Transportation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 10620

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Grzegorz Sierpiński

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Guest Editor

Department Transport Systems, Traffic Engineering and Logistics, Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Krasińskiego Str. 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland
Interests: sustainable transport; electromobility; travel behavior; environmentally friendly transport solutions; traffic engineering; traffic flow measurement; analysis and prognosis; transport systems modeling; optimization of transport networks
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable development should be based on the identification of needs, taking the limited amount of natural resources into account and initiating technological development. The growth of cities is strongly linked to how transport systems functions. The choices made by the traveling population pertaining to how one travels, by what means of transport, by which transfer routes, etc., globally translate into the negative impact of transportation which takes diverse forms, but is primarily in the form of the emission of harmful substances, noise and the resulting traffic obstructions caused by congestion. In line with guidelines (from the European Union, among others), minimisation of the negative environmental impact of transportation cannot be pursued through limiting mobility, but rather through the efficient utilisation of natural resources. The task of improving transport systems to achieve sustainable mobility requires an adequate information transfer as well as systems capable of supporting the integration of operations.

The aim of this Special Issue is to present, exchange and compare various practical solutions on how to organize and improve transport systems in regard to sustainable development.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

The evaluation of transport systems;
Environmentally friendly solutions for transportation;
Intelligent solutions for transportation;
Optimization of energy usage in transport networks;
Urban planning and strategies related to transport systems;
Modal split of traffic;
Pedestrian zones;
15-minute cities;
Public transport optimization;
Sharing mobility services;
Electromobility;
The external cost of transport.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Grzegorz Sierpiński
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

sustainable transport
environmentally friendly solutions
urban planning
intelligent transport systems

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 6209 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Selected Factors Affecting the Speed of Drivers at Signal-Controlled Intersections in Poland

by Damian Iwanowicz, Tomasz Krukowicz, Justyna Chadała, Michał Grabowski and Maciej Woźniak

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8862; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208862 - 13 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1118

Abstract

In traffic engineering, vehicle speed is a critical determinant of both the risk and severity of road crashes, a fact that holds particularly important for signalized intersections. Accurately selecting vehicle speeds is crucial not only for minimizing accident risks but also for ensuring the proper calculation of intergreen times, which directly influences the efficiency and safety of traffic flow. Traditionally, the design of signal programs relies on fixed speed parameters, such as the posted speed limit or the operational speed, typically represented by the 85th percentile speed from speed distribution data. Furthermore, many design guidelines allow for the selection of these critical speed values based on the designer’s own experience. However, such practices may lead to discrepancies in intergreen time calculations, potentially compromising safety and efficiency at intersections. Our research underscores the substantial variability in the speeds of passenger vehicles traveling intersections under free-flow conditions. This study encompassed numerous intersections with the highest number of accidents, using unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct surveys in three Polish cities: Toruń, Bydgoszcz, and Warsaw. The captured video footage of vehicle movements at predetermined measurement sections was analyzed to find appropriate speeds for various travel maneuvers through these sections, encompassing straight-through, left-turn, and right-turn relations. Our analysis focused on how specific infrastructure-related factors influence driver behavior. The following were evaluated: intersection type, traffic organization, approach lane width, number of lanes, longitudinal road gradient, trams or pedestrian or bicycle crossing presence, and even roadside obstacles such as buildings, barriers or trees, and others. The results reveal that these factors significantly affect drivers’ speed choices, particularly in turning maneuvers. Furthermore, it was observed that the average speeds chosen by drivers at signalized intersections did not reach the permissible speed limit of 50 km/h as established in typical Polish urban areas. A key outcome of our analysis is the recommendation for a more precise speed model that contributes to the design of signal programs, enhancing road safety, and aligning with sustainable transport development policies. Based on our statistical analyses, we propose adopting a more sophisticated model to determine actual vehicle speeds more accurately. It was proved that, using the developed model, the results of calculating the intergreen times are statistically significantly higher. This recommendation is particularly pertinent to the design of signal programs. Furthermore, by improving speed accuracy values in intergreen calculation models with a clear impact on increasing road safety, we anticipate reductions in operational costs for the transportation system, which will contribute to both economic and environmental goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Problems Arising in the Development of Sustainable Transport Systems)

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16 pages, 528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparing for Connected and Automated Vehicles: Insights from North Carolina Transportation Professionals

by Thanh Schado, Elizabeth Shay, Bhuwan Thapa and Tabitha S. Combs

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8747; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208747 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 749

Abstract

The connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) that are expected to be increasingly common on U.S. roads in the coming decades offer potential benefits in safety, efficiency, and mobility; they also raise concerns related to equity, access, and impacts on land use and travel behavior, as well as questions about extensive data requirements for CAVs to communicate with other vehicles and the environment in order to operate safely and efficiently. We report on interviews with North Carolina transportation experts about CAVs and their implications for sustainable transportation that serves all travelers with affordable, safe, and dignified mobility that also produces fewer environment impacts (emissions to air, water, and land; resource consumption; land use changes). The data reveal great interest among transportation professionals about a CAV transition, but a lack of consensus on the state of play and necessary next steps. Concerns include impacts on planning practice; implications for land use, equity, and safety; and data security and privacy. The findings suggest that local, regional, and state agencies would benefit from clear technical guidance on how to prepare for CAVs and to engage with the public, given high interest about a coming CAV transition. Intense data requirements for CAVs and associated infrastructure, as well as the regulatory and policy tools that will be required, raise concerns about threats to data safety and security and argue for proactive action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Problems Arising in the Development of Sustainable Transport Systems)

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13 pages, 254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Financing for Transport Infrastructure: An Integral Approach for the Russian Federation

by Alexander Chupin, Alexey Sorokin, Alena Veselko, Dmitry Morkovkin, Victor Ya. Pishchik and Petr V. Alekseev

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3108; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083108 - 9 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1263

Abstract

The development of global transport infrastructure is a crucial aspect of economic growth and prosperity. In this study, the main trends in the development of global transport infrastructure are analyzed, with a focus on the state and trends in the functioning of the national transport infrastructure of the Russian Federation. By identifying key problems and determinants of financial growth, a preliminary decomposition is made to guide future development. Proceeding from the fact that the innovative development of Russia’s transport infrastructure should occur through state stimulation of the development of intellectual and partnership relationships and the formation of a digital environment for managing projects for its innovative transformation at the state level, this study identifies the goals, methods, and levels of ensuring the implementation of innovative transformations in transport infrastructure. Consideration of the historical aspects of the formation of the modern economy and comprehension of the mechanisms of state management and tools to ensure innovative transformations in the sphere of transport allowed us to identify three stages (dogmatic, strategic regulation, and innovative integration) of transformation regarding the theory of the state management for the innovative development of transport infrastructure in Russia. Taking into account the content of these periods of transformation allowed us to detail the specifics of the modern stage; highlight the shortcomings; and propose theoretical and methodological foundations for revising the provisions of the state regulation of innovative development in transport infrastructure. To determine the effectiveness of the processes of the state regulation of innovation activity in the transport industry, we propose a model for assessing the effectiveness of innovation activity in the transport complex, which is presented in the form of a three-level parametric system, where the first group of indicators allows us to assess the innovation activity of economic entities in the transport industry; the second allows us to assess innovation potential; and the third allows us to assess the effectiveness of innovation. The novelty of the proposed model is the consideration of the principles of dynamism, perspective, and expediency, and its application allows us to establish the level of innovative development in transport infrastructure. An important factor in ensuring the sustainable development of a country’s economy and forming its positive image in the world is its financial attractiveness. Therefore, the assessment of financial attractiveness is a priority task for the development of modern sustainable transport infrastructure in Russia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Problems Arising in the Development of Sustainable Transport Systems)

32 pages, 8647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prospects for the Development of Vehicle Assembly Plants of Chinese Automobile Brands in Kazakhstan: An Example of Multi-Sectoral Diversification of the Economy to Increase Its Sustainability

by Azhar Serikkaliyeva, Irina Makarova and Larisa Gabsalikhova

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2662; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072662 - 24 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1702

Abstract

This article discusses the problems that arise and must be resolved in order to ensure the efficiency and sustainability of Chinese-brand automobile assembly in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is shown as a model of an oil-driven economy seeking industrial modernization and the most dynamic car assembly case in Central Asia in the past 5 years. Since the automotive industry development strategies in different countries have various specific characteristics and provide an overview of the main global and regional trends in the development of the automotive industry, the problems of industry development also leverage the accumulated experiences of different countries where government initiatives have fostered the growth of their domestic automotive industry. Although we use standard and well-proven methods of analysis, planning, and forecasting, the novelty of the approach lies in the fact that any new company entering the market and opening a new production facility should focus on maintaining the sustainability of the country’s automotive industry within the framework of the adopted industry development strategy. We have developed such an algorithm for planning a strategy. The blend of traditional methodologies and their adaptation makes the suggested methodology new. We also considered the fact that, due to a lack of knowledge, there are significant challenges when determining whether localizing automobile components is feasible. An assessment of the prospects for the automotive industry in Kazakhstan based on data from open sourcesmade it possible to develop options for possible strategies from which the most appropriate one can be selected. The conclusion chapter presents findings, limitations of the study, and directions for future research. The use of this approach allows for considering the interplay of the factors at the stage of an industry development strategy emerging and establishing long-term plans that take into account the specific characteristics of Kazakhstan’s development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Problems Arising in the Development of Sustainable Transport Systems)

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32 pages, 5124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ideology of Urban Road Transport Chaos and Accident Risk Management for Sustainable Transport Systems

by Viacheslav Morozov, Artur I. Petrov, Vladimir Shepelev and Mohammed Balfaqih

Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2596; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062596 - 21 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1309

Abstract

Transport systems are complex systems present in modern cities. The sustainability of all other urban systems depends on the sustainable functioning of urban transport. Various processes occur within transport systems. Road traffic is one of them. At the same time, road traffic is a rather complex process to manage, which is explained by the influence of many different internal and external environmental factors. The unpredictable and chaotic behavior of each vehicle in a traffic flow complicates predicting the transport situation and traffic management. This problem gave rise to several unsolved problems, including traffic congestion and road accident rates. The solution to these problems is connected with sustainably managing transport systems in terms of road traffic. However, numerous regularities between elements within the system should be understood in order to implement the management process. Unfortunately, the results of many previous studies often reflect only partial regularities and have limited functionality. Therefore, a new approach to urban traffic management is needed. As opposed to the existing solutions, the authors of this paper propose to implement management based on the regularities of changes in the chaos of the transport system. In this regard, the purpose of this research is to establish the relationship between road traffic chaos and road accident rates. The general methodological basis of this research is the system approach and its methods: analysis and synthesis. The theoretical studies were mostly based on the theories of chaos, dynamic systems, and traffic flows. The experimental studies were based on the theories of experimental design, probability, and mathematical statistics. To achieve this goal, a profound analysis covered studies on the sustainability of transport and dynamic systems, sociodynamics, and traffic. The authors proposed considering the relative entropy of lane occupancy at signal-controlled intersections as a measure for assessing traffic flow chaos and sustainability. Notably, as the main conclusions, the authors established regularities for the influence of entropy on the kinetic energy of traffic flows and injury risk. It also makes sense to emphasize that the initial data for the experiment were collected via real-time processing of video images using neural network technologies. These technologies will further allow for the implementation of traffic management and real-time forecasting of various events. Ultimately, the authors identified changes in injury risk depending on the level of road chaos. According to the authors, the obtained results can be used to improve the sustainability of urban transport systems. The research identified changes in injury risk depending on the level of road chaos, which could have significant implications for urban traffic management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Problems Arising in the Development of Sustainable Transport Systems)

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16 pages, 21098 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Monitoring of Dynamic Parameters of the Sub-Ballast Layers as a Prerequisite for a High-Quality and Sustainable Railway Line

by Libor Ižvolt, Peter Dobeš, Zuzana Papánová and Martin Mečár

Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2229; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062229 - 7 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 979

Abstract

Monitoring dynamic load transfer from train traffic to sub-ballast layers is crucial for verifying the reliability and safety of railway lines, assessing the design cost-effectiveness and achieving minimum environmental impact. For this purpose, measurements in labs, in situ or modeling the influence of dynamic loads on the immediate and long-term roadway quality are often performed using suitable software. The available test sections enabled monitoring of the dynamic loads and optimizing the critical spots where increased dynamic effects from railway traffic may occur. The subject of this paper is the calibration of the sensors installed in the different test sections of the trans-European corridor number V. As a result, the necessary input parameters for the subsequent numerical modeling of the dynamic effects on the track substructure and vibration propagation on the available sections of the upgraded railway line were obtained. The sensor calibration was carried out on the experimental field, part of the Experimental Basis of the Department of Railway Engineering and Track Management. As part of the calibration, the sensitivity of the sensors embedded in the track bed to the applied dynamic loads resulting from the impact effects of the lightweight deflectometer was assessed. The result of the calibration was the demonstration of sufficient sensitivity of the sensors and their suitability for implementation in an actual railway track structure, with the aim of obtaining relevant values of the response of the sub-ballast layers to dynamic loads and assessing the operational impacts on the sustainable environment. Also, the main result of the research was the possibility of using the theoretical–experimental route to optimize the layers of the railway body. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Problems Arising in the Development of Sustainable Transport Systems)

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13 pages, 587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Development of Intermodal Freight Transportation—Through the Integration of Logistics Flows in Ukraine and Poland

by Ilona Jacyna-Gołda, Nadiia Shmygol, Nataliia Gavkalova and Mariusz Salwin

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010267 - 27 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1473

Abstract

Nowadays, sustainable development is becoming a model for significant improvements in the modern world. Taking into consideration possible future challenges, transport must have sustainable features. Today, such a type of transportation as intermodal transport (transport that uses more than one mode of transportation) is gaining relevance. It is one of the most promising types of transport from an economic and environmental point of view. In this paper, the importance of sustainable development of intermodal freight transport is analyzed; the state of foreign trade and the trade balance in Ukraine and Poland are examined; and the sustainable development trends and prospects of trade relations between two countries are determined, taking into account the existing product structure. It is noted that the post-war recovery of Ukraine will require the activation of logistical flows with EU countries. The analysis of the state of freight transport by various modes of transport allowed for theoretically justifying the insufficient attention given to the development of intermodal freight transport between Ukraine and Poland for logistics optimization in international trade. From a methodological perspective, it is proposed to describe the subject area in terms of graph theory. The practical contribution involved the testing of the proposed model of intermodal freight transport to optimize logistics flows in international trade between Ukraine and Poland, considering the minimization of transport service costs and time. This required refining the mathematical apparatus based on the method of successive moves and linking their development to specific supply chains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Problems Arising in the Development of Sustainable Transport Systems)

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Review

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17 pages, 1028 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sustainability Assessment Methods for the Transport Sector Considering the Life Cycle Concept—A Review

by Dorota Burchart and Iga Przytuła

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8148; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188148 - 18 Sep 2024

Viewed by 848

Abstract

This paper presents a summary and review of life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) methods for the transport sector. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of articles that employ a variety of methods for assessing sustainable development in the transport sector, taking into account the economic, social, and environmental dimensions. In the sustainability assessment of transport, three methods were evaluated: life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle cost analysis (LCC), and social life cycle assessment (SLCA). An overview of sustainability assessment methods in transport and a review of the indicators used in the life cycle sustainability assessment was conducted. It was found that the selection of indicators within the LCSA for assessing various aspects of sustainable development is dependent on various geographic and policy contexts. An overview of the application of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods to assess LCSA in the transport sector was performed. MCDA methods are used to support decision-making regarding the selection of the most sustainable transport options and allow for the simultaneous consideration of multiple criteria, enabling a more sustainable assessment of different transport options. MCDA methods help to rank alternative transportation fuels and help decision-makers consider indicators encompassing economic, environmental and social aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Problems Arising in the Development of Sustainable Transport Systems)

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