Search Results (301)

Background: Increasing regulatory pressure for maritime decarbonization (e.g., IMO CII, FuelEU) drives adoption of low-carbon fuels and prompts reassessment of regional ports’ competitiveness. This study aims to evaluate the economic and environmental viability of rerouting deep-sea container services to regional ports in a decarbonizing world. Methods: A scenario-based analysis is used to evaluate total costs and CO₂ emissions across the entire container shipping supply chain, incorporating deep-sea shipping, port operations, feeder services, and inland rail/road transport. The Port of Liverpool serves as the primary case study for rerouting Asia–Europe services from major ports. Results: Analysis indicates Liverpool’s competitiveness improves with shipping lines’ slow steaming, growth in hinterland shipment volume, reductions in the emission factors of alternative low-carbon fuels, and an increased modal shift to rail matching that of competitor ports (e.g., Southampton). A dual-port strategy, rerouting services to call at both Liverpool and Southampton, shows potential for both economic and environmental benefits. Conclusions: The study concludes that rerouting deep-sea services to regional ports can offer cost and emission advantages under specific operational and market conditions. Findings on factors and conditions influencing competitiveness and the dual-port strategy provide insights for shippers, ports, shipping lines, logistics agents, and policymakers navigating maritime decarbonization. Full article

Rural roads are critical for connecting isolated communities to essential services such as education and health and administrative services, as well as production and market opportunities in low-income countries. More than 70% of movements of people and goods in Sub-Saharan Africa are heavily reliant on rural transport systems, using both motorised but mainly alternative means of transport. However, rural roads often suffer from poor construction due to the use of low-strength, in situ soils and limited financial resources, leading to premature failures and subsequent traffic disruptions with significant economic losses. This study investigates the use of rice husk ash (RHA), a waste byproduct from rice production, as a sustainable supplement to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) for soil stabilisation in order to increase durability and sustainability of rural roads, hence limit recurrent maintenance needs and associated transport costs and challenges. To conduct this study, soil samples collected from Mulungushi, Zambia, were treated with combinations of 6–10% OPC and 10–15% RHA by weight. Laboratory tests measured maximum dry density (MDD), optimum moisture content (OMC), and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values; the main parameters assessed to ensure the quality of road construction soils. Results showed that while the MDD did not change significantly and varied between 1505 kg/m³ and 1519 kg/m³, the OMC increased hugely from 19.6% to as high as 26.2% after treatment with RHA. The CBR value improved significantly, with the 8% OPC + 10% RHA mixture achieving the highest resistance to deformation. These results suggest that RHA can enhance the durability and sustainability of rural roads and hence improve transport systems and subsequently improve socioeconomic factors in rural areas. Full article

The proliferation of digital public service platforms and the expansion of e-government initiatives have significantly increased the volume and diversity of citizen-generated feedback. This trend emphasizes the need for classification systems that are not only tailored to specific administrative domains but also robust to the linguistic, contextual, and structural variability inherent in user-submitted content. This study investigates the comparative effectiveness of large language models (LLMs) alongside instruction-tuned embedding models in the task of categorizing public transportation complaints. LLMs were tested using a few-shot inference, where classification is guided by a small set of in-context examples. Embedding models were assessed under three paradigms: label-only zero-shot classification, instruction-based classification, and supervised fine-tuning. Results indicate that fine-tuned embeddings can achieve or exceed the accuracy of LLMs, reaching up to 90 percent, while offering significant reductions in inference latency and computational overhead. E5 embeddings showed consistent generalization across unseen categories and input shifts, whereas BGE-M3 demonstrated measurable gains when adapted to task-specific distributions. Instruction-based classification produced lower accuracy for both models, highlighting the limitations of prompt conditioning in isolation. These findings position multilingual embedding models as a viable alternative to LLMs for classification at scale in data-intensive public sector environments. Full article

The global shift toward sustainable transportation has gained increasing interest, promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional vehicles as a result of a complex interaction between economic incentives, social dynamics, and environmental imperatives. This study is based on the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to understand the key factors influencing consumers’ intentions in the Sultanate of Oman toward adopting electric vehicles. It is based on a mixed methodology combining quantitative data from a questionnaire of 448 participants, analyzed using ordinal logistic regression, with qualitative thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 18 EV owners. Its results reveal that performance expectations, trust in EV technology, and social influence are the strongest predictors of EV adoption intentions in Oman. These findings suggest that some issues related to charging infrastructure, access to maintenance services, and cost-benefit ratio are key considerations that influence consumers’ intention to accept and use EVs. Conversely, recreational motivation is not a statistically significant factor, which suggests that consumers focus on practical and economic motivations when deciding to adopt EVs rather than on their enjoyment of driving the vehicle. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for decision-makers and practitioners to understand public perceptions of electric vehicles, enabling them to design effective strategies to promote the adoption of these vehicles in the emerging sustainable transportation market of the future. Full article

Ride-pooling (RP) services, in which passengers with similar destinations share a ride, offer considerable potential for enhancing urban mobility by bridging gaps in public transportation (PT) networks and providing a convenient alternative to private car use. For the effective design and operation of such services, a detailed understanding of user preferences and usage patterns is essential. This study investigates differences in RP preferences and usage between day and night (with nighttime defined as 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.), drawing on both a stated choice experiment (SCE) and revealed preference data collected in Mannheim, Germany. The focus lies on the local RP service fips, which is integrated into the PT system. The SCE, conducted in 2024 with 566 participants, was analyzed using a nested logit model. The analysis of the SCE reveals that nighttime preferences for RP are characterized by reduced sensitivity to travel time and cost, creating an opportunity for RP operators to optimize stop network designs during nighttime hours by increasing pooling rates. In addition, it indicates a greater likelihood of private car usage at night, especially among women, likely due to safety concerns and limited PT availability. The analysis of revealed preference data provides a complementary perspective. It shows that the RP nighttime service primarily attracts younger users, while many respondents report not being active on weekend nights. However, the combination of low public awareness and limited service availability, evidenced by rejected booking requests, suggests that existing demand is not being fully captured. This implies that low usage is not merely the result of low demand, but also of structural barriers on both the supply and information side. Overcoming these barriers through targeted information campaigns and expansion of nighttime service capacity could substantially enhance sustainable urban travel options during nighttime. Full article

The economic downturns in South Africa present a significant threat, with the potential to disrupt the nation’s notable advances in addressing the persistent challenges of high unemployment, widespread poverty and stark inequality. In the absence of substantial and extensive structural transformation, South Africa’s aspirations to achieve its ambitious development goals may remain unattainable. Building on the precedent of a blend of literature review, comprehensive ex post analysis, and applied general equilibrium modelling tailored for ex ante assessments, this paper assesses options and impacts of alternative ambitious developmental interventions. The results indicate that, despite implementing a variety of strategies, there remains a disheartening underperformance in economic indicators. However, ex ante evaluations indicate that with targeted interventions and supportive government policies, the country can achieve economic growth and job creation. Simulation results identify sectors of personal and social service activities, transport, finance, and insurance as having the most formidable potential to significantly reduce unemployment while simultaneously catalysing robust economic growth. These pivotal sectors, nestled within the broader services and industries, are uniquely poised to bolster overall productivity and diminish unemployment, while adeptly absorbing a considerable influx of highly educated and skilled labour. This suggests that South Africa can decisively accelerate its economic progress by embracing a dual-pronged approach: fostering structural shifts towards manufacturing and services, while steadfastly advancing the upskilling of its dynamic workforce. Full article

This study outlines a conceptual discussion within the transport planning field through an extensive systematic literature review that draws upon diverse case studies on alternative transportation. The article focuses on context-dependent multidimensional understandings of alternative transport services in the Global South and the Global North, which other systematic literature review studies lack. Thus, this research aims to pose conceptual differentiations between paratransit, informal transportation, emerging transportation, and micro-mobility to pinpoint specific characteristics and varied understandings of such phenomena for further academic research within transport planning. Tendencies of research approaches and case studies’ policy and regulation based on geographical zones are also addressed. The outcomes enrich the field of study at a theoretical and practical level toward its application in policy and regulation for green transitions of alternative transport services. Full article

A public transportation system consists of complex processes and requires comprehensive planning activities for a city when dealing with the travel behavior decisions of passengers. Travel behavior decisions are important in selecting suitable transportation alternatives for passengers. In the literature, little attention has been paid to prioritizing the criteria and ranking the alternatives for assessing sustainable and traditional public transportation modes when considering the travel behavior decisions of passengers. In this paper, a five-phased novel decision analysis framework, including Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) techniques, is proposed to evaluate the alternatives. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, the novel decision-making framework in this paper has not been employed before to assess sustainable transportation alternatives dealing with the travel behavior decisions of passengers. Next, the thirteen criteria are specified, including economics, safety, travel quality, and environmental and health aspects, to analyze the travel behavior decisions of passengers with regard to the experts’ notions, published reports, and papers. Then, the seven public transportation alternatives are determined, including sustainable and traditional transportation modes. A case study was carried out in Istanbul, Türkiye. Based on the results, service frequency, the vehicle type and its mechanism, and ease of accessibility were found to be the top three significant criteria that affect travel behavior decisions. Furthermore, metro, Marmaray, and metrobus are the top three public transportation alternatives. In addition, the results were verified. Moreover, managerial and theoretical recommendations are provided to policymakers. Lastly, sustainable development goals 11.2 and 11.b can be achieved by designing an accessible, affordable, environmentally friendly, safe, and sustainable public transportation system when analyzing the travel behavior decisions of passengers. Full article

Scheduled timetable information has been used extensively in studies concerned with estimating travel times in accessibility research. Fewer studies to date have involved the use of real-time public transport data to help investigate the impacts of travel disruptions or cancellations of service on reported spatial and temporal patterns of accessibility. The aims of this paper are to introduce, describe, and compare the salient features and relative merits of alternative data sources relating to real-time transport data that could be utilized in such applications. By drawing attention to the potential of real-time data originating from such sources, this study makes recommendations for those considering building on the use of scheduled data to incorporate travel time reliability within transport applications. We conclude by highlighting the need for further research that explores the potential of using openly available sources of real-time traffic data in studies that incorporate accessibility analysis. Full article

Modern logistics requires effective solutions for the optimization of intermodal transportation, providing cost reduction and improvement of transport flows. This paper proposes a multi-objective optimization method for intermodal freight transportation planning within the framework of sustainable service network design. The approach aims to balance economic efficiency and environmental sustainability by minimizing both transportation costs and delivery time. A bi-criteria mathematical model is developed and solved using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III (NSGA-III), which is well-suited for handling complex, large-scale optimization problems under multiple constraints. The aim of the study is to develop and implement this technology that balances economic efficiency, environmental sustainability and manageability of operational processes. The research includes the development of a two-criteria model that takes into account both temporal and economic parameters of the routes. The optimization method employs the NSGA-III, a well-known metaheuristic that generates a diverse set of near-optimal Pareto-efficient solutions. This enables the selection of trade-off alternatives depending on the decision-maker’s preferences and specific operational constraints. Simulation results show that the implementation of the proposed technology can reduce the costs of intermodal operators by an average of 8% and the duration of transportation by up to 50% compared to traditional planning methods. In addition, the automation of the process contributes to a more rational use of resources, reducing carbon emissions and increasing the sustainability of transportation networks. This approach is in line with the principles of sustainable economic development, as it improves the efficiency of logistics operations, reduces pressure on infrastructure and minimizes the environmental impact of the transport sector. Route optimization and digitalization of transport processes can increase resource efficiency, improve freight flow management and contribute to the long-term stability of transport systems. The developed technology of automated planning of intermodal transportation is oriented to application in large-scale production systems, providing effective management of cargo flows within complex logistics chains. The proposed method supports the principles of sustainable development by providing a formal decision-making framework that balances transportation cost, delivery time and environmental objectives. Instead of optimizing for a single goal, the model enables the identification of efficient trade-offs between economic performance and ecological impact. Moreover, by generating multiple routing scenarios under varying operational constraints, the approach enhances the adaptability and robustness of freight transportation systems in dynamic and uncertain environments. Full article

Lebanon is grappling with a multifaceted transportation crisis driven by the high population density, limited public transit infrastructure, and overwhelming dependence on private vehicles. These longstanding issues have been exacerbated by compounding national shocks, including the October 2019 economic collapse, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the catastrophic Beirut Port explosion in August 2020. This study investigates the implications of Lebanon’s unreliable public transportation system amid the ongoing economic instability. Using a structured Likert scale survey distributed among residents, this research analyses the key determinants influencing the modal shift from private to public transport. The results identify three dominant factors shaping this transition: the deteriorating economic conditions, the sociocultural attributes of commuters, and the perceived reliability and adequacy of public transport infrastructure. Notably, 15% of respondents cited transport reliability as the main factor influencing their commuting behaviour, while only 3% attributed their decisions solely to financial pressures. However, a majority acknowledged a confluence of both. The sharp escalation in fuel prices, triggered by the financial crisis, has amplified public interest in alternative transportation options. These findings underscore an urgent need to revamp and modernise Lebanon’s public transport system as a strategic response to mitigate congestion, enhance accessibility, and reduce economic burdens on citizens. Addressing the infrastructural gaps and improving service reliability are critical to fostering a sustainable and inclusive mobility ecosystem in the face of persistent national adversity. Full article

Ride-hailing services have reshaped urban commuting patterns, yet the spatiotemporal mechanisms linking built environment features to ride-hailing demand remain underexplored. Existing studies often overlook the joint effects of origin–destination visual walkability. This study integrates ride-hailing GPS trajectories and geospatial data to quantify mobility patterns and built-environment indicators in Chengdu, China. A dual analytical framework combining global regression and localized modeling was applied to disentangle spatial–temporal influences of urban form and socioeconomic factors. The results reveal that population density, floor–area ratio, and housing prices positively correlate with demand, while road density and distance to city center exhibit negative associations. Visual walkability metrics show divergent effects: psychological greenery and pavement visibility reduce ride-hailing usage, whereas outdoor enclosure enhances it. Temporal analysis identifies time-dependent impacts of built environment variables on main urban area travel. Housing price effects demonstrate spatial globality, while population density and city-center proximity exhibit geographically bounded correlations. Notably, improved visual walkability in specific zones reduces reliance on ride-hailing by facilitating sustainable alternatives. These findings provide empirical support for optimizing urban infrastructure and land-use policies to promote equitable mobility systems. The proposed methodology offers a replicable framework for assessing transportation–land-use interactions, informing targeted interventions to achieve metropolitan sustainability goals through coordinated spatial planning and pedestrian-centric design. Full article

Innovative demand-responsive transport services are spreading in most urban areas, allowing dynamic matching between demand and supply and enabling travellers to request shared rides in real-time via mobile applications. They are used both as an alternative to public transport and as an access/egress leg to mass transit stations, i.e., acting as a feeder service. In low-demand areas and small-sized cities, it is often difficult to provide effective and cost-efficient public transport, thus resulting in an extensive use of private vehicles. Using an agent-based modelling approach, this study compares the performance of fixed-route transit (FRT) and demand-responsive transit (DRT), where optional stops can be activated on demand. The aim is to identify the conditions allowing DRT to become more advantageous than FRT in small-sized cities, both for travellers and the transport operator. A real-time matching algorithm identifies optimal trip chains (i.e., public transport lines; pick-up, drop-off and transfer stops; and time windows) for travel requests, dynamically updating vehicles’ routes and schedules. The model is applied to the city of Caltanissetta, Italy, where a transit service with six FRT urban lines is currently operating. Travel patterns were reconstructed from thousands of travel requests collected by a Mobility-as-a-Service platform within one-year. The main findings demonstrate the benefits of DRT in providing a higher quality of service, reducing riding times for passengers, and enhancing service efficiency without burdening operating costs. The DRT reduced the vehicle-kilometres travelled by up to 5% compared to FRT while decreasing passenger ride times by approximately 10%. An economic analysis showed reductions in operator unit costs of up to 3.4% for low-demand rates, confirming the advantages of flexible operations in small-sized cities. Full article

Commuting plays a critical role in shaping sustainable transport systems, yet understanding the diverse preferences of commuter groups remains a challenge for policymakers. As cities aim to promote sustainable transport, it is essential to better understand the factors influencing travel behaviors. This study investigates the commuting preferences and behaviors of urban employees in Italy, focusing on identifying distinct user profiles and their implications for policy development. Using a dataset of 2301 participants from Italian cities, the research analyzed transport mode choices, willingness to adopt sustainable transport options, and perceptions of public transport (PT) services, including factors such as travel time, proximity to PT stops, cost, and comfort, rated on a four-point Likert scale. K-modes clustering was employed to segment participants into three clusters based on their travel behaviors. The results revealed three distinct user profiles: (1) car-dependent users with negative perceptions of PT, driven by family obligations and dissatisfaction with PT services; (2) individuals who primarily use cars but are somewhat open to improvements in PT; (3) individuals willing to adopt alternative mobility options, including active and shared transport modes. Significant differences were found across clusters in terms of mode choices, willingness to use sustainable transport, and satisfaction with PT services. Notably, employees showed limited interest in alternative sustainable transport modes such as e-scooters and walking, with 73% and 66% of participants expressing little or no interest, respectively. Despite incentives such as company subsidies for purchasing bicycles or e-scooters, 58% of employees remained uninterested in adopting these alternatives. Additionally, employees’ perceptions of PT services revealed dissatisfaction with factors such as travel time, comfort, and punctuality, with over 70% rating these aspects as “Poor” or “Fair”. These findings suggest that improving the quality of PT services, particularly in terms of travel time, punctuality, comfort, and cost, should be a priority for enhancing user satisfaction. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers seeking to reduce car dependence and promote sustainable urban transport planning. Full article

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) transportation system plays an important role in ensuring access to transportation services for veterans, particularly those in rural or underserved areas. However, concerns remain regarding the effectiveness of collaboration among the various VA transportation stakeholders. Persistent transportation challenges hinder veterans’ access to essential healthcare services and resources. Electric autonomous ride-sharing services (ARSSs) offer a promising opportunity to enhance transportation access; however, their current limitations and the perspectives of VA transportation personnel must be considered. This study explored the current perspectives of the VA transportation system and assessed ARSSs as an innovative and sustainable alternative through interviews with eight VA transportation stakeholders representing seven transportation sectors. Our findings revealed the VA’s strengths, including personalized service, flexible accommodations, and collaborative care models, but also identified challenges, including limited funding, staff shortages, volunteer constraints, and restrictive eligibility criteria. The introduction of ARSSs was identified as an opportunity to alleviate some of these constraints by reallocating human resources and improving access to essential services, although concerns remain regarding ARSSs’ ability to accommodate veterans with disabilities and address rural route complexities. Effective communication strategies and streamlined coordination were key recommendations for improving service delivery and expanding transportation access for veterans. Full article