Decision-making, intermodal transportation, and sustainable mobility: towards a new paradigm

Abstract

Contemporary transportation systems and policies are discussed in terms of their relationship to sustainable development. The current situation is generally characterised by policies that favour motorisation and violate fundamental elements of sustainability. Accordingly, a new vision of sustainable transportation is required, one that incorporates intermodalism for both passengers and freight. Creating a sustainable intermodal system necessitates overcoming many obstacles and can be achieved only with appropriate policy and decision‐making systems that incorporate genuine public participation. However, existing decision‐making processes and public involvement mechanisms are inadequate. New approaches need to be developed and implemented if the new transportation paradigm is to be realised.