Assessing Intercity Freight Transport Network Vulnerability: An Empirical Case in Taiwan

Abstract

Global environmental change has led to frequent climatic extremes. Along with resource allocation and preevacuation measures, transportation systems are crucial in disaster response and recovery, particularly emergent disaster logistics and island rescue. Intercity transportation is vital infrastructure for modern cities, providing access between cities and balancing the development of urban and rural areas. This study defined the indicators of intercity freight transport vulnerability according to node centrality, link importance, zone accessibility, and exposure. The empirical results demonstrated that the Taoyuan living perimeters, which encompasses a major airport and port, and generates substantial operating revenue, is extremely vulnerable because of high exposure and low accessibility, and that freeways are more vulnerable than railways. According to the empirical results, three recommendations are provided, namely enhancing connectivity between nodes, shifting the exposure of links, and balancing the industrial structure among zones.