Analysis of Sustainable Public Transportation and Mobility Recommendations for Montevideo and Parque Rodó Neighborhood

Silvina Hipogrosso,Sergio Nesmachnow

doi:10.3390/smartcities3020026

Silvina Hipogrosso, Sergio Nesmachnow

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities3020026

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Abstract

This article presents an analysis and characterization of recent sustainable initiatives developed for the public transportation of Montevideo, Uruguay. In addition, specific analysis and recommendations are proposed for the Parque Rodó neighborhood, based on a survey performed to people that commute to/from that area. The analysis considers the main concepts from related works, evaluating relevant quantitative (coverage, accessibility, affordability, etc.) and qualitative (public finance, integration, comfort and pleasure, etc.) indicators. Three sustainable public transportation initiatives are studied: electric bus, public bicycles, and electric scooters. Results of the analysis for each transportation mode suggest that the first initiatives focus on specific sectors of the population and should be improved in order to extend their accessibility and affordability. In turn, coverage must also be expanded. Regarding the analysis of the Parque Rodó neighborhood, results indicate that people are willing to perform the modal shift to more sustainable transportation modes, but several improvements are needed to improve the quality of service. All these aspects are considered in the proposed guidelines for a sustainable mobility plan in the area and also for suggestions and recommendations formulated to develop and improve sustainable mobility in Montevideo.

Highlights

Mobility is a crucial component of modern society, where the participation of citizens in social, economic, and cultural activities requires traveling over both short and long distances [1]
This article studied sustainable mobility initiatives implemented in Montevideo, Uruguay, and a specific case study following a practical methodology to characterize and improve sustainable mobility in the Parque Rodó neighborhood and Engineering Faculty
The study analyzed the main concepts of sustainable mobility by a review of related work on the topic and applied the existing knowledge to analyze three sustainable transportation modes currently available in Montevideo through quantitative and qualitative indicators of sustainable mobility

Summary

Introduction

Mobility is a crucial component of modern society, where the participation of citizens in social, economic, and cultural activities requires traveling over both short and long distances [1]. The ability of individuals to overcome limitations imposed by time, distance, and other mobility-related difficulties is critical to guarantee an active participation in city life [2]. Assessing sustainability and studying alternative transportation modes is very important considering that transportation largely contributes to environmental pollution with direct negative implications in health and quality of life of citizens. This is a relevant subject of study under the novel paradigm of smart cities [4]

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