Last Mile Connectivity Research Articles

EVALUATING THE TIME AND COST EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN DELHI

The National Capital Region of Delhi is ranked third as the largest built-up urban area in the world with a population density of about 14000 people per square kilometer. A complex system of public transit, paratransit and non-motorized transit system with last-mile connectivity is integral for such large areas to perform efficiently and promote sustainable transportation systems.To understand these urban processes and related space-syntax, it is crucial to understand which mode of public transport is preferred by the user and why. The user choices for a particular mode of transportation are primarily dependent on the time-cost relation of the mode. The present paper evaluates the efficiency of four modes of public and para-transit transport systems in the city of Delhi. The key modes identified are a combination of metro, bus, auto and taxi systems. The data on travel time and travel costs is collected and compared for the three selected routes. This shall be done by comparing four modes on three routes to generate 12 permutations. The selected routes have varying origin and same destination with route length of 20 kms, 12 kms and 7.1 kms respectively. The efficiency of the transportation system is evaluated on 9 parameters - velocity, Cost of vehicle & infrastructure, Travel Cost, Travel Time, Capacity, Flexibility, Aesthetics, Comfort and Maintenance. The research identifies the travel distance and settlement density to be critical elements in the user decision-making process and hence are key parameters to be considered in planning for public transportation in complex metropolitan cities.

Riding transit to parks in Utah: Motivations, constraints, negotiations, and policy recommendations

In this paper, we studied the motivations, constraints, negotiations, and policy changes for riding transit to parks in Utah’s Wasatch Front region, exploring how these factors vary between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged individuals. This is one of the first studies to explore transit-to-parks experiences in large urban regions. We conducted interviews with 25 diverse transit riders. Motivations for riding transit to parks included environmental concerns and the convenience of avoiding parking and traffic. Constraints involved excessive travel time due to limited service, transit frequency and reliability issues, and last-mile connection issues. The main negotiation strategy was to plan trips to limit travel time. People in low-income neighborhoods had limited transit-to-parks services, and available services were adequate for fit and non-disabled people. Policy changes that would help participants address constraints included new or modified routes, improved last-mile connections, information and marketing campaigns, and better service for low-income communities and people with disabilities.

Designing an Autonomous Mobility-on-Demand Service for Transit Last-Mile Access

Public transportation has the potential to provide a safe, convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly mobility service. However, because of its fixed routes and limited network coverage, it is sometimes difficult or impossible for passengers to walk from a transit stop to their destination. This inaccessibility problem is also known as the “transit last-mile connectivity problem.” Such a lack of connectivity can force travelers to drive, consequently increasing vehicle ownership and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on the roads. The autonomous mobility-on-demand (AMoD) service, with characteristics such as quick fleet repositioning and demand responsiveness, has the potential to provide last-mile coverage where fixed-route transit can only provide limited coverage. This study aims to address the last-mile problem by developing an online demand-responsive AMoD service integrated with fixed-route transit. A linear time-delay dynamical system is proposed to model the AMoD system, and a model predictive control methodology is adopted to regulate the system around an equilibrium point with minimum vehicle rebalancing. To assess the impact of this new mobility service on travel demand, a simulation study is developed and integrated with a mode choice model capturing a combined transit-AMoD model. The experiment results reveal the potential to enhance transit efficiency, reduce VMT, and accommodate the increased transit demand while maintaining the quality of service.

The Crucial Role of Commercial Banks in Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurial Development

This paper explores the crucial role of commercial banks in promoting financial inclusion and entrepreneurial development, with a focus on the Indian economic landscape. It begins by defining financial inclusion and highlighting the importance of ensuring access to financial services for marginalized groups. The study outlines the research objectives, including assessing the current landscape of financial inclusion, analyzing banking practices, and proposing strategies for improvement. A review of the literature synthesizes recent scholarly research on the role of commercial banks in driving financial inclusion and supporting entrepreneurship. The paper then examines the phased evolution of financial inclusion in India, highlighting the initiatives and practices of commercial banks aimed at expanding access to finance. It discusses challenges such as last-mile connectivity and the digital divide, as well as opportunities presented by fintech solutions and partnerships. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of embracing innovation, strengthening partnerships, prioritizing financial literacy, advocating for policy reforms, and monitoring impact to advance financial inclusion and entrepreneurial development. Suggestions for stakeholders to collaborate in achieving these objectives are provided. Overall, the study underscores the transformative potential of commercial banks in fostering inclusive growth and economic empowerment in India and beyond.

Ride-Hailing Preferences for First- and Last-Mile Connectivity at Intercity Transit Hubs

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.

Sustaining Growth: Mapping the Rural Market Ecosystem with Innovative Marketing

Sustaining growth in the context of rural markets involves a multifaceted approach that intertwines understanding the market ecosystem with innovative marketing strategies. The rural landscape, often characterized by diverse demographics, unique socio-economic challenges, and distinct consumer behaviors, presents both opportunities and complexities for businesses aiming to paper aims to explore the critical components of sustaining growth in rural markets, emphasizing the significance of mapping the rural market ecosystem and deploying innovative marketing approaches to effectively engage and serve these populations.
 The analysis delves into the fundamental pillars of mapping the rural market ecosystem, highlighting the importance of understanding the cultural nuances, economic structures, and infrastructural dynamics within these regions. This comprehension serves as the groundwork for tailoring marketing strategies that resonate with the needs, aspirations, and lifestyles of the rural populace.
 Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges faced by businesses seeking to enter or expand within rural markets, encompassing issues related to distribution networks, last-mile connectivity, and establishing trust among rural consumers. Addressing these challenges necessitates a strategic blend of traditional and modern marketing techniques, coupled with an emphasis on building relationships within these communities.
 The paper draws insights from diverse sources, including academic research, industry case studies, and expert opinions, to present a comprehensive overview of sustaining growth in rural markets through innovative marketing. It aspires to guide businesses and marketers in navigating the intricate landscape of rural economies, fostering sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships between companies and rural consumers.

Free space optical communication system: a review of practical constraints, applications, and challenges

Abstract FSO (free space optical) communication holds emanated position in the role of propitious innovation with exorbitant-speed using the data transmission mechanism without the wire, propounding an accomplishable explication to the surging need for bandwidth in communication networks. This research paper probes into the improvements and obstacles in FSO communication systems, pursuing to anticipate a compendious encapsulation of the state-of-the-art establishment in this discipline. The evaluation incorporates a meticulous inspection of vital constituents such as laser sources, modulators, and receivers, elucidating their contribution to accomplishing coherent data transfer. The scrutinizing also investigates innumerable atmospheric circumstances affecting FSO links, including weather conditions and turbulence, and puts forward ingenious approaches to alleviate their repercussion on communication performance. Furthermore, the paper explores the homogenization of ultra-modern signal processing techniques to amplify the credibility and robustness of FSO systems, corroborating seamless communication even in challenging environments. Moreover, the research inquiries into the neoteric experimental framework and real-world execution of FSO communication, shedding light on heuristic contemplation, and substantiating theoretical unearthing. The conclusion of this research shells out treasures perception of the ongoing attempt to optimize FSO communication for variegated applications, including, inter-satellite communication, high-speed internet access, and last-mile connectivity. As FSO perpetuates progress, this paper suffices as a recent and inclusive resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers maneuvering the edges of optical communication technologies.

Exploring the Factors Influencing Electric Bicycle Adoption: A Survey Among Future Adopters in India

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are an emerging mode of sustainable transportation well-known for their individual and environmental benefits. Past research suggests factors for e-bike adoption from new and experienced e-bike users, but little is known about prospective users’ attitudes. Understanding the standpoint of non-users would reveal practical barriers impeding e-bike adoption in developing markets. We identify important drivers and barriers from a representative city-level sample of prospective e-bike users in India. The study employs exploratory factor analysis integrated with a multi-criteria decision-making model to identify latent components and prioritize their variables. The results revealed five factors: user-perceived benefit-specific motivators, travel quality-specific motivators, e-bike mobility-specific motivators, perceived social and economy-specific barriers, and e-bike infrastructure-specific barriers. Attributes such as monetary savings, reduced congestion, and last-mile connectivity were identified as the most important benefits, while fear of battery explosion and lack of cycling and charging infrastructure were perceived as the key barriers. Comparison by age shows “purchase cost” as the most influencing perceived social and economy-specific barrier among young male commuters. Comparison by income underlines the diminishing importance of “purchase cost” with increasing income among males. Regardless of age, income, and trip length, females prioritized “range anxiety” over “purchase cost.” The trip length-based comparison reveals the significance of “risk of theft” for males with longer trip lengths. In general, males of all groups preferred using e-bikes for “short non-commuting trips” substituting motorized transport, while females preferred using them for “last-mile connectivity.” These findings offer insights for designing effective e-bike promotion campaigns for the mass adoption of e-bikes.

Evaluating the bikeability of urban streets using dockless shared bike trajectory data

Cycling, recognized as a sustainable and convenient mode of urban transportation, provides a solution to traffic congestion and last-mile connectivity. Despite its benefits, current urban planning often neglects cycling infrastructure, leading to inadequate support for the diverse cycling behaviors observed in many cities. To enhance the cycling environment, assessing bikeability at the urban street level is essential, involving the identification of relevant indicators and their associated weights. Traditional methods for determining these indicators and weights often rely on expert or resident opinions through surveys or various questionnaire-based techniques, lacking validation of their impact on cycling behavior. In response, we proposed a comprehensive framework to link the bikeability evaluation model with regression model of built environment on cycling behavior based on dockless shared bike trajectory data considering both demand and supply factors. The framework utilizes the regression model to derived indicators and their weights to build a four-fold bikeability evaluation model incorporating cycling demand, shared bike supply, bikeability, and behavior. An empirical study conducted in Longgang, Shenzhen, China demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method. The findings indicate its superiority over existing methods, providing a more reasonable and insightful approach to support the planning and construction of cycling systems in urban areas.

A Study on Environmental Impact of Slow Moving Electric Vehicles Using Microsimulation on Lucknow Urban Road With an On-Ramp.

The adoption of electric vehicles for mobility is seen as a major step towards the conservation of the environment. In India, slow-moving Electric 3-Wheelers (E3Ws) have been adopted for last-mile connectivity. The present study investigated the impact of slow-moving electric 3-wheelers on the environment in terms of emissions and traffic performance in mixed conditions. Field traffic data from a section of road in the city of Lucknow was collected and used for the calibration of the traffic model. A total of 6 scenarios were tested using traffic modelling in the open-source microsimulation software SUMO. Krauss model was used to model mixed traffic and HBEFA 4 was used to calculate the emissions of fuel-driven vehicles. In each scenario, the volume of fuel-driven vehicles was kept constant and the volume of E3Ws was varied. For the last 2 scenarios, E3Ws were replaced with modified Electric 3-wheelers (ME3Ws) and Electric Buses. Initial findings showed that the average emission decreased as the number of slowly moving electric vehicles increased, but the average flow and harmonic mean speed decreased by 49.8% and 28.8%, respectively, despite keeping the original composition of fuel-driven vehicles the same in every scenario. Further analysis of scenarios revealed a strong correlation () between the reduction in the number of vehicles and the reduction in emissions like Carbon Dioxide (), which is responsible for global warming. Scenarios in which faster electric vehicles and electric buses replace slow-moving E3Ws also demonstrate emission reduction without noticeably affecting traffic performance parameters. The study shows that the environmental benefits of E3Ws in a limited section of Lucknow road are offset by their low-speed capability. Hypothetical scenarios wherein Modified E3Ws and Electric Buses were introduced reported benefits both in terms of emissions and traffic performance.

Operational and Policy-Related Data Assessment and Recommendations from Review-based Analysis of Autonomous Shuttle Deployments

The advent of driverless technology and supporting infrastructure has enabled the implementation of autonomous shuttles for enhancing mobility and providing first and last-mile (F & LM) connectivity. These shuttles have been employed to address short-distance travel needs, serve internal transportation needs, and cater to specific use cases, such as recreational parks, business parks, and university campuses. Successful deployment of autonomous shuttles depends on the service location and the target customer base. Factors such as capacity, speed, incidents/crashes, comfort, and road characteristics influence their successful integration into the transportation system. Practitioners can better plan future deployments by learning from past and current autonomous shuttle deployments and their documented outcomes. This study compares the operational and policy-related data from 120 autonomous shuttle deployments worldwide. Additionally, a review-based analysis was conducted to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with autonomous shuttle deployments. Recommendations for future deployments are made emphasizing the need for longer trial periods and the development of a comprehensive policy framework.

Quantum-secured time transfer between precise timing facilities: a field trial with simulated satellite links

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs), such as GPS and Galileo, provide precise time and space coordinates globally and constitute part of the critical infrastructure of modern society. To reliably operate GNSS, a highly accurate and stable system time is required, such as the one provided by several independent clocks hosted in Precise Timing Facilities (PTFs) around the world. The relative clock offset between PTFs is periodically measured to have a fallback system to synchronize the GNSS satellite clocks. The security and integrity of the communication between PTFs is of paramount importance: if compromised, it could lead to disruptions to the GNSS service. Therefore, securing the communication between PTFs is a compelling use-case for protection via Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), since this technology provides information-theoretic security. We have performed a field trial demonstration of such a use-case by sharing encrypted time synchronization information between two PTFs, one located in Oberpfaffenhofen (Germany) and one in Matera (Italy)—more than 900 km apart. To bridge this large distance, a satellite-QKD system is required, plus a “last-mile” terrestrial link to connect the optical ground station (OGS) to the actual location of the PTF. In our demonstration, we have deployed two full QKD systems to protect the last-mile connection at both locations and have shown via simulation that upcoming QKD satellites will be able to distribute keys between Oberpfaffenhofen and Matera, exploiting already existing OGSs.

Auction-based hybrid DBA algorithm in EPON-WiMAX converge network for 5G and beyond (5 GB) communications

Managing large data volumes requires high-capacity networks due to increasing internet users and bandwidth-intensive applications. Optical fiber, particularly Ethernet passive optical network (EPON), is vital for cost-efficient last-mile connectivity. EPON handles data traffic, while WiMAX demands extensive bandwidth due to rising mobile users. Both the networks experience bursty user-generated traffic with fluctuating bandwidth needs. That’s why, the bandwidth requirements of each subscriber fluctuates dynamically. Moreover, access networks must provide distinct service quality to support a large number of users and ensure the requirement of 5G and beyond (5 GB) communication standards. To address these difficulties, in this paper, we propose a prediction-based hybrid dynamic bandwidth allocation (PHDBA) algorithm for EPON-WiMAX converge network. Due to the increasing value of trustworthy network service access, we have implemented a statistical modeling technique. Our technique predicts the heavily loaded ONUs from a randomly generated dataset and provides an approximation of the amount of data that can be strongly loaded. To make this prediction, we have proposed a statistical modeling technique and updated the auction-based semi dynamic bandwidth allocation (SDBA) algorithm. To validate our proposed algorithm, computer simulation is used to evaluate different performance parameters in terms of end-to-end delay, jitter, throughput, and fairness. From the comparative analyses, it is proved that our proposed scheme surpasses the competition over the existing SDBA algorithm.

Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for Determining Public Microtransit Service Zones

The paper addresses a critical research gap in the literature by focusing on the identification of service areas for microtransit. It presents a framework for identifying areas where microtransit would have a higher potential for success. The primary objective is to assist agencies in their efforts to provide microtransit services by offering a robust and flexible decision-making framework. This framework serves as an intermediate step between an initial planning study that identifies candidate zones and a detailed feasibility study, which is currently missing in the literature. The framework is a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) process that can be applicable to various contexts. Specifically, our approach utilizes a lexicographic decision rule for ranking microtransit service priority measures for each census block of a selected region, such as a county. We employ two composite measures for ranking: Microtransit Propensity Index (MPI) and Weighted Accessibility Score (WAS). The latter combines transit access to work and to eight points of interest (POIs). This framework can be adapted to identify zones suitable for microtransit service based on different objectives, such as connecting residents to transit centers, providing first- and last-mile connections, providing services in transit deserts, providing flexible transit service to low-income communities, or providing access to the POIs within a zone. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is evaluated using the case of Prince George’s County in Maryland. The results reveal that our approach provides greater insights into the feasibility of an area for microtransit compared with relying solely on a single index such as MPI.

Identifying Commuter's Preferences of Feeder Modes for First and Last-Mile Connectivity: A Case Study of Kochi

Identifying Commuter's Preferences of Feeder Modes for First and Last-Mile Connectivity: A Case Study of Kochi

Integration of dockless bike-sharing and metro: Prediction and explanation at origin-destination level

Dockless bike-sharing is an effective solution for the metro's first- and last-mile connections. To create a more bicycle-friendly environment, there is a need to accurately predict the use of dockless bike–metro integration and understand its influencing factors. Previous studies have mainly focused on bike-metro integration at the metro station level, while we focus on the integration at a more refined resolution, i.e., the origin-destination level, which allows for more accurate measurement of the built environment factors and introduces the important factor of travel distance. Using 15 days of dockless bike-sharing data in part of Beijing, China, we propose a spatial embedding model based on graph convolution and improve the prediction performance of integrated flow. Additionally, we use XGBoost and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to interpret the effects of the route, metro station, and built environment factors on the integrated flow. The travel distance, the number of commercial Point-of-Interests, the metro ridership, and the distance to the city center are found to be the most influential factors. Suggestions for improving the bicycle infrastructure are made based on these findings.

The Integration of Shared Autonomous Vehicles in Public Transportation Services: A Systematic Review

Autonomous vehicles and shared mobility represent two fields of strong innovation in transportation research, and Shared Autonomous Vehicle (SAV) services have been studied as a new promising mobility system. Such services offer a strong potential especially when integrated with the Public Transport (PT) system, increasing its attractiveness by providing first- and last-mile connections to low-demand areas. This paper performs a systematic review on a niche of SAV-related literature, selecting articles that address PT-SAV integrations, the issue of how SAVs should be implemented together with already existing transit systems to enhance collective mobility. Papers have been classified firstly according to the methodological and modelling approaches used by researchers, and then according to the different operational schemes with which SAV systems can be deployed. Common findings have been reported and commented on, identifying the lack of articles aimed at determining the most suitable SAV service typology for specific contexts and network configuration. Many authors indicate that if SAVs are operated as feeder modes to mass transit, they might improve public transport connectivity. However, further research is needed to explore the efficacy of SAV systems as an opportunity to address first/last-mile PT planning issues.

Does metro expansion matter? Metro network enhances metro mode share of commuters living away from stations, but not those near stations

As the metro system grows from a single line to a network of multiple lines, how does the expansion affect metro mode share of commuters residing near and away from stations? This study attempted to uncover the mechanism of commuters’ mode choice after the expansion. We employed two waves of household travel survey data, before and after the formation of the metro network in Xi’an, to develop a difference-in-difference model. We found that after the metro network formed, the average metro mode share of residents within 1 km of metro stations increased slightly but the change was statistically insignificant. This is because the average share was smaller around the stations of newer metro lines. By contrast, the average metro mode share of residents living beyond 1 km from metro stations grew substantially, likely because of the increase of workplaces within station areas and the improvement in first-/last-mile connection services. To achieve low-carbon transport, this study underscores using metro lines to connect key destinations, densifying employment around metro stations, and promoting access to metro stations through convenient feeder buses, shared micro-mobility, and pedestrian-friendly design.

Investigating the role of micromobility for first- and last-mile connections to public transport

The integration of private and shared micromobility with existing public transport services is often presented as a valuable step to improve urban mobility systems. In this study, the combination of micromobility and active modes with public transport was examined through a survey that included a stated preference experiment. Normal error component mixed logit models were estimated to determine how commuters in County Dublin, Ireland, travel on the first- and last-mile of public transport trips. The survey results shed light on the influence of user characteristics and mobility patterns on mode choice for multimodal public transport trips including private and shared micromobility, allowing to analyse trade-offs between the different micromobility modes and active modes. The mixed logit model analysis shows that young (<35 years old) and male respondents present a strong preference for micromobility, while older and female respondents prefer walking. Overall, walking is preferred by most respondents both for the first- and the last-mile, even if the other options provide significant travel time reductions. The importance of secure parking availability at stations is also reflected in the results and shows that a seamless transition between the modes and an adequate provision of infrastructure are crucial to facilitate micromobility adoption. Age, gender, previous experience with micromobility, and interest in micromobility are found to be significant factors that influence mode choice. These results confirm a growing interest for micromobility in younger generations, while also showing that regulations and adequate infrastructure are needed to promote equitable access to these modes, with a particular focus on attracting users from more carbon-intensive modes such as private car and ride-hailing trips.

Analysis of atmospheric attenuation of a FSO–WDM system for long-range communication

Abstract An FSO system can provide a solution to the problem of last-mile connectivity while also offering a high degree of security and a large capacity for high-speed information transmission, making it a versatile and powerful option for data communication. Despite the above-mentioned advantages, some factors have to be considered when establishing long-range communication, one such factor is atmospheric turbulence (haze, light fog, moderate fog) which degrades the ideal characteristics of the FSO channel and causes a loss in the signal’s power. This loss of power during transmission can be improved by using suitable amplifiers (hybrid optical amplifier, semiconductor optical amplifier) to provide better performance. The next-generation networks must be capable of supporting a significant amount of backhaul data traffic, accommodating a larger number of users, and increasing channel capacity to meet the demands of modern data communication. By implementing wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and free space optical (FSO) communication techniques, the capacity of the channel can be increased, and more users can be accommodated. The maximum link length offered by the FSO–WDM system has been investigated with hybrid optical amplifier considering the minimum bit error rate, which can provide reliable and long-distance communication.