Innovative Transport Systems: Integrating Urban Logistics, Environmental Impact, and Climate Resilience

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Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Interests: innovative transport systems; city logistics; freight transport by rail and by sea; passenger transport; acoustic capacity of roads; port telematization; transport systems simulation; optimization algorithms
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Guest Editor
College of Maritime Transport and Technology, Arab Academy for Science Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Alexandria 5528341, Egypt
Interests: physical oceanography and climatology; climate change; sea-level rise; air temperature trends; meteorological and oceanographic data analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Transport systems show a relevant environmental footprint and are a significant cause of climate change. Most responsible for climate change are CO2 emissions, yet transport systems also have an acoustic impact. The environmental footprint of transport systems is especially due to road transport; therefore, combined long-distance freight transport and new solutions for city logistics have been developed. On the other hand, innovative transport systems have been studied, for example, those based on automated vehicles. However, the establishment of innovative transport systems has to overcome some significant legal issues.

This Special Issue focuses on the design and optimization of innovative transport systems for passenger and freight transport, and the analysis of the environmental impacts of transport systems, as well as the consequences of climate change and the legal constraints to the development of innovative transport systems. Topics include, but are not strictly limited to, the following:

  • Innovative transport systems for city logistics;
  • Intermodal freight transport;
  • Passenger transport in urban and low-demand areas;
  • Automated and semi-automated vehicles;
  • Transport system modelling and simulation;
  • Transport demand forecasting;
  • Noise and atmospheric emissions of traffic;
  • Transport system impact on climate change;
  • Strategies for extreme weather event risk reduction and system resilience;
  • Legal challenges of autonomous vehicles and liability issues;
  • Data protection and privacy concerns in intelligent transport systems;
  • Cybersecurity and legal responsibilities in smart transportation;
  • International regulation of emerging high-speed transport systems;
  • Sustainable transport and environmental compliance in transport law;
  • Passenger rights and consumer protection in emerging mobility systems;
  • Legal frameworks supporting smart city mobility initiatives;
  • Business models of innovative transport systems;
  • Transport system economic analysis.

Dr. Alessandro Farina
Dr. Kareem Tonbol
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • environmental footprint of maritime transport
  • innovative transport systems
  • environmental impact of transport systems
  • climate change assessment
  • extreme weather event risk reduction
  • legal challenges of innovative transport systems
  • legal frameworks for smart city mobility initiatives
  • business models of innovative transport systems
  • transport system economic analysis

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 2100 KB  
Article
Renewable Energy in Shipping: Perceptions Among Egyptian Seafarers
by Adham Torky, Alessandro Farina, Daniele Conte and Kareem Tonbol
Future Transp. 2025, 5(4), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp5040169 - 7 Nov 2025
Viewed by 412
Abstract
This study investigates Egyptian seafarers’ perceptions, barriers, and adoption intentions towards renewable and low-carbon energy technologies. Recognizing the maritime sector’s significant contribution to global emissions and Egypt’s strategic role via the Suez Canal, the authors conducted a cross-sectional survey of 120 seafarers covering [...] Read more.
This study investigates Egyptian seafarers’ perceptions, barriers, and adoption intentions towards renewable and low-carbon energy technologies. Recognizing the maritime sector’s significant contribution to global emissions and Egypt’s strategic role via the Suez Canal, the authors conducted a cross-sectional survey of 120 seafarers covering masters, engineers, and cadets. A questionnaire gauged familiarity with renewable energy, perceived relevance to maritime work, preferred energy sources, and factors influencing choice and perceived enablers, and results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher–Freeman–Halton exact tests. Respondents showed moderate–high awareness of renewable energy. Climate change was primarily associated with sea level rise, rising temperatures, and flooding. Most participants considered renewable energy highly relevant to maritime operations, with stronger endorsement from masters and second mates than from first mates. Solar, wind, and hydrogen were viewed as having the greatest future potential, while availability and cost effectiveness were critical selection factors. Advanced technology and better training were the most valued enablers, whereas high investment costs, limited infrastructure, safety concerns, and training gaps were key barriers. The findings suggest that, although Egyptian seafarers recognize the importance of renewable energy, the main barriers consist of establishment cost, needed infrastructure, safety, and necessity for training. Full article
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17 pages, 4339 KB  
Article
A Logit Approach to Study the Attractiveness of DRT Stops Location: The Case Study of Ragusa, Italy
by Antonio Russo, Tiziana Campisi, Chiara Spadaro, Guilhermina Torrao and Giovanni Tesoriere
Future Transp. 2025, 5(4), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp5040156 - 1 Nov 2025
Viewed by 578
Abstract
Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) services ensure the implementation of more sustainable transport solutions and focuses on the creation of more flexible and personalised public transport systems. They help to reduce the use of cars, improve service efficiency, and reduce the environmental impact. The attractiveness [...] Read more.
Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) services ensure the implementation of more sustainable transport solutions and focuses on the creation of more flexible and personalised public transport systems. They help to reduce the use of cars, improve service efficiency, and reduce the environmental impact. The attractiveness of DRTs depends on the type of activities served (e.g., schools, hospitals, modal interchange hubs). The attractiveness of a specific stop depends not only on its location but also on proximity to essential services (such as schools). The aim of this study is to identify which categories of activities most influence users’ choice of stops. A conditional logit model is developed to analyse drop-off stop selection, based on the location and configuration of key stops and major attraction points in the monitored case study in Ragusa, Sicily (southern Italy). Accessibility to different attraction points from stops is considered as the main independent variable. The results show that proximity to sports facilities and schools strongly influence users’ choice of stops, along with nearby modal interchange stations and shopping-related activities. Conversely, stops near health centres tended to be less attractive in the study area. Furthermore, sports facilities exert the strongest attraction, while travel patterns to health services deviate from existing literature, likely reflecting the limited availability of complementary transport options. Full article
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