Advanced Transportation Systems and Logistics in Modern Cities

A special issue of Systems (ISSN 2079-8954). This special issue belongs to the section "Systems Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 945

Special Issue Editors

Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Hum, Hong Kong
Interests: transportation and logistics system optimization; emergency management; shipping management; port management

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Guest Editor
School of Maritime Economics and Management, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
Interests: logistics network design; transportation
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Guest Editor
Faculty of Maritime and Transportation, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
Interests: land-use and transportation modeling; maritime economics and management; transportation demand analyses; shipping network design; port terminal operation and scheduling; urban logistics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Modern urban environments are evolving into highly interconnected ecosystems where transportation and logistics serve as vital arteries of economic and social activity. With the rapid expansion of metropolitan areas, the management of these systems requires increasingly sophisticated strategies to handle complexity, ensure efficiency, and maintain sustainability. Advanced technologies—such as digital twins, big data analytics, and intelligent modeling—are now essential for optimizing supply chains and traffic networks under dynamic conditions.

This Special Issue aims to capture the broad spectrum of innovations in urban transportation and logistics. We are interested in research that addresses the multifaceted challenges of modern cities, ranging from routine network optimization and last-mile delivery to the management of critical infrastructure and crisis responses. Consequently, we encourage studies that not only explore general smart transportation systems but also consider specialized scenarios, such as the integration of port logistics within urban systems and the deployment of resilient networks for emergency management.

We invite contributions that propose novel methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and practical case studies. Whether focusing on general traffic flow, sustainable city logistics, or specific complex subsystems like port–city interfaces and disaster relief logistics, your work will contribute to a holistic understanding of how to build smarter, safer, and more efficient cities.

Dr. Xu Xin
Dr. Kang Chen
Prof. Dr. Zhongzhen Yang 
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • urban transportation systems
  • integrated city logistics
  • resilient infrastructure and emergency management
  • port–city interfaces and maritime logistics
  • complex adaptive systems in logistics
  • smart mobility and intelligent planning
  • system dynamics and simulation modeling
  • sustainable socio-technical networks

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

29 pages, 3011 KB  
Article
Region Logistics Network Optimization Based on Regional Economic Synergistic: A Case Study of the Northeast China Sea–Land Grand Corridor
by Lili Qu, Jiarui Zhai and Yining Bai
Systems 2026, 14(4), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14040424 - 10 Apr 2026
Viewed by 119
Abstract
Research on hub-and-spoke logistics networks can effectively advance the construction of the Northeast China Sea–Land Grand Corridor. In the context of regional synergistic development, this study investigates the optimization of the logistics network for the Northeast China Land–Sea Grand Corridor. Focusing on 43 [...] Read more.
Research on hub-and-spoke logistics networks can effectively advance the construction of the Northeast China Sea–Land Grand Corridor. In the context of regional synergistic development, this study investigates the optimization of the logistics network for the Northeast China Land–Sea Grand Corridor. Focusing on 43 prefecture-level cities across Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, and Inner Mongolia, a hub-and-spoke logistics network optimization model is developed. The model aims to minimize total network costs while satisfying specific network resilience thresholds. It integrates multi-modal transport and incorporates considerations such as economies of scale, node heterogeneity in resilience evaluation, and route redundancy. Based on this, the study employs the entropy weight method to establish a comprehensive evaluation system for regional logistics and economic development levels and applies an improved coupling coordination degree model to assess the synergistic relationship between these two systems. A modified gravity model, with the coupling coordination degree as a moderating coefficient, is constructed to quantify the strength of logistics–economic linkages between cities. Furthermore, social network analysis and a logistics affiliation model are used to identify key hub cities. The results demonstrate that the optimized network significantly enhances transport efficiency, achieves substantial economies of scale and strikes a balance between cost efficiency and system resilience. This research provides a quantitative foundation and practical reference for node layout planning and multi-modal transport organization along the Northeast China Sea–Land Grand Corridor, and its methodological framework can inform logistics network planning in similar regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Transportation Systems and Logistics in Modern Cities)
24 pages, 2160 KB  
Article
Navigating Uncertainty in Advanced Air Mobility: Scenario Planning for Policy Pathways at San Francisco International Airport
by Susan Shaheen, Adam Cohen and Brooke Wolfe
Systems 2026, 14(4), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14040423 - 10 Apr 2026
Viewed by 197
Abstract
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) includes innovative aviation technologies and services that could alter how people and goods are transported. However, future AAM growth and potential regional integration are uncertain and influenced by a range of factors. In this paper, we report findings from [...] Read more.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) includes innovative aviation technologies and services that could alter how people and goods are transported. However, future AAM growth and potential regional integration are uncertain and influenced by a range of factors. In this paper, we report findings from expert interviews (n = 35) and a scenario planning workshop (n = 32 stakeholders), conducted between August 2024 and July 2025, to explore potential alternative futures for AAM at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We applied a two-axis framework: regulatory environment (supportive vs. restrictive) and economic conditions (vibrant vs. stagnant). Building on this, we developed four plausible scenarios for the 2025 to 2030 and post-2030 time horizons. We apply the SPELT (social, political, economic, legal, technological) framework to assess cross-cutting drivers, tensions, and indicators across the four scenarios based on two timeframes, i.e., 2025 to 2030 and post-2030. Our analysis of the scenarios reveals that regulatory clarity and macroeconomic conditions are key influencers that define the pace and scale of AAM growth, while community impacts (e.g., noise), public acceptance, and infrastructure availability are constraints. These factors largely determine whether technical readiness can translate into scaled deployment. Cross-cutting themes across all of the scenarios consistently shape the outcomes: (1) equity and community acceptance strongly influence political feasibility; (2) SFO and other airports can serve dual roles as conveners and practical enablers but face risks of stranded assets; and (3) flexible, modular infrastructure and incremental investment strategies reduce uncertainty for SFO and other Bay Area airports and public agencies. Together, the findings suggest that while the future of AAM is uncertain, policy and planning responses can assist airports, local governments, and other public agencies in preparing for potential developments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Transportation Systems and Logistics in Modern Cities)
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