Journal Description
Future Transportation
Future Transportation
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the civil engineering, economics, environment and geography, computer science and other transdisciplinary dimensions of transportation published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), Scopus, EBSCO, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 36.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 7.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Engineering (miscellaneous))
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
- Future Transportation is a companion journal of Sustainability.
Latest Articles
Planning of Urban Freight Innovation Ecosystems: A Systematic Literature Review from a Public Authority Perspective
Future Transp. 2024, 4(3), 795-819; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4030038 - 16 Jul 2024
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This study explores the role of local authorities in achieving net zero emissions in the context of the climate crisis, with a particular focus on the freight transport sector. The study identifies the challenges of decarbonising urban freight transport and highlights the need
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This study explores the role of local authorities in achieving net zero emissions in the context of the climate crisis, with a particular focus on the freight transport sector. The study identifies the challenges of decarbonising urban freight transport and highlights the need for planning frameworks to facilitate this transition. The authors examine freight innovation ecosystems and the various actors involved in designing public policies that incentivise the creation or enhancement of these ecosystems. Through a systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis, and content analysis, this study identifies a lack of connection between the literature on these topics. However, it also highlights the potential for lessons to be learned from successful incentive frameworks in the four clusters identified. The authors propose a comprehensive incentives framework that includes both direct and indirect incentives aimed at the ecosystem and the public sector, respectively, as well as city conditions that can facilitate systemic change. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to promote sustainable transport and achieve net zero emissions.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Digital Traceability Capabilities: The Case of the Ethiopian Coffee Supply Chain
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Mahlet Demere Tadesse, Girma Gebresenbet, David Ljungberg and Lóránt Tavasszy
Future Transp. 2024, 4(3), 780-794; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4030037 - 12 Jul 2024
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Digital technologies are essential tools that enable traceability in supply chains. In low-income countries, traceability represents a challenge due to the complicated structure of supply chains and the involvement of multiple stakeholders. This research developed a framework for a digital traceability system (TS),
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Digital technologies are essential tools that enable traceability in supply chains. In low-income countries, traceability represents a challenge due to the complicated structure of supply chains and the involvement of multiple stakeholders. This research developed a framework for a digital traceability system (TS), using the Ethiopian coffee supply chain as a case study. A literature review was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of state-of-the-art digital traceability technologies. A logistics audit was conducted to map the coffee supply chain in Ethiopia and evaluate the implementation level of traceability technologies. Although the implementation of traceability technologies in the Ethiopian coffee supply chain is low, the results revealed that the usage of traceability technologies improves downstream of the supply chain. The traceability framework developed in this study ranges from a paper-based TS to a fully digitalised TS. The implementation of a TS in the coffee supply chain of Ethiopia is met with several challenges such as affordability, limited awareness, resistance of certain stakeholders, infrastructure limitations, restricted accessibility of some technologies and insufficient policy frameworks. Stakeholders from low-income countries can use the framework developed in this study to adopt a TS for their supply chains in line with their needs and current digitalisation levels.
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Open AccessArticle
Deriving Verified Vehicle Trajectories from LiDAR Sensor Data to Evaluate Traffic Signal Performance
by
Enrique D. Saldivar-Carranza and Darcy M. Bullock
Future Transp. 2024, 4(3), 765-779; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4030036 - 9 Jul 2024
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Advances and cost reductions in Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor technology have allowed for their implementation in detecting vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians at signalized intersections. Most LiDAR use cases have focused on safety analyses using its high-fidelity tracking capabilities. This study presents
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Advances and cost reductions in Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor technology have allowed for their implementation in detecting vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians at signalized intersections. Most LiDAR use cases have focused on safety analyses using its high-fidelity tracking capabilities. This study presents a methodology to transform LiDAR data into localized, verified, and linear-referenced trajectories to derive Purdue Probe Diagrams (PPDs). The following four performance measures are then derived from the PPDs: arrivals on green (AOG), split failures (SF), downstream blockage (DSB), and control delay level of service (LOS). Noise is filtered for each detected vehicle by iteratively projecting each sample’s future location and keeping the subsequent sample that is close enough to the estimated destination. Then, a far side is defined for the analyzed intersection’s movement to linear reference sampled trajectories and to remove those that do not cross through that point. The technique is demonstrated by using over one hour of LiDAR data at an intersection in Utah to derive PPDs. Signal performance is then estimated from these PPDs. The results are compared to those obtained from comparable PPDs derived from connected vehicle (CV) trajectory data. The generated PPDs from both data sources are similar, with relatively modest differences of 1% AOG and a 1.39 s/veh control delay. Practitioners can use the presented methodology to estimate trajectory-based traffic signal performance measures from their deployed LiDAR sensors. The paper concludes by recommending that unfiltered LiDAR data are used for deriving PPDs and extending the detection zones to cover the largest observed queues to improve performance estimation reliability.
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Open AccessArticle
Determinants of the Willingness to Use Autonomous Mobility as a Service in Germany
by
Frieder Glimm and Michal Fabus
Future Transp. 2024, 4(3), 746-764; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4030035 - 8 Jul 2024
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Fully autonomous vehicles, once legally and technically feasible and widely available, have numerous advantages compared to human-driven vehicles, from greater availability and shorter travel times to lower negative environmental emissions and fewer accidents. This, combined with a usage-based form of payment, can massively
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Fully autonomous vehicles, once legally and technically feasible and widely available, have numerous advantages compared to human-driven vehicles, from greater availability and shorter travel times to lower negative environmental emissions and fewer accidents. This, combined with a usage-based form of payment, can massively increase the usage rate of vehicles without the need for high initial investments. This study explores the determinants affecting the willingness to adopt Autonomous Mobility as a Service (AMaaS) in Germany. Utilizing a mobile cross-sectional survey via Pollfish, 400 complete responses of German speakers aged 18 years or older in Germany were collected to assess influential factors. The survey data were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis. Age, possession of a driving license, and the quality of public transport were identified as significant predictors. Younger people and driving license holders showed a higher willingness to use AMaaS, while low-quality public transport reduced their willingness to use it. This study concludes that targeted strategies for AMaaS implementation should consider these key demographic and infrastructural factors to maximize market penetration and acceptance in Germany.
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Open AccessReview
Interactions and Behaviors of Pedestrians with Autonomous Vehicles: A Synthesis
by
Saki Rezwana and Nicholas Lownes
Future Transp. 2024, 4(3), 722-745; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4030034 - 4 Jul 2024
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Integrating autonomous vehicles (AVs) into public roads presents profound implications for pedestrian safety and the broader acceptance of this emerging technology. This work examines the complex interactions between AVs and pedestrians, a dynamic influenced by the variability of pedestrian behaviors and the absence
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Integrating autonomous vehicles (AVs) into public roads presents profound implications for pedestrian safety and the broader acceptance of this emerging technology. This work examines the complex interactions between AVs and pedestrians, a dynamic influenced by the variability of pedestrian behaviors and the absence of traditional communication mechanisms, such as eye contact and gestures, commonly relied upon in human-driven scenarios. Given the nascent stage of AV deployment, this research addresses the challenges of evaluating AV−pedestrian interactions amid safety concerns and technological limitations. We review and synthesize global research on pedestrian behavior in the context of AV technology to track changes in pedestrians’ acceptance over time and identify the factors driving these shifts. Additionally, this review incorporates insights from transportation authorities to highlight potential safety issues and the need for innovative communication strategies that ensure safe interactions between pedestrians and AVs. By analyzing these factors, the research aims to contribute to the development of guidelines and communication protocols that enhance pedestrian safety and facilitate the integration of AVs into urban environments.
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Open AccessArticle
Scenarios for New Mobility Policies and Automated Mobility in Beijing
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Gillian Harrison, Simon Shepherd, Paul Pfaffenbichler, Meng Xu, Hang Tian and Wei Mao
Future Transp. 2024, 4(3), 697-721; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4030033 - 3 Jul 2024
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In this study, we consider the introduction of new mobility services and technologies into the megacity of Beijing, China, as per developed strategy and action plans, in order to investigate their potential contribution to sustainable mobility. This includes population relocation (decentralization), the construction
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In this study, we consider the introduction of new mobility services and technologies into the megacity of Beijing, China, as per developed strategy and action plans, in order to investigate their potential contribution to sustainable mobility. This includes population relocation (decentralization), the construction of new rail lines, the introduction of shared bike services as a feeder to subway stations, the electrification of passenger vehicles and the adoption of automated and shared vehicles. The well-established, system dynamics-based MARS model is adapted to Beijing and further improved via the inclusion of these new services, technologies and policies. We find that decentralization can have a profound effect on overall sustainability if not considered in conjunction with other policies and that new rail lines and shared bikes may only have benefits in specific zones. Shared and automated vehicles could increase VKT by 60% and reduce active and public transport trips by a quarter. As such, nuanced integrated policy approaches will be required that are similar to those currently in place, such as imposed car shedding and taxi fleet control.
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Open AccessArticle
A Focus on Railway Shift in Urban Freight Transport: Scenarios and Applications
by
Antonio Comi and Olesia Hriekova
Future Transp. 2024, 4(3), 681-696; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4030032 - 21 Jun 2024
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This research germinates from the statement that cities need to solve the impacts caused by freight transport to improve their sustainability by implementing a set of city logistic measures. Urban freight distribution through environmentally friendly vehicle measures is one of the main sustainable
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This research germinates from the statement that cities need to solve the impacts caused by freight transport to improve their sustainability by implementing a set of city logistic measures. Urban freight distribution through environmentally friendly vehicle measures is one of the main sustainable actions being implemented worldwide, with a significant potential to reduce the congestion and pollution levels according to the assessment performed around the world. In this context, this paper aims to explore the use of railways for urban freight transport and then focuses on the potential of shifting from a road to railway system, which uses an advanced demand modelling framework specified and calibrated according to the results of surveys carried out in the study area. Subsequently, the potential benefits of introducing this urban freight transport through the metro system in Rome (Italy) are investigated, showing significant positive effects, both in terms of operational and external costs.
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Open AccessArticle
Self-Reported Speed Compliance and Drivers Speeding Behaviour in Cameroon
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Stephen Kome Fondzenyuy, Christian Steven Fowo Fotso, Steffel Ludivin Tezong Feudjio, Davide Shingo Usami and Luca Persia
Future Transp. 2024, 4(2), 659-680; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4020031 - 12 Jun 2024
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Speeding is a significant global issue, with disparities in speed and safety outcomes between low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). This study aims to address speed research gaps in LMICs by examining the prevalence of self-reported speeding and factors influencing
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Speeding is a significant global issue, with disparities in speed and safety outcomes between low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). This study aims to address speed research gaps in LMICs by examining the prevalence of self-reported speeding and factors influencing drivers’ speeding behavior using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). An online survey involving 387 anonymous drivers was conducted in Yaoundé. Results showed that all drivers reported exceeding speed limits, with 81% exceeding them by 5 km/h, 12% by 10 km/h, and 7% by more than 10 km/h in urban areas. On highways, 54% reported exceeding the limit by more than 10 km/h. Age, driver’s license, and gender showed significant associations with speed limit non-compliance. This study’s results suggest that the TPB can be useful in assessing speeding behavior, as the inclusion of TPB variables led to a more than 50% proportionate increase in speeding behavior variance. Structural equation modeling revealed attitude towards speeding as the strongest predictor of speeding intention, along with certain demographics indirectly influencing speeding behavior through speeding intention. Perceived behavioral control and speeding intention directly influenced speeding behavior. These findings emphasize the potential of interventions targeting attitude, intentions, and perceived behavioral control to modify speeding behavior and improve road safety.
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Open AccessArticle
Shared Lightweight Autonomous Vehicles for Urban Food Deliveries: A Simulation Study
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Ainhoa Genua Cerviño, Naroa Coretti Sanchez, Elaine Liu Wang, Arnaud Grignard and Kent Larson
Future Transp. 2024, 4(2), 634-658; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4020030 - 11 Jun 2024
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In recent years, the rapid growth of on-demand delivery services, especially in food deliveries, has spurred the exploration of innovative mobility solutions. In this context, lightweight autonomous vehicles have emerged as a potential alternative. However, their fleet-level behavior remains largely unexplored. To address
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In recent years, the rapid growth of on-demand delivery services, especially in food deliveries, has spurred the exploration of innovative mobility solutions. In this context, lightweight autonomous vehicles have emerged as a potential alternative. However, their fleet-level behavior remains largely unexplored. To address this gap, we have developed an agent-based model and an environmental impact study assessing the fleet performance of lightweight autonomous food delivery vehicles. This model explores critical factors such as fleet sizing, service level, operational strategies, and environmental impacts. We have applied this model to a case study in Cambridge, MA, USA, where results indicate that there could be significant environmental benefits in replacing traditional car-based deliveries with shared lightweight autonomous vehicle fleets. Lastly, we introduce an interactive platform that offers a user-friendly means of comprehending the model’s performance and potential trade-offs, which can help inform decision-makers in the evolving landscape of food delivery innovation.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Passenger Car Tailpipe Emissions in Different World Regions through 2050
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Murat Senzeybek, Mario Feinauer, Isheeka Dasgupta and Simone Ehrenberger
Future Transp. 2024, 4(2), 608-633; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4020029 - 7 Jun 2024
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This study presents a carbon dioxide (CO2), exhaust particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) tailpipe emission analysis of passenger cars in nine countries, representing different world regions up to 2050 using a bottom-up calculation method. A
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This study presents a carbon dioxide (CO2), exhaust particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) tailpipe emission analysis of passenger cars in nine countries, representing different world regions up to 2050 using a bottom-up calculation method. A diffusion model is used to analyze the development of different drivetrain/fuel technologies in the respective vehicle stocks of each world region. Drivetrain- and country-specific emission factors are weighted according to the modelled stock compositions. The obtained stock fleets’ average emission factors are multiplied by the transport demand in order to obtain the total passenger car emissions. Our findings reveal global passenger car CO2, NOx and PM2.5 emissions decrease by approximately 45%, 63% and 54%, respectively, between 2015 and 2050. Gasoline will remain a significant energy carrier in 2050 with about a 25% stock share. However, electric vehicles will be in the lead, especially after 2040. Additionally, rising transport demand offsets emission reductions in some regions. This study aims to provide global and regional insights into future emissions trends and their driving factors.
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Open AccessReview
Vehicle Platooning: A Detailed Literature Review on Environmental Impacts and Future Research Directions
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Micael Rebelo, Sandra Rafael and Jorge M. Bandeira
Future Transp. 2024, 4(2), 591-607; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4020028 - 3 Jun 2024
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This paper provides a detailed literature review of the environmental implications of vehicle platooning, a topic gaining significant attention in transportation. While previous reviews have focused on the safety, planning, fuel economy, and microsimulation aspects of platooning, this paper delves into environmental aspects.
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This paper provides a detailed literature review of the environmental implications of vehicle platooning, a topic gaining significant attention in transportation. While previous reviews have focused on the safety, planning, fuel economy, and microsimulation aspects of platooning, this paper delves into environmental aspects. It identifies a lack of research adopting a holistic approach to transport and environmental benefits and emphasizes the need for further research to enhance vehicle efficiency and improve air quality and health conditions. This study traces the historical evolution of platooning, highlighting the shift in research focus over the decades. It advocates for more research on platooning’s environmental aspects, particularly pollutant emissions and air quality. The primary contributions of this work are threefold and include the following: firstly, it delineates simulation methodologies for platooning and the associated pollutant emissions; secondly, it offers a critical assessment of the existing literature on vehicle emissions, fuel consumption, and energy savings; and thirdly, it illuminates the prospective research challenges within the specialized domain of vehicle platooning.
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Open AccessArticle
Application of Hybrid Deep Reinforcement Learning for Managing Connected Cars at Pedestrian Crossings: Challenges and Research Directions
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Alexandre Brunoud, Alexandre Lombard, Nicolas Gaud and Abdeljalil Abbas-Turki
Future Transp. 2024, 4(2), 579-590; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4020027 - 28 May 2024
Abstract
The autonomous vehicle is an innovative field for the application of machine learning algorithms. Controlling an agent designed to drive safely in traffic is very complex as human behavior is difficult to predict. An individual’s actions depend on a large number of factors
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The autonomous vehicle is an innovative field for the application of machine learning algorithms. Controlling an agent designed to drive safely in traffic is very complex as human behavior is difficult to predict. An individual’s actions depend on a large number of factors that cannot be acquired directly by visualization. The size of the vehicle, its vulnerability, its perception of the environment and weather conditions, among others, are all parameters that profoundly modify the actions that the optimized model should take. The agent must therefore have a great capacity for adaptation and anticipation in order to drive while ensuring the safety of users, especially pedestrians, who remain the most vulnerable users on the road. Deep reinforcement learning (DRL), a sub-field that is supported by the community for its real-time learning capability and the long-term temporal aspect of its objectives looks promising for AV control. In a previous article, we were able to show the strong capabilities of a DRL model with a continuous action space to manage the speed of a vehicle when approaching a pedestrian crossing. One of the points that remains to be addressed is the notion of discrete decision-making intrinsically linked to speed control. In this paper, we will present the problems of AV control during a pedestrian crossing, starting with a modelization and a DRL model with hybrid action space adapted to the scalability of a vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) encounter. We will also present the difficulties raised by the scalability and the curriculum-based method.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Issues in Transport and Mobility)
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Open AccessArticle
Investigating and Improving Pedestrian Safety in an Urban Environment of a Low- or Middle-Income Country: A Case Study of Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Steffel Ludivin Tezong Feudjio, Dimitri Tchaheu Tchaheu, Stephen Kome Fondzenyuy, Isaac Ndumbe Jackai II, Davide Shingo Usami and Luca Persia
Future Transp. 2024, 4(2), 548-578; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4020026 - 17 May 2024
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In Yaoundé, Cameroon, where walking dominates transport modes, pedestrian safety remains an issue as pedestrians account for a fair share of road traffic casualties, partly due to the lack of walking policies and pedestrian facilities safety data, hindering targeted intervention. This study used
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In Yaoundé, Cameroon, where walking dominates transport modes, pedestrian safety remains an issue as pedestrians account for a fair share of road traffic casualties, partly due to the lack of walking policies and pedestrian facilities safety data, hindering targeted intervention. This study used a pedestrian safety index (PSI) and the Global Walkability Index (GWI) to investigate 12 road segments frequented by diverse pedestrian groups. Indexes were graded from E—lowest to A—highest and analyzed using description and rank correlation. Main safety issues included lack of adequate and accessible sidewalks, bollards, pedestrian crossings, signage, shade, and street lighting. Only one segment (R7) achieved grade C, while the remainder scored D or E, indicating poor pedestrian safety conditions and an unpleasant walking experience. The correlation coefficient (0.69) between the PSI and GWI at a 99% significance level validated the safety assessment, providing confidence in the results. A seven-year (2024–2030) safety strategy is proposed to improve all roads to grade B. This strategy contains several interventions, including engineering improvement, which have been proven effective. This study offers evidence for city officials to improve pedestrian safety and informs walking policies and the implementation of upcoming projects. Future research should quantify the recommendations’ benefits and validate indexes with crash or conflict data.
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Open AccessReview
Towards Environmentally Sustainable Aviation: A Review on Operational Optimization
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Laura Calvet
Future Transp. 2024, 4(2), 518-547; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4020025 - 17 May 2024
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In recent years, the rapid growth of air traffic has intensified pressure on the air transport system, leading to congestion problems in airports and airspace. The projected increase in demand exacerbates these issues, necessitating immediate attention. Additionally, there is a growing concern regarding
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In recent years, the rapid growth of air traffic has intensified pressure on the air transport system, leading to congestion problems in airports and airspace. The projected increase in demand exacerbates these issues, necessitating immediate attention. Additionally, there is a growing concern regarding the environmental impact of the aviation sector. To tackle these challenges, the adoption of advanced methods and technologies shows promise in expanding current airspace capacity and improving its management. This paper presents an overview of sustainable aviation, drawing on publications from academia and industry. The emphasis is on optimizing both flight and ground operations. Specifically, the review delves into recent advancements in airline operations, airport operations, flight operations, and disruption management, analyzing their respective research objectives, problem formulations, methodologies, and computational experiments. Furthermore, the review identifies emerging trends, prevailing obstacles, and potential directions for future research.
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluating Distraction Safety Performance Indicators in an Urban Area of a Low- or Middle-Income Country: A Case Study of Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Steffel Ludivin Tezong Feudjio, Boris Junior Feudjio Tchinda, Stephen Kome Fondzenyuy, Davide Shingo Usami and Luca Persia
Future Transp. 2024, 4(2), 491-517; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4020024 - 14 May 2024
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Distracted driving is a major cause of road traffic crashes in Yaoundé. This is partly due to the scarcity of enforcement and a lack of evidence and investigation using the distraction safety performance indicator (SPI), hindering evidence-based interventions. This study aimed to address
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Distracted driving is a major cause of road traffic crashes in Yaoundé. This is partly due to the scarcity of enforcement and a lack of evidence and investigation using the distraction safety performance indicator (SPI), hindering evidence-based interventions. This study aimed to address this evidence gap by evaluating the distraction SPI using a proven methodology. Data on distracted driving (handheld mobile device; interaction; eating/smoking/drinking) were collected from roadside observations on 36 randomly selected road sections carefully spread to cover the city. SPIs were computed and weighted with traffic volume to ensure the representativeness of the values. A total of 41,004 drivers were observed (38,248 in cars; 1116 in vans; 977 in trucks; 663 in buses). The prevalence of distracted driving in Yaoundé is 13.69% for the three distractions type combined. The prevalence is 7.84% for interaction, 4.89% for handled mobile device usage and 0.96% for eating/smoking/drinking. Leveraging these insights, a seven year (2024–2030) fighting strategy aimed at halving the prevalence was developed. The strategy contains interventions including legislation/enforcement, which have been proven to be effective. This study, pioneered in Yaoundé, provides stakeholders with evidence of the issue and measures to implement and can also be used when developing a road safety strategy. Future research should consider investigation at national level.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluating Attitudes and Preferences towards Walking in Two European Cities
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Fernando Fonseca, George Papageorgiou, Elisa Conticelli, Mona Jabbari, Paulo J. G. Ribeiro, Simona Tondelli and Rui Ramos
Future Transp. 2024, 4(2), 475-490; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4020023 - 6 May 2024
Abstract
Understanding pedestrian perceptions and attitudes is crucial for promoting walking as a daily transportation mode for sustainable mobility and the effective development of smart cities. Pedestrian preferences, shaped by factors such as age, gender, and urban infrastructure, play a pivotal role in travel
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Understanding pedestrian perceptions and attitudes is crucial for promoting walking as a daily transportation mode for sustainable mobility and the effective development of smart cities. Pedestrian preferences, shaped by factors such as age, gender, and urban infrastructure, play a pivotal role in travel behaviors. Based on a survey study, this paper examines the impact of individual and urban factors on pedestrian perceptions and attitudes towards walking in the cities of Bologna and Porto. Results reveal that individuals generally value short, safe, and green walking routes, appreciating walking for physical activity, cost savings, and time efficiency. Disliked aspects include adverse weather conditions and walking on inadequate sidewalks. Through carrying out Chi-square statistical analysis tests, a variety of significant correlations between individual and urban variables have been revealed on what people like or dislike about walking. For instance, males, young individuals, and students were more likely to prefer short pedestrian routes, while adults and seniors favored safe and green routes. These findings can assist urban planners in identifying factors that make walking both convenient and enjoyable and in supporting sustainable urban mobility policies.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Developing Small-Cargo Flows in Cities Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
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Aldona Jarašūnienė, Margarita Išoraitė and Artūras Petraška
Future Transp. 2024, 4(2), 450-474; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4020022 - 1 May 2024
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Modern technology allows for the simplification of a number of functions in industry and business. Many companies have achieved a high level of robotisation and automation in the use of services, including companies operating in the transport sector, where smart systems help to
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Modern technology allows for the simplification of a number of functions in industry and business. Many companies have achieved a high level of robotisation and automation in the use of services, including companies operating in the transport sector, where smart systems help to control load planning, the issuing of documents, the tracking and transportation of shipments, etc. Drones can be exploited as smart assistants in delivering cargo in cities. Since it is a new technology capable of working autonomously, it presents various legal, psychological, and physical challenges. This article presents an analysis of the scientific literature on the development of small-cargo flows using drones and a research methodology on the development of the use of drones, presenting a model which helps to address the issue of cargo delivery in cities.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Control Unit for Battery Charge Management in Electric Vehicles (EVs)
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Carlos Armenta-Deu and Théo Coulaud
Future Transp. 2024, 4(2), 429-449; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4020021 - 17 Apr 2024
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This paper describes the design of a control unit for efficient battery charge management in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The system design aims at controlling the performance of the charging process of dual lithium-ion battery blocks in electric vehicles, with a main battery
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This paper describes the design of a control unit for efficient battery charge management in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The system design aims at controlling the performance of the charging process of dual lithium-ion battery blocks in electric vehicles, with a main battery that powers the vehicle and an auxiliary one for servicing the ancillary equipment. In this paper, we design and analyze the protocol of a control unit that operates and regulates the battery charge in electric vehicles to obtain optimum performance. The so-designed system enhances the battery charge process and protects the main battery from capacity reduction, thus enlarging the driving range of the electric vehicle. We design a specific protocol for an electric circuit that reproduces the structure of the battery charge system of an electric vehicle. The control system improves the efficiency of the auxiliary battery charge by 4.5%. The theoretical simulation matches experimental values in a simulation test by 98.4%.
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Open AccessArticle
Statistical and Clustering-Based Assessment of Variable Speed Limits Effects on Motorway Performance from Real-World Observations
by
Natalia Isaenko, Chiara Colombaroni, Gaetano Fusco and Zahra Lahijanian
Future Transp. 2024, 4(2), 409-428; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4020020 - 12 Apr 2024
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Variable Speed Limit (VSL) systems aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety performance have been implemented around the world in previous years. However, field studies have shown controversial results regarding traffic performance improvement. This study integrates statistical testing methods and clustering techniques for
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Variable Speed Limit (VSL) systems aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety performance have been implemented around the world in previous years. However, field studies have shown controversial results regarding traffic performance improvement. This study integrates statistical testing methods and clustering techniques for assessing the effect of a non-mandatory VSL system on traffic flow performances on a 14-km portion of the Padua–Mestre motorway in Italy. Statistical analysis is conducted on the observed speeds, collected for almost one year, to identify any significant differences provided by VSL activation. The changes in global motorway performances induced by the VSL in typical traffic patterns under recurring congestion are assessed using both statistical tests and two specific clustering algorithms, namely K-means and DBSCAN. The results indicate that the VSL system effectively affects the observed speeds and alleviates congested conditions: the observed reduction in mean travel time ranges is around 4% with the VSL system active across various lanes; the standard deviation of vehicular speeds witnessed a decrease of 12% to 20% in the most congested segments, while no notable distinction is observed in traffic flows.
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Open AccessArticle
Simulation-Based Investigation of On-Demand Vehicle Deployment for Night Bus Routes Using the Monte Carlo Method
by
Shen Wang, Thomas Weber, Dieter Schramm and Thorben Berns
Future Transp. 2024, 4(2), 380-408; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4020019 - 9 Apr 2024
Abstract
Public transportation systems, including trams and buses, play a crucial role in urban traffic. However, these traditional modes of transport have some well-known drawbacks, such as long distances between stops, lengthy waiting times, and a lack of privacy. In response to these challenges,
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Public transportation systems, including trams and buses, play a crucial role in urban traffic. However, these traditional modes of transport have some well-known drawbacks, such as long distances between stops, lengthy waiting times, and a lack of privacy. In response to these challenges, an innovative mobility concept called “FLAIT-train” offers potential solutions. The FLAIT-train operates on regular roads and aims to provide DOOR-2-DOOR transport, addressing the issues associated with fixed stops and offering increased accessibility and convenience. In its initial phase, the FLAIT-train operates on exclusive lanes, but it is designed to integrate with other traffic eventually. The vehicle technology of FLAIT-trains closely resembles that of battery electric autonomous vehicles. To assess whether FLAIT-trains can be used as a suitable alternative to conventional public transportation systems, this paper employs traffic simulations that consider key performance indicators, including the average waiting time per passenger, maximum waiting time of a single passenger, average in-vehicle time per passenger, and average occupancy rate of the vehicles. Using SUMO software (“Simulation of Urban Mobility”, version 1.12.0), a night bus service scenario is meticulously designed and generated. Within this scenario, both FLAIT-trains and conventional buses are simulated under identical conditions and based on statistical data.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Transportation in Sustainable Energy Systems)
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