Search Results (49)

With the advent of Autonomous Vehicles (AV) technology, extensive research around the design of on-demand mobility systems powered by such vehicles is performed. An important part of these studies consists in the evaluation of the economic impact of such systems for involved stakeholders. In this work, a cost–benefit analysis (CBA) is applied to the introduction of AV services in Paris-Saclay, an intercommunity, south of Paris, simulated through MATSim, an agent-based model capable of capturing complex travel behaviors and dynamic traffic interactions. AVs would be implemented as a feeder service, first- and last-mile service to public transit, allowing intermodal trips for travelers. The system is designed to target the challenges of public transport accessibility in periurban areas and high private car use, which the AV feeder service is designed to mitigate. To our knowledge, this study is one of the first CBA analyses of an intermodal AV system relying on an agent-based simulation. The introduction of AV in a periurban environment would generate more pressure on the road network (0.8% to 1.7% increase in VKT for all modes, and significant congestion around train stations) but would improve traveler utilities. The utility gains from the new AV users benefiting from a more comfortable mode offsets the longer travel times from private car users. A Stop-Based routing service generates less congestion than a Door-to-Door routing service, but the access/egress time counterbalances this gain. Finally, in a periurban environment where on-demand AV feeder service would be added to reduce the access and egress cost of public transit, the social impact would be nuanced for travelers (over 99% of gains captured by the 10% of most benefiting agents), but externality would increase. This would benefit some travelers but would also involve additional congestion. In that case, a Stop-Based routing on a constrained network (e.g., existing bus network) significantly improves economic viability and reduces infrastructure costs and would be less impacting than a Door-to-Door service. Full article

The implementation of innovative strategies in transportation is fundamental for the transition to sustainable mobility in road freight transport. Electric trucks provide a sustainable solution, significantly contributing to the reduction in pollutant emissions, lower operational costs, and the ability to recharge from renewable energy sources. In this context, this article proposes a methodology to support sustainable mobility optimization considering the variables related to the logistical problems of electric vehicles (recharging time and autonomy), which allows for routes to be compared based on the shortest time, lowest costs, and shortest distance for delivering goods while integrating recharge time windows into optimized routes. The study results reveal that additional recharging can significantly impact total travel time and total costs due to variable tariffs at charging stations. Consequently, the model assists in improving resource management and delivery schedule management, thereby increasing operational efficiency and correcting potential conflicts or delays. Therefore, the method provides mobility as a service and offers greater flexibility to decision-makers in selecting the path that best meets delivery objectives, aiming to propose solutions to reduce the impact on the logistics process through the adoption of electric trucks in last-mile freight transport. Full article

Rapid urbanization and car dependency have transformed Riyadh into a sprawling metropolis, straining mobility, sustainability, and land use efficiency. Investments in metro and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems present an opportunity to shift toward transit-oriented development (TOD), making strategic urban planning essential. This study assesses Riyadh’s TOD potential by analyzing its urban structure, transport accessibility, and regulatory framework while drawing lessons from successful global models. This study applies GIS-based spatial analysis, policy review, and AI-driven clustering techniques (e.g., DBSCAN, K-Means) to evaluate TOD readiness and inform actionable strategies for Riyadh. The findings indicate that transit investments alone are insufficient due to gaps in zoning policies, pedestrian connectivity, and urban density. Enhancing compact, mixed-use developments, improving first- and last-mile accessibility, and leveraging AI-driven planning can reshape the city’s mobility ecosystem and foster sustainable urban growth. Vision 2030 provides a pivotal opportunity to align infrastructure investments with urban planning policies, ensuring Riyadh evolves into a modern, efficient, and transit-friendly city. Full article

Integrating passenger and parcel transportation via transit (also known as transit co-modality) has been regarded as a potential solution to sustainable transportation, in which well-planned locations for parcel lockers are crucial for transferring parcels from transit to last-mile delivery vehicles. This paper proposes a data-driven optimization framework on parcel locker locations in a transit co-modal system, where last-mile delivery is realized via a ride-pooling service that pools passengers and parcels using the same fleet of vehicles. A p-median model is proposed to solve the problem of optimal parcel locker locations and matching between passengers and parcel lockers. We use the taxi trip data and the candidate parcel locker location data from Shenzhen, China, as inputs to the proposed p-median model. Given the size of the dataset, an optimization framework based on random sampling is then developed to determine the optimal parcel locker locations according to each candidate’s frequency of being selected in the sample. The numerical results are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed optimization framework, explore its properties, and perform sensitivity analyses on the key model parameters. Notably, we identify five types of optimal parcel location based on their ranking changes according to the maximum number of planned parcel locker locations, which suggests that planners should carefully determine the optimal number of candidate locations for parcel locker deployment. Moreover, the results of sensitivity analyses reveal that the average passenger detour distance is positively related to the density of passenger demand and is negatively impacted by the number of selected locations. We also identify the minimum distance between any pair of selected locations as an important factor in location planning, as it may significantly affect the candidates’ rankings. Full article

Electric-connected automated vehicle (CAV) shuttles, as a part of the sustainable microtransit system, have the potential to fill public transit service gaps. Following technology and traveler acceptance tests that are underway around the world, mass-produced CAVs will be considered for shared mobility service, including “first/last mile” travel between public transit hub stations and medical campuses or other activity centres. Thus, there is a need for increased knowledge on treating risk in such applications. This paper covers the planning and economic feasibility of an advanced technology level 4 automated vehicle-based microtransit system, considering uncertain service and economic feasibility factors. The methods used are advanced for addressing uncertainties in travel demand, service factors, and the economic feasibility of investments by public and private sector entities. Specifically, a probability-based macro simulation approach is used to treat demand and supply-side service factors as stochastic, and it is adapted for risk analysis in financial decision-making. The effects of uncertain life-cycle costs on fares and the rate-of-return are described. Results are favourable regarding the technical and economic feasibility of advanced technology-based microtransit first/last mile service. The findings reported here are a contribution to knowledge on the feasibility of implementing CAV-based first/last mile, and other microtransit services, under uncertainty. Full article

This study investigates the viability of incorporating bicycles into the Dhaka Metro system, a groundbreaking urban transit project for Bangladesh. As Dhaka’s inaugural metro rail network, the system signifies a substantial advancement in addressing urban congestion and enhancing transportation alternatives in one of the world’s most densely populated cities. The current design of the metro fails to accommodate bicycles, hindering efficient first- and last-mile connectivity. The investigation utilized data from 382 fully completed questionnaires, obtained through purposive sampling, about metro–cycle integration in Dhaka. The research employed RIDIT and TOPSIS analyses to rank the characteristics deemed most essential for bicycle–metro integration according to user opinions. Research indicates that secure bicycle parking, multi-modal ticketing, route comfort, and safety measures are the foremost objectives for commuters. The high emphasis on secure parking indicates the need for safe and accessible storage options that would make cycling a viable mode for reaching metro stations. A multi-modal ticketing system further enhances convenience, providing seamless transitions between transit modes. Journey comfort and the need to mitigate risks posed by motorized vehicles underscore the importance of safe and user-friendly commuting environments. While features like road and station design were ranked lower in priority, the study emphasizes that a well-integrated bicycle infrastructure is essential to ensure the metro system’s success. With these improvements, Dhaka’s metro system can meet the growing demands for sustainable and inclusive urban mobility, setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. Full article

Nowadays, there is a growing interest in integrated sustainable transportation. Bike–train intermodality is one of the sustainable modes of transport, combining long-distance service and reaching the last mile. However, bike–train intermodality development both presents challenges for transport service providers and has its drawbacks for users who prefer connections that do not require changing between transport modes. The challenge consists of providing a better transition during changes between transport modes. This can be accomplished through understanding the needs of travelers followed by the implementation of infrastructural changes and the expansion of targeted services that increase the accessibility of the nodal points. Cost-effectiveness analysis, cost–benefit analysis, and a multicriteria decision process are some of the methods that can be used to allocate resources that could improve bike–train intermodality. This research extended the concept of resource allocation to a new multilevel weighted indicator (AxI) that measured the level of accessibility of bikes into railway stations to identify the criticalities and define the priority of interventions. The proposed method was applied in thirty-three Italian railway stations of different sizes. The results showed that the proposed indicator was a valid tool for railway station infrastructure managers and all stakeholders involved for prioritizing interventions related to the advancement of bike–train intermodality. The AxI indicator is a lean methodology to identify the exigencies and communicate them to the parties involved in the management and actualization. The AxI lays the groundwork for a straightforward discussion on resource distribution priorities. Full article

Shared bikes are widely used in Chinese cities as a green and healthy solution to address the First/Last Mile issue in public transit access. However, usage declines in cold regions during winter due to harsh weather conditions. While climate factors cannot be changed, enhancing the built environment can promote green travel even in winter. This study uses data from Shenyang, China, to investigate how built environment attributes impact the travel satisfaction of shared bike users who utilize bikes as a First/Last Mile solution to access public transit in winter cities. By employing machine learning algorithms combined with Asymmetric Impact-Performance Analysis (AIPA) and grounded theory, we systematically identify the key attributes and rank them based on their asymmetric impact and urgency of improvement. The analysis revealed 19 key attributes, 17 of which are related to the built environment, underscoring its profound influence on travel satisfaction. Notably, factors such as the profile design of cycling paths and safety facilities along routes were identified as high priorities for improvement due to their significant potential to enhance satisfaction. Meanwhile, features like barrier-free access along paths and street greenery offer substantial opportunities for improvement with more modest efforts. Our research provides critical insights into the nuanced relationship between built environment features and travel satisfaction for First/Last Mile shared bike users. By highlighting priority improvements, we offer urban planners and policymakers a framework for creating livable, sustainable environments that support green travel even in harsh winter conditions. Full article

The urban landscape of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, faces significant mobility challenges, primarily stemming from rapid urbanization, overpopulation, and outdated infrastructure. These challenges necessitate the exploration of modern smart mobility concepts to improve traffic flow, road safety, and sustainability. This study investigates the potential of solutions such as Mobility-as-a-Service, car sharing, micro-mobility, Vehicle-as-a-Service, and electric vehicles in addressing these challenges. Through a comparative analysis of global implementations, this research identifies key success factors and barriers that inform the feasibility of integrating these solutions into Kinshasa’s unique socio-political and infrastructural context. The study presents a conceptual framework, supported by stakeholder analysis, for adapting these solutions locally. A detailed feasibility analysis considers technological, economic, social, environmental, and regulatory factors, offering a clear roadmap for implementation. Drawing on lessons from cities facing similar urban mobility challenges, the paper concludes with actionable recommendations and insights for policymakers and urban planners in Kinshasa. This research not only highlights the viability of smart mobility solutions in Kinshasa but also contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable urban development in rapidly growing cities. While smart mobility studies have largely focused on cities with developed infrastructure, there is a gap in understanding how these solutions apply to cities like Kinshasa with different infrastructural and socio-political contexts. Previous research has often overlooked the challenges of integrating smart mobility in rapidly urbanizing cities with underdeveloped transportation systems and financial constraints. This study fills that gap by offering a feasibility analysis tailored to Kinshasa, assessing smart mobility solutions for its traffic congestion and road safety issues. The smart mobility solutions studied—Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), car sharing, electric vehicles (EVs), and micro-mobility—were chosen for their ability to address Kinshasa’s key mobility challenges. MaaS reduces reliance on private vehicles, easing congestion and improving public transport. Car sharing offers affordable alternatives to vehicle ownership, essential in a city with income inequality. EVs align with sustainability goals by reducing emissions, while micro-mobility (bikes and e-scooters) improves last-mile connectivity, addressing public transit gaps. These solutions are adaptable to Kinshasa’s context and offer scalable, sustainable improvements for urban mobility. Full article

The Bell Textron APT70 is a UAV concept developed for last mile delivery and other usual applications. It performs vertical takeoff and transition into aircraft mode for forward flight. It includes four rotor each with four rotating blades. A test campaign has been performed to study the effects of ice accretion on rotor performance through a parametric study of different parameters, namely MVD, LWC, rotor speed, and pitch angle. This paper presents the last experimentations of this campaign for the drone rotor operating in forward flight under simulated icing conditions in a refrigerated, closed-loop wind tunnel. Results demonstrated that the different parameters studied greatly impacted the collection efficiency of the blades and thus, the resulting ice accretion. Smaller droplets were more easily influenced by the streamlines around the rotating blades, resulting in less droplets impacting the surface and thus slower ice accumulations. Higher rotation speeds and pitch angles generated more energetic streamlines, which again transported more droplets around the airfoils instead of them impacting on the surface, which also led to slower accumulation. Slower ice accumulation resulted in slower thrust losses, since the loss in performances can be directly linked to the amount of ice accreted. This research has not only allowed the obtainment of very insightful results on the effect of each test parameter on the ice accumulation, but it has also conducted the development of a unique test bench for UAV propellers. The new circular test sections along with the new instrumentation installed in and around the tunnel will allow the laboratory to be able to generate icing on various type of UAV in forward flight under representative atmospheric conditions. Full article

This paper focuses on the design and implementation of a versatile delivery robot which integrates a secure locking system, GPS navigation, customer authentication, and a camera system for real-time monitoring. The advanced locking system ensures the protection of delivered goods during transit, addressing security concerns. GPS navigation optimizes routes for efficient last-mile deliveries, reducing overall delivery times. Customer authentication adds an extra layer of security, allowing only the designated customer, equipped with a unique authentication method, to unlock and retrieve their parcel. The integrated camera system provides continuous monitoring throughout the delivery process. The combination of these features showcases technological innovation and also addresses critical aspects of security and customer trust in autonomous deliveries. The successful integration of these features positions the delivery robot as a reliable and customer-friendly solution for the evolving landscape of last-mile logistics. Full article

Shared micromobility services have become increasingly prevalent and indispensable as a means of transportation across diverse geographical regions. Integrating shared micromobility with public transit offers opportunities to complement fixed-route transit networks and address first- and last-mile issues. To explore this topic, a systematic literature review was conducted to consolidate knowledge, analyze research achievements and best practices, and provide future research recommendations. This study examined 108 journal papers from the Web of Science (WoS) core collection from 2016 to 2022, along with grey literature. Citation and co-citation analyses were performed to build and illustrate the literature’s bibliometric networks. This analysis categorized the literature into four major study themes: policy, sustainability, the interaction between shared micromobility and public transportation, and infrastructure. The implementation approaches of integrating shared micromobility and public transportation in different cities were classified into four categories: physical integration, payment and fee integration, informational integration, and institutional integration. The findings indicate that the relationship between shared micromobility and public transportation varies with spatial–temporal conditions and the population density of the city. Overall, integrating micromobility into public transit can offer faster and more cost-effective mobility options for most trips, contributing to urban resilience, a better air quality, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and livable communities. Based on these insights, further research is recommended to explore dynamic and context-specific strategies for successful shared micromobility and public transit integration, considering diverse urban settings and demographic factors. Full article

Background: literature on last mile logistic electrification has primarily focused either on the stakeholder interactions defining urban rules and policies for urban freight or on the technical aspects of the logistic EVs. Methods: the article incorporates energy sourcing, vehicles, logistics operation, and digital cloud environment, aiming at economic and functional viability. Using a combination of engineering and business modeling combined with the unique opportunity of the actual insights from Europe’s largest tender in the automotive aftermarket electrification. Results: the Last Mile Logistics (LML) electrification is possible and profitable without jeopardizing the high-tempo deliveries. Critical asset identification for a viable transition to EVs leads to open new lines of research for future logistic dynamics rendered possible by the digital dimensions of the logistic ecosystem. Conclusions: beyond the unquestionable benefits for the environment, the electrification of the LML constitutes an opportunity to enhance revenue and diversify income. Full article

Commercial electric vehicles (EVs) have increasingly gained interest from urban freight companies in the past decade due to the introduction of economic and policy drivers. Although these factors promote urban freight electrification, some barriers hinder the transition to fully electric fleets, such as the significant monetary investment required to replace the current internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV) and the lack of readily available electric freight vehicles. Due to these barriers, for the foreseeable future, urban freight companies will operate mixed fleets with a combination of EVs and ICEVs to balance their cost/benefit trade-offs. This intermediate operational stage will allow companies to adjust their operations, test EVs, and decide if a fully electric fleet is the best choice. This paper focuses on urban last-mile deliveries in the USA and proposes a long-term planning model to explore the effects of external factors (i.e., fuel costs) on planning decisions (i.e., EV share) for a mixed fleet. In the context of this paper long-term planning is the planning for the infrastructure needed for the introduction of EVs (i.e., fleet composition and charging station location). The goal of the proposed model is to minimize the fuel, EV, ICEV, and EV charger costs. The results show that the EV share of a mixed fleet is affected by gasoline and electricity prices and the distances traveled in a given network. This paper shows that the EV share of a mixed fleet increases when the gasoline cost increases and the electricity cost decreases. Full article

This study aims to fill a research gap by focusing on ride-hailing services (RHSs) as first- and last-mile (FLM) modes linking intercity hubs, which have been explored less than metro hubs. Involving 418 RHS users in the Yogyakarta conurbation, Indonesia, this study applies confirmatory factor analysis to identify the motivations for using RHSs as FLM modes and employs a seemingly unrelated regression model to analyse factors influencing RHS usage and the relationship between first-mile and last-mile use, which remains underexplored. The model’s results reveal that the utilization of RHSs for the first mile is mostly seen among younger, educated, and wealthy persons. However, these variables did not impact last-mile-mode use. The model’s results also show that in FLM contexts, vehicle ownership did not substantially impact RHS use. In addition, RHSs are less often used for trips to intercity bus terminals compared to airports and railway stations. This study also highlights the significance of user preferences, such as comfort and safety, seamless transaction and service, and cost and time efficiency, in influencing the use of RHSs for FLM modes. Increasing RHS accessibility at transit hubs, expanding e-payment options, simplifying payments, and prioritizing fairness are suggested strategies to improve urban sustainability through RHSs. Full article