Sustainability

2024

Jump to: 2023, 2021

14 pages, 1475 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing the Impact of Montreal’s Réseau Express Vélo (REV) on Surrounding Bike Lanes’ Ridership and the COVID-19 Cycling Recovery

by Mischa Young, Gavin MacGregor and Georges A. Tanguay

Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5992; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145992 - 13 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1202

Abstract

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Montreal implemented pro-cycling measures and enhanced its cycling infrastructure, notably by the introduction of the Réseau Express Vélo (REV), an extensive network of separated high-capacity bike lanes inaugurated in 2020. This paper delves into the pandemic’s impact on Montreal’s [...] Read more.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Montreal implemented pro-cycling measures and enhanced its cycling infrastructure, notably by the introduction of the Réseau Express Vélo (REV), an extensive network of separated high-capacity bike lanes inaugurated in 2020. This paper delves into the pandemic’s impact on Montreal’s cycling network, with specific focus on the Berri/Lajeunesse/Saint-Denis REV route, evaluating its influence on the recovery of adjacent bike lanes and its effectiveness in attracting new cyclists. Using data from sensors installed along Montreal’s bike lanes between 2018 and 2023, our analysis reveals an initial average 28% decline in cycling volumes at the onset of the pandemic. However, from 2021 onwards, disparities began to emerge. While sensors on adjacent parallel bike routes to REV recorded further declines in ridership, those elsewhere in the city showed signs of cycling recovery, suggesting a shift in the cycling patterns towards the REV. Distinguishing between cyclists displaced from other parallel bike lanes and those representing a pent-up demand, our study indicates that the displaced cyclists accounted for 64% of the REV’s ridership at the southernmost sensors and only 7% at the northernmost sensors in 2023. These findings have significant policy implications, as cyclists comprised within the pent-up demand category correspond to those having transitioned from not using bike lanes to utilizing safer cycling infrastructure and account for the net growth in the cycling mode share directly attributable to the REV. Both of these observations are pivotal in fostering a shift away from cars and steering Montreal towards achieving its cycling mode share goal of 15% by 2027. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Travel Mode Choice Prediction to Pursue Sustainable Transportation and Enhance Health Parameters Using R

by Mujahid Ali, Elżbieta Macioszek and Nazam Ali

Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5908; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145908 - 11 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1241

Abstract

Travel mode choice (TMC) prediction, improving health parameters, and promoting sustainable transportation systems are crucial for urban planners and policymakers. Past studies show the influence of health on activities, while several studies use multitasking activities and physical activity intensity to study the association [...] Read more.

Travel mode choice (TMC) prediction, improving health parameters, and promoting sustainable transportation systems are crucial for urban planners and policymakers. Past studies show the influence of health on activities, while several studies use multitasking activities and physical activity intensity to study the association between time use and activity travel participation (TU and ATP) and health outcomes. Limited studies have been conducted on the use of transport modes as intermediate variables to study the influence of TU and ATP on health parameters. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate urban dependency on different transport modes used for daily activities and its influence on health parameters to promote a greener and healthier society and a sustainable transportation system. Pearson’s Chi-squared test was used for transport mode classification, and multinominal logit models were used for regression using R programming. A total of five models were developed for motorized, non-motorized, public transport, physical, and social health to study the correlation between transport modes and health parameters. The statistical analysis results show that socio-demographic and economic variables have a strong association with TMC in which younger, male, workers and high-income households are more dependent on motorized transport. It was found that a unit rise in high-income causes a 4.5% positive increase in motorized transport, whereas it negatively influences non-motorized and public transport by 4.2% and 2.2%, respectively. These insights might be useful for formulating realistic plans to encourage individuals to use active transport that will promote sustainable transportation systems and a healthier society. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 6059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Sustainable Urban Intermodal Systems: Simulating the Effects of Key Parameters in Integrated Ride-Pooling and Public Transport

by Ester Lorente, Esteve Codina, Jaume Barceló and Klaus Nökel

Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 5013; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16125013 - 12 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 897

Abstract

Mobility as a service, and its associated variants, has been proposed as a method to improve the sustainability of transport systems; however, most of the approaches that have been proposed so far have been unsuccessful or have worsened the situation. The work presented [...] Read more.

Mobility as a service, and its associated variants, has been proposed as a method to improve the sustainability of transport systems; however, most of the approaches that have been proposed so far have been unsuccessful or have worsened the situation. The work presented in this paper investigates an intermodal system that combines a ride-pooling service with a public transport network. The system is composed of a dedicated simulator that evaluates the transport scenario and an intermodal dispatcher that optimises the service according to requests, accounting for their time windows. This intermodal approach considers trips with multiple legs, for which either ride-pooling or public transport are used. This study investigates how the batch size and the early dispatching of the last leg, supported by a vehicle reservation strategy, impact diverse demand profiles that range from single-passenger to multiple-passenger requests, while also addressing the critical aspect of fleet size. The experimental setting used in this work is the metropolitan area of Barcelona; the experimentation results yield valuable insights into the functionality of the proposed intermodal system. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

2023

Jump to: 2024, 2021

19 pages, 4280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Automated Mobility-On-Demand Strategies in Dense Urban Areas: A Case Study of the Tel Aviv Metropolis in 2040

by Bat-Hen Nahmias-Biran, Gabriel Dadashev and Yedidya Levi

Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 16037; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152216037 - 17 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1502

Abstract

The emergence of automated mobility-on-demand (AMoD) services in urban regions has underscored crucial issues concerning the sustainable advancement of urban mobility. In particular, the impact of various AMoD implementation strategies in dense, transit-oriented cities has yet to be investigated in a generalized manner. [...] Read more.

The emergence of automated mobility-on-demand (AMoD) services in urban regions has underscored crucial issues concerning the sustainable advancement of urban mobility. In particular, the impact of various AMoD implementation strategies in dense, transit-oriented cities has yet to be investigated in a generalized manner. To address this gap, we quantify the effects of AMoD on trip patterns, congestion, and energy and emissions in a dense, transit-oriented prototype city via high-fidelity simulation. We employ an activity- and agent-based framework, with specific demand and supply considerations for both single and shared AMoD rides. Our findings suggest that, in densely populated, transit-oriented cities such as the Tel Aviv metropolis, AMoD contributes to higher congestion levels and increased passenger vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT). However, when AMoD is integrated with public transit systems or introduced alongside measures to reduce household car ownership, it helps alleviate the VKT impact. Furthermore, these combined approaches effectively counter the negative impact of AMoD on public transit ridership. None of the AMoD strategies analyzed in our study reduce the congestion effects of AMoD and all strategies cannibalize active mobility in dense, transit-oriented cities compared to the base case. Nevertheless, our analysis reveals that a policy leading to decreased car ownership proves to be a more efficient measure in curbing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

2021

Jump to: 2024, 2023

16 pages, 6164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Urban Transport—Why a Fast Investment in a Complete Cycling Network Is Most Profitable for a City

by Piotr Wałdykowski, Joanna Adamczyk and Maciej Dorotkiewicz

Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010119 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3079

Abstract

The development of safe cycling as a mode of transport is an important objective of the transformation towards sustainable mobility in European cities. A significant number of European cities are faced with the need to implement the assumptions of the European Green Deal, [...] Read more.

The development of safe cycling as a mode of transport is an important objective of the transformation towards sustainable mobility in European cities. A significant number of European cities are faced with the need to implement the assumptions of the European Green Deal, of which the promotion of sustainable urban transport is a part. The article presented a simulation of the Perfect Cycling City Model in real conditions that inspired the design of two scenarios for the fast development of bicycle routes in a key transport network area in Warsaw. Scenario 1 assumes building subsidiary bicycle routes and links between the main routes. In Scenario 2, the development of all optimal cycling links at the local level is assumed. An increase in cycling participation is expected in both scenarios. The comparison of projected costs of each scenario indicated that building a complete network of connections is more profitable in terms of increased cycling participation and could counter the dominance of private car use. For this to happen, measures encouraging individuals combined with improved safety and convenience of cycling around the city must be undertaken. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 10232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Street Design for Hedonistic Sustainability through AI and Human Co-Operative Evaluation

by Kanyou Sou, Hiroya Shiokawa, Kento Yoh and Kenji Doi

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9066; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169066 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3881

Abstract

Recently, there has been an increasing emphasis on community development centered on the well-being and quality of life of citizens, while pursuing sustainability. This study proposes an AI and human co-operative evaluation (AIHCE) framework that facilitates communication design between designers and stakeholders based [...] Read more.

Recently, there has been an increasing emphasis on community development centered on the well-being and quality of life of citizens, while pursuing sustainability. This study proposes an AI and human co-operative evaluation (AIHCE) framework that facilitates communication design between designers and stakeholders based on human emotions and values and is an evaluation method for street space. AIHCE is an evaluation method based on image recognition technology that performs deep learning of the facial expressions of both people and the city; namely, it consists of a facial expression recognition model (FERM) and a street image evaluation model (SIEM). The former evaluates the street space based on the emotions and values of the pedestrian’s facial expression, and the latter evaluates the target street space from the prepared street space image. AIHCE is an integrated framework for these two models, enabling continuous and objective evaluation of space with simultaneous subjective emotional evaluation, showing the possibility of reflecting it in the design. It is expected to contribute to fostering people’s awareness that streets are public goods reflecting the basic functions of public spaces and the values and regional characteristics of residents, contributing to the improvement of the sustainability of the entire city. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1568 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sustainable Urban Transportation Criteria and Measurement—A Systematic Literature Review

by Lisa Kraus and Heike Proff

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7113; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137113 - 24 Jun 2021

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 8212

Abstract

Sustainable transportation plays a key role in social participation and climate change. However, no universally accepted set of criteria for tracking the progress of urban sustainable transportation projects currently exists; one reason for this is the absence of a standardized lexicon for sustainability [...] Read more.

Sustainable transportation plays a key role in social participation and climate change. However, no universally accepted set of criteria for tracking the progress of urban sustainable transportation projects currently exists; one reason for this is the absence of a standardized lexicon for sustainability measurement elements. Therefore, this paper conducts a systematic literature review and analysis of sustainable transportation criteria using 21 papers from journals listed in the German rating system JOURQUAL3 (JQ3) and published between 2010 and 2020. The paper thus develops a unified vocabulary for sustainability measurement elements that is structured into a hierarchy. The goal (sustainable transportation) presides over the following three sustainability dimensions: objectives (e.g., minimization of traffic clogging), criteria (e.g., congestion), and indicators (e.g., cost of traffic congestion). Within the hierarchy, the main criteria for urban multimodal sustainable transportation are identified as follows: 13 social, 11 economic, and 9 environmental main criteria are determined. The three main criteria used most in the literature exclusively concern the environment. Future research is recommended to assess the interrelations between the criteria as their assignment to sustainability dimensions is ambiguous in the existing literature. This paper helps mobility managers to make decisions about urban transportation concepts and while overseeing projects. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Walkability Perception in Asian Cities: A Comparative Study in Bangkok and Nagoya

by Varameth Vichiensan and Kazuki Nakamura

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6825; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126825 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6689

Abstract

Asian cities are unique, where people may need more than just walking; however, the walkability research in a local context has received less attention. This paper analyses the walking needs and the influential factors of walking behavior in Asian cities. A comparative analysis [...] Read more.

Asian cities are unique, where people may need more than just walking; however, the walkability research in a local context has received less attention. This paper analyses the walking needs and the influential factors of walking behavior in Asian cities. A comparative analysis in Bangkok and Nagoya is presented, taking into account the characteristics of local street design and development. Street evaluation experiments of various streets are conducted through 360-degree videos. The factor analyses indicate that the walking needs in both cities can be considered in two levels, but the components of the needs are different. Being smooth and having no obstacles are common basic needs. Safety and security are regarded as basic needs in Nagoya, but as higher-level needs in Bangkok. Attractiveness of activity and walk pleasure are the common upper-level needs. Street elements such as width, green, traffic, parking, pollution exposure, and activity are found to be influential on the walking needs. The structural equation models indicate that higher-level needs have more of an influence than the lower-level needs for walking behavior in Bangkok and for shop walking in Nagoya, while the basic need has more influence on walking willingness for transit access. These findings call for practical attention for street design and development where local context and street functions must be carefully considered. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 48506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Spatiotemporal Peak Shift of Intra-Urban Transportation Taking a Case in Bangkok, Thailand

by Masanobu Kii, Yuki Goda, Varameth Vichiensan, Hiroyuki Miyazaki and Rolf Moeckel

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6777; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126777 - 15 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2946

Abstract

Reducing congestion has been one of the critical targets of transportation policies, particularly in cities in developing countries suffering severe and chronic traffic congestions. Several traditional measures have been in place but seem not very successful. This paper applies the agent-based transportation model [...] Read more.

Reducing congestion has been one of the critical targets of transportation policies, particularly in cities in developing countries suffering severe and chronic traffic congestions. Several traditional measures have been in place but seem not very successful. This paper applies the agent-based transportation model MATSim for a transportation analysis in Bangkok to assess the impact of spatiotemporal transportation demand management measures. We collect required data for the simulation from various data sources and apply maximum likelihood estimation with the limited data available. We investigate two demand management scenarios, peak time shift, and decentralization. As a result, we found that these spatiotemporal peak shift measures are effective for road transport to alleviate congestion and reduce travel time. However, the effect of those measures on public transport is not uniform but depends on the users’ circumstances. On average, the simulated results indicate that those measures increase the average travel time and distance. These results suggest that demand management policies require considerations of more detailed conditions to improve usability. The study also confirms that microsimulation can be a tool for transport demand management assessment in developing countries. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5961 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Space–Time Shifting of Activities and Travels Mitigate Hyper-Congestion in an Emerging Megacity, Bangkok? Effects on Quality of Life and CO₂ Emission

by Witsarut Achariyaviriya, Yoshitsugu Hayashi, Hiroyuki Takeshita, Masanobu Kii, Varameth Vichiensan and Thanaruk Theeramunkong

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6547; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126547 - 8 Jun 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4687

Abstract

Many megacities in the world, especially Bangkok, are facing severe congestion in road traffic and public transport, particularly during peak hours. This situation (a) worsens the quality of life, (b) releases emissions causing air pollution and climate change, and (c) subsequently creates requests [...] Read more.

Many megacities in the world, especially Bangkok, are facing severe congestion in road traffic and public transport, particularly during peak hours. This situation (a) worsens the quality of life, (b) releases emissions causing air pollution and climate change, and (c) subsequently creates requests for massive investment in transport infrastructure, which easily exceed the budget’s limit. Instead of solving the problem by supply-side strategies, applying ICT-based solutions to reform people’s daily activities, particularly commuting and working behaviors, on the demand-side is an alternative solution. As a promising solution, Mobility as a Service (MaaS) introduces ICT to persuade people to use public modes of transport. However, modal shift is a partial solution to mitigate traffic congestion. With technological advancements in communication, people become more flexible in their activities in terms of place and time aspects. MaaS should not only induce a transport mode shift but also a workplace shift and working time shift by extending the planning service in daily activity-travel level, exploiting people’s flexibilities for an activity’s place and time to manage travel demand. This paper proposes the QOL-MaaS as the extended MaaS to support space–time shift of activity-travel and reveals its potential impacts on traffic congestion, quality of life, and CO₂ emission. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 7929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Region Mobility Framework

by Robert Kerwin C. Billones, Marielet A. Guillermo, Kervin C. Lucas, Marlon D. Era, Elmer P. Dadios and Alexis M. Fillone

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6366; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116366 - 3 Jun 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6511

Abstract

A smart city describes an urban setting which aims to effectively apply ICT technologies to help improve the well-being of its citizens and reduce the negative impacts of urbanization. The priority areas considered in the Global Smart City Index (SCI) by the Institute [...] Read more.

A smart city describes an urban setting which aims to effectively apply ICT technologies to help improve the well-being of its citizens and reduce the negative impacts of urbanization. The priority areas considered in the Global Smart City Index (SCI) by the Institute for Management Development’s (IMD) World Competitiveness Centre were key infrastructures and technologies in (1) health and safety, (2) mobility, (3) activities (e.g., recreational spaces), (4) opportunities (work and school), and (5) governance. A smart region is a term used to extend the concept of a smart city into both urban and rural settings to promote a sustainable planning approach at the regional level. A direction that must be considered is the adoption of a “Smart Region Mobility Framework” to effectively transform our urban and rural regional transportation networks. This research study focused on the development of the smart region mobility framework for an island region group in the Philippines. The smart region goal is to integrate intelligent transportation system (ITS) platforms such as advanced public transportation system (APTS), advanced traveler information system (ATIS), and advanced rural transportation system (ARTS) to the local public transportation route plans (LPTRP) of the region. The activities include the data collection, analysis, and evaluation of multimodal regional transportation networks and social services infrastructure. The transportation network modeling process follows the four-step transportation planning process of trip generation, trip distribution, modal-split analysis, and trip assignment. Based on the analysis of 6 provinces, 16 cities, and 114 municipalities included in the study, there are two cities identified as smart city candidates. One of the smart city candidates is designated as the smart city regional center. In the context of a smart region, the available social services (e.g., employment opportunities, education, and health services) in the designated smart cities can also be made accessible to connected cities/municipalities through ease of transportation and mobility services in the region. Lastly, the study presented the implementation of data flow architecture of the smart region mobility framework, and the regional traveler information system using mobile and web application services. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Earthquake Evacuation Choice and Management in a Developing Archipelagic Country—A Case Study of Surigao City, Philippines

by Sherwin Roy Calumba, Monorom Rith and Alexis M. Fillone

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 5783; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115783 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6972

Abstract

The Philippines is a developing archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. The country is susceptible to multiple natural disasters, specifically earthquakes. This implies the significance of understanding earthquake evacuation choice in order to design effective planning and management of evacuation to minimize chaos, damage [...] Read more.

The Philippines is a developing archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. The country is susceptible to multiple natural disasters, specifically earthquakes. This implies the significance of understanding earthquake evacuation choice in order to design effective planning and management of evacuation to minimize chaos, damage cost, and the loss of lives. This study investigated the determinants of earthquake evacuation and proposed earthquake evacuation planning and management in the Philippines, featuring the case study of Surigao City. The study used the primary dataset of 1055 observations gathered in 2019 and applied the nested logit model (NLM) to investigate the potential factors of earthquake evacuation decisions. We considered three output variables: evacuation choice, evacuation duration, and travel mode choice. We found that residents were more likely to evacuate their homes upon receiving an earthquake warning and move to a public shelter or open space. Additionally, respondents were more inclined to leave their homes when their houses suffered from moderate to severe/complete damage or when electricity and water supply were cut-off. Respondents were most likely to walk to evacuation centers as the majority of residents initially moved to the nearest open space immediately after an earthquake and stayed in an open space for less than 6 hours. No correlation was found between personal and household income factors with evacuation choice and travel mode choice. Furthermore, the study used the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine areas suitable for earthquake evacuation using insights from local government officials and planners. The areas identified for earthquake evacuation were developed to support evacuation planning and management. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 3947 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mode Choice Modeling to Shift Car Travelers towards Park and Ride Service in the City Centre of Karachi

by Irfan Ahmed Memon, Saima Kalwar, Noman Sahito, Mir Aftab Hussain Talpur, Imtiaz Ahmed Chandio, Madzlan Napiah and Hasan Tayyeb

Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5638; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105638 - 18 May 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5122

Abstract

Currently, congestion in Karachi’s central business district (CBD) is the result of people driving their cars to work. Consequently, a park and ride (P&R) service has proved successful in decreasing traffic congestion and the difficulty of finding parking spaces from urban centers. The [...] Read more.

Currently, congestion in Karachi’s central business district (CBD) is the result of people driving their cars to work. Consequently, a park and ride (P&R) service has proved successful in decreasing traffic congestion and the difficulty of finding parking spaces from urban centers. The travelers cannot be convinced to shift towards the P&R service without an understanding of their travel behavior. Therefore, a travel behavior survey needs to be conducted to reduce the imbalance between public and private transport. Hence, mode choice models were developed to determine the factors that influence single-occupant vehicle (SOV) travelers’ decision to adopt the P&R service. Data were collected by an adapted self-administered questionnaire. Mode choice models were developed through logistic regression modeling by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22. The findings concluded that more than 70%, specifically motorbike users, to avoid mental stress, and to protect the environment are willing to adopt the P&R service. Moreover, to validate the mode choice models, logit model training and a testing approach were used. In conclusion, by overcoming these influencing factors and balancing push and pull measures of travel demand management (TDM), SOV users can be encouraged to shift towards P&R services. Thus, research outcomes can support policymakers in implementing sustainable modes of public transportation. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time-Dependent Multi-Depot Heterogeneous Vehicle Routing Problem Considering Temporal–Spatial Distance

by Dengkai Hou, Houming Fan, Xiaoxue Ren, Panjun Tian and Yingchun Lv

Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4674; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094674 - 22 Apr 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2592

Abstract

Aiming at the multi-depot heterogeneous vehicle routing problem under the time-dependent road network and soft time window, considering vehicle fixed cost, time window penalty cost and vehicle transportation cost, an optimization model of time-dependent multi-depot heterogeneous vehicle routing problem is established with the [...] Read more.

Aiming at the multi-depot heterogeneous vehicle routing problem under the time-dependent road network and soft time window, considering vehicle fixed cost, time window penalty cost and vehicle transportation cost, an optimization model of time-dependent multi-depot heterogeneous vehicle routing problem is established with the objective of minimizing distribution cost. According to the characteristics of the problem, a hybrid genetic algorithm with variable neighborhood search considering the temporal–spatial distance is designed. Customers are clustered according to the temporal–spatial distance to generate initial solutions, which improves the quality of the algorithm. The depth search capability of the variable neighborhood search algorithm is applied to the local search strategy of the genetic algorithm to enhance the local search capability of the algorithm. An adaptive neighborhood search number strategy and a new acceptance mechanism of simulated annealing are proposed to balance the breadth and depth required for population evolution. The validity of the model and algorithm is verified by several sets of examples of different scales. The research results not only deepen and expand the relevant research on vehicle routing problem, but also provide theoretical basis for logistics enterprises to optimize distribution scheme. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 42731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Methodology for Assessing the Impact of Living Labs on Urban Design: The Case of the Furnish Project

by Inés Aquilué, Angélica Caicedo, Joan Moreno, Miquel Estrada and Laia Pagès

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4562; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084562 - 20 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4030

Abstract

This paper presents a framework to support the assessment of urban design projects through Urban Living Labs (ULLs). The framework is based on the Tactical Urbanism (TU) practices and involves the use of Mobile Urban Elements (MUE) in uncertain and potentially confusing conditions [...] Read more.

This paper presents a framework to support the assessment of urban design projects through Urban Living Labs (ULLs). The framework is based on the Tactical Urbanism (TU) practices and involves the use of Mobile Urban Elements (MUE) in uncertain and potentially confusing conditions (e.g., the COVID-19 context). The methodology includes the application of the Four-Phase Model (problem and ideation; development; implementation, testing and assessment; final proposal) and a quantitative and qualitative assessment. The proposed assessment criteria were developed through an evaluation according to three aspects: (1) feasibility impact; (2) social impact; and (3) spatial impact. The methodology was applied to Furnish, an urban design project based on a ULL and prototyping, which was recently developed in five European cities. The empirical results, obtained using the impact analysis, indicate that the prototypes developed in the project are transferable to other cities and generate social interaction in public spaces. The applied research showed that the Four-Phase Model may be used as a new and improved iterative design process: the LOOP Scheme. The application of this assessment methodology to ULLs may provide valuable information for the future planning of urban interventions in public spaces. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 6962 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bus Rapid Transit System Introduction in Johor Bahru: A Simulation-Based Assessment

by Sitti Asmah Hassan, Intan Nurfauzirah Shafiqah Hamzani, Abd. Ramzi Sabli and Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4437; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084437 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4634

Abstract

Bus rapid transit (BRT) is one of the strategies to promote improvements in urban mobility. In this study, BRT scenarios, which integrate exclusive bus lanes and bus priority signal control in mixed traffic scenarios, were modelled using a VISSIM microsimulation. Three scenarios of [...] Read more.

Bus rapid transit (BRT) is one of the strategies to promote improvements in urban mobility. In this study, BRT scenarios, which integrate exclusive bus lanes and bus priority signal control in mixed traffic scenarios, were modelled using a VISSIM microsimulation. Three scenarios of BRT were modelled to represent 16:84, 38:62 and 54:46 modal splits between public transport and private vehicles. It was found that Scenario 4 (the 54:46 scenario) offers better benefits in terms of delay time saving and economic benefits. In general, it was found that the BRT system enhances the functioning of the transport system and provides people with faster and better mobility facilities, resulting in attractive social and economic benefits, especially on a higher modal split of public transport. It is regarded as one strategy to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce dependency on private vehicles. The finding of this study provides an insight on the effective concept of the BRT system, which may promote the dissemination of an urban mobility solution in the city. The results can help policymakers and local authorities in the management of a transport network in order to ensure reliable and sustainable transport. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Development Scheme of Mobility as a Service: Can It Provide a Sustainable Environment for China?

by Zipeng Zhang and Ning Zhang

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4233; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084233 - 10 Apr 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3820

Abstract

Mobility as a service (MaaS), a new concept of transportation, is regarded as an effective solution to prevalent urban traffic problems because of its sustainable development properties such as sharing, integration, humanism and low-carbon. However, progress from pilots to large-scale implementation has hitherto [...] Read more.

Mobility as a service (MaaS), a new concept of transportation, is regarded as an effective solution to prevalent urban traffic problems because of its sustainable development properties such as sharing, integration, humanism and low-carbon. However, progress from pilots to large-scale implementation has hitherto been slow especially in China. In this paper, we propose a new alliance-based framework of development scenarios for the Chinese MaaS system. At the same time, by distinguishing the experience and lessons between the UbiGo project in Sweden and Whim project in Finland, we summarize that the key to the success of prior pilot projects is the cooperation of industry alliance, government policy support, and data sharing mechanism. Moreover, this paper also proposes some MaaS solutions for the obstacles of alliance-based cooperation, data resource sharing, business model selection, operation conditions, development path, policy support and other aspects in China. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proximity Indexing of Public Transport Terminals in Metro Manila

by Krister Ian Daniel Roquel, Raymund Paolo Abad and Alexis Fillone

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4216; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084216 - 10 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 17927

Abstract

Despite the extensive transit network in Metro Manila, intermodal connections between public transportation services are still fragmented. In response, authorities proposed various multimodal transport terminals around the periphery of the metropolis. However, there is a need to understand how these proposed terminals will [...] Read more.

Despite the extensive transit network in Metro Manila, intermodal connections between public transportation services are still fragmented. In response, authorities proposed various multimodal transport terminals around the periphery of the metropolis. However, there is a need to understand how these proposed terminals will impact existing transportation infrastructure and services as well as the current travel demand. This paper proposes a method that quantifies the nearness of any subject to any metric of interest, or in this case, the location of the terminal based on its proximity to existing transit supply and demand at different points in the transport network. It involves a simple methodology that requires only the spatial distribution of relevant transport planning data (e.g., public transport services, public transport passenger activity). It was found that the spatial distribution of the transport terminals in the study area is more closely related to the transit supply. Using the same methodology, several potential locations in Metro Manila (e.g., central terminal, terminal along a major junction) were assessed to see whether these are viable sites for a multimodal terminal. One scenario configuration was found to be better integrated with where trips start and/or end, while another seemed to improve integration of the existing railways. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying the Potential for Partial Integration of Private and Public Transportation

by Iva Bojic, Dániel Kondor, Wei Tu, Ke Mai, Paolo Santi and Carlo Ratti

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3424; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063424 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2066

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the potential for a partial integration of private and public transportation as provided by taxi and bus services on the level of individual trips. While these modes are typically separated for economic reasons, in the future with shared [...] Read more.

In this paper, we explore the potential for a partial integration of private and public transportation as provided by taxi and bus services on the level of individual trips. While these modes are typically separated for economic reasons, in the future with shared Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) providing cheap and efficient transportation services, such distinctions will blur. Consequently, optimization based on real-time data will allow exploiting parallels in demand in a dynamic way, such as the proposed approach in the current work. New operational and pricing strategies will then need to be considered, along with regulatory tools to limit congestion, encourage sharing and provide services in a more sustainable way by utilizing a dynamic landscape of urban transportation. In the current work, we evaluate existing parallels between individual bus and taxi trips in two Asian cities and show how exploiting these synergies could form the basis of achieving some of the above goals in the future. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Sustainable Urban Mobility Project

Share This Topical Collection

Editors

Topical Collection Information

Keywords

Published Papers (19 papers)

2024

Jump to: 2023, 2021

2023

Jump to: 2024, 2021

2021

Jump to: 2024, 2023

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI