The role of innovation in urban logistics on the example of Rzeszów

Abstract

The article presents the role of innovation in city logistics, and above all the impact of modern logistics investments on the quality of life of residents. On the example of the proceedings of the local government of the city of Rzeszów, a brief description was made of activities related to innovations in urban logistics of various types: technological, organizational, structural, process and image-related. On the basis of a survey among the inhabitants of Rzeszów and the Rzeszów agglomeration, the impact of innovations in urban logistics was examined, among others on changing the behavior of society, lifestyle, preferences in movement, quality of life, as well as the identification of residents with the city. As a result of the research, it was found that the inhabitants perceive very well all already implemented and being implemented innovations in urban logistics. It was also recognized that modern investments contribute to improving the quality of life, lifestyle, air quality, health and safety. In particular, it can be said that the innovations made it possible, among others, to shortening travel time by public transport, smoothing traffic in congested areas, infrastructure integration of ecological forms of transport operating in the urban and suburban areas, connecting public transport with individual bicycle, pedestrian and car communication, improving the mobility of people with disabilities or people with reduced mobility, energy efficiency of urban transport by investing in transport with alternative propulsion systems, reducing the negative impact on the environment, including reducing noise and vibrations as well as greenhouse gas emissions, mainly CO2.