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Towards Sustainable Urban Transport System
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Towards Sustainable Urban Transport System

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 September 2025) | Viewed by 5593

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ammar O. Abulibdeh

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Humanities Department, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Interests: sustainable transportation; smart mobility; transport equity and accessibility; spatial analysis
Dr. Mohamed Kharbeche

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Qatar Transportation and Traffic Safety Center, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Interests: sustainable transportation; smart mobility; transport equity and accessibility; spatial analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue addresses the critical need for innovative solutions in urban mobility, aiming to reduce environmental impact, enhance efficiency, and improve social equity and, given the pressing challenges of climate change, urbanization, and the need for sustainable development, this research area is of paramount importance. The Special Issue seeks to explore scientific and technological advances, policy implications, and practical strategies for transitioning to sustainable urban transport systems. It highlights the urgency of addressing pollution, traffic congestion, and accessibility issues through interdisciplinary research and collaboration, setting a platform for scholars and practitioners to contribute towards sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban futures.

Therefore, this Special Issue focuses on advancing research, policy, and practice in creating environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially equitable urban transportation solutions. It aims to gather cutting-edge studies on innovative transport technologies, urban planning strategies, policy frameworks, and behavioral insights that can contribute to the reduction of carbon footprints, enhancement of public transit systems, promotion of non-motorized transport, and integration of smart mobility solutions. The Special Issue would serve as a platform for interdisciplinary discourse, fostering collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to drive the transition towards more sustainable urban transport ecosystems.

This Special Issue aligns closely with the scope of the journal, which focuses on the technical, environmental, cultural, economic, and social aspects of sustainability. The journal's commitment to a broad, interdisciplinary approach to sustainability research encompasses the critical elements of sustainable urban transport, including technological innovations, policy and planning for environmental preservation, and social equity. It also addresses the impact of urbanization, industrial development, energy crises, and changing patterns of production and consumption—all of which are integral to developing sustainable urban transport solutions. This subject fits well within the journal's aim to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by promoting scientific research and policy-making that contribute to sustainable development across various domains, including urban transport systems.

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

  • Innovations in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Exploring advancements in vehicle technology and infrastructure to support electric and hybrid transportation.
  • Smart Mobility and Transportation Systems: Utilizing AI, IoT, and Big Data to enhance traffic management and public transport efficiency, and shared mobility solutions.
  • Mobility as a Service (MaaS): Solutions that integrates various modes of transport into a unified, accessible, and user-centric service.
  • Policy and Planning for Sustainable Urban Transport: Examining the role of government policies, urban planning, and public–private partnerships in promoting sustainable transport.
  • Active Transportation and Urban Design: Encouraging walking and cycling through city design, safety measures, and community engagement.
  • Public Transport Revitalization: Strategies for improving accessibility, reliability, and coverage of public transport systems.
  • Impact of Urban Transport on Climate Change: Assessing the contribution of urban transport to greenhouse gas emissions and strategies to mitigate these effects.
  • Socioeconomic Aspects of Sustainable Transport: Addressing issues of transport equity, affordability, and its impacts on urban poverty.
  • Technological Integration and Future Transport Systems: Exploring the potential of autonomous vehicles, mobility as a service, and other futuristic transport concepts.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Ammar O. Abulibdeh
Dr. Mohamed Kharbeche
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable mobility
  • electric vehicles
  • smart cities
  • public transit systems
  • carbon emission reduction
  • shared mobility
  • mobility as a service
  • non-motorized transport
  • green infrastructure
  • transportation policy
  • climate resilience

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 1112 KB  
Article
Understanding Pro-Environmental Behavior in Sustainable Mobility: An Integrated Framework for Electric Vehicle (EV) Purchase Intentions
by Bireswar Dutta
Sustainability 2025, 17(19), 8632; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17198632 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
The current study explores the factors influencing Taiwanese consumers’ Electric Vehicle (EV) purchase intentions. An integrated study framework, combining the Norm Activation Model (NAM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), was employed to provide a holistic understanding of pro-environmental behavior, addressing the [...] Read more.
The current study explores the factors influencing Taiwanese consumers’ Electric Vehicle (EV) purchase intentions. An integrated study framework, combining the Norm Activation Model (NAM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), was employed to provide a holistic understanding of pro-environmental behavior, addressing the limitations of each theory when used independently. A total of 421 responses were examined using a two-phase Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) methodology. SEM identified significant associations, while ANN ranked the relative impact of predictors. The results showed that attitude, perceived behavioral control, and personal norms were positively linked to purchase intention. Problem awareness significantly affected personal norms, attitude, and ascription of responsibility. Sensitivity analysis revealed that ascription of responsibility was the foremost predictor of personal norms, and personal norms had the most substantial impact on attitude. The ANN results largely supported the SEM findings, demonstrating high prediction accuracy (RMSE 0.115–0.122). The study’s originality lies in its hybrid SEM-ANN approach to synthesizing NAM and TPB, providing a nuanced understanding of consumer EV adoption intentions. The findings highlight the need for public awareness campaigns, fostering personal responsibility, and reinforcing positive attitudes toward EVs to promote sustainable mobility. The empirical findings not only enrich the theoretical understanding of how altruistic and rational considerations converge to predict pro-environmental technological adoption but also offer clear targets for policymakers and marketers to influence consumer decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Urban Transport System)
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29 pages, 3090 KB  
Article
Developing a Comprehensive Survey System for Assessing MaaS Impacts on Travel Behavior: Design, Implementation, and Descriptive Insights
by Ahmad Kotaem, Nobuaki Ohmori and Ahmed Mosa
Sustainability 2025, 17(18), 8500; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17188500 - 22 Sep 2025
Abstract
This study presents the development and implementation of an integrated survey system designed to evaluate the impact of MaaS in the context of Cairo’s rapidly evolving urban landscape. The research employs a dual-survey methodology, combining an RP household travel survey with an innovative, [...] Read more.
This study presents the development and implementation of an integrated survey system designed to evaluate the impact of MaaS in the context of Cairo’s rapidly evolving urban landscape. The research employs a dual-survey methodology, combining an RP household travel survey with an innovative, context-aware SP experiment focused on MaaS. The system is tailored to address the complexities of Cairo’s formal and informal transport networks and the transformative potential of new public transit infrastructure associated with Cairo’s urban expansion and the introduction of the New Administrative Capital. The paper outlines the methodological framework, including the design of the survey instruments, drawing upon established guidelines and the integration of real-world transportation data for realistic scenario generation in the SP component. While this paper primarily focuses on the development of the survey system and its design principles, it also incorporates some preliminary findings from a 313-participant full-scale survey to illustrate the potential of this comprehensive approach for understanding current travel behaviour, socio-demographic determinants of mobility, and the prospects of context-aware SP data to assess user preferences for potential MaaS offerings. Results highlight the methodological advances in survey design for developing cities and aim to offer policy-relevant evidence for sustainable mobility interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Urban Transport System)
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21 pages, 492 KB  
Article
Analysis of the Human Barriers to Using Bicycles as a Means of Transportation in Developing Cities
by Gustavo Adolfo Correa Solano, Julián David Castañeda Muñoz, Angelica Chappe Chappe, Rogelio Manuel Alvarado Martinez, Rossember Edén Cardenas-Torres, Claudia Patricia Ortiz and Daniel Ricardo Delgado
Sustainability 2025, 17(18), 8264; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17188264 - 15 Sep 2025
Viewed by 228
Abstract
In the context of mounting mobility issues in Latin American cities, bicycles are emerging as a vital sustainable solution. However, their widespread adoption is hindered by various obstacles. This study aimed to identify and prioritize human factors inhibiting bicycle use in Colombia to [...] Read more.
In the context of mounting mobility issues in Latin American cities, bicycles are emerging as a vital sustainable solution. However, their widespread adoption is hindered by various obstacles. This study aimed to identify and prioritize human factors inhibiting bicycle use in Colombia to support the development of effective public policies, given that research in this area mainly focuses on designing and developing road infrastructure for cyclists. An artificial intelligence classification methodology was applied to data from a self-administered online survey of 2068 participants. An objective variable was constructed to classify respondents as “potential users” or “non-potential users,” and three models (Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and XGBoost) were used to analyze the predictive power of different barriers. The results from the three models consistently show that personal, convenience, and safety perception barriers are significantly more important predictors than infrastructure factors. Specifically, inconvenience due to subsequent activities, perceived insecurity when cycling, and concern about sweating were consistently ranked as the most critical barriers. Therefore, to effectively promote cycling, public policies should address not only infrastructure development but also the mitigation of subjective and logistical barriers. Thus, these results can inform the design of more holistic mobility programs and serve as a foundation for future research on sustainable mobility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Urban Transport System)
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20 pages, 10766 KB  
Article
Towards Sustainable Urban Mobility: Voronoi-Based Spatial Analysis of EV Charging Stations in Bangkok
by Sornkitja Boonprong, Nathapat Punturasan, Pariwate Varnakovida and Wichien Prechathamwong
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4729; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114729 - 1 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4243
Abstract
This study leverages the efficacy of Voronoi diagram theory within a mixed-methods approach to thoroughly examine the spatial distribution, service coverage, and optimal locations for expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Bangkok. Drawing on data from field surveys and public data providers, [...] Read more.
This study leverages the efficacy of Voronoi diagram theory within a mixed-methods approach to thoroughly examine the spatial distribution, service coverage, and optimal locations for expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Bangkok. Drawing on data from field surveys and public data providers, our analysis unfolds in four key stages. Firstly, we delve into the spatial distribution of charging stations, scrutinizing density, proximity to various road types, and land use through the lens of Voronoi diagrams. Secondly, the application of Voronoi diagrams informs the evaluation of service boundaries. Thirdly, utilizing this effective tool, we assess population density per parking slot or charging head to anticipate future EV adoption. Finally, the study introduces an approach to identify suitable locations for new charging stations through the application of overlapping Voronoi circles. Findings reveal a clustered distribution of charging stations along roads, particularly in the central business district, showcasing the efficiency of Voronoi diagrams in spatial analysis. Residential areas and urban commercial zones also host significant charging station concentrations. Notably, service coverage in inner Bangkok surpasses that of middle and outer areas, highlighting underserved regions. Prospective areas for new charging stations, identified through Voronoi analysis, include Bang Khae, Phra Khanong, Min Buri, and Huai Khwang. This research, rooted in the application of Voronoi diagram theory, offers vital insights for various stakeholders involved in urban infrastructure planning. By employing Voronoi diagrams within Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the study contributes to strategically placing charging stations, optimizing spatial understanding, and enhancing resource allocation. This GIS-based approach not only supports the rise of electric vehicles but also promotes sustainable urban development practices through the efficient utilization of spatial data and analysis techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Urban Transport System)
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