Multimodal Corridor Research Articles

O Corredor Internacional de Transporte Norte-Sul (INSTC) e a Índia: potencial e impedimentos

ABSTRACT The model corridor stretching from Mumbai (India) to St. Petersburg (Russia) through Iran and Azerbaijan is known as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This multi-modal corridor is around 7,200 km long and consists of rail, roads, and waterways. The main objective of the construction of the corridor is to improve connectivity and trade relations between the North and the South. It will play a crucial role in promoting regional cooperation and economic integration. Bilateral relations between the member countries will be developed through the project. India will have easy access to the resource-rich Central Asian nations via this corridor, bypassing Pakistan. It will help India by exporting its products to the North and Central Asian countries, including Russia, and importing hydrocarbons at a lower cost by avoiding the traditional long-time route. In the present geopolitical situation, this venture will also improve India’s strategic relations with the member countries. Although the project at present is suffering from some glitches, it will be a game changer for India’s Eurasia policy in the near future.

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ КОМПЛЕКСНОЙ ТРАНСПОРТНО-ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ СИСТЕМЫ НА ОСНОВЕ МУЛЬТИМОДАЛЬНОГО КОРИДОРА ЧЕРЕЗ МОНГОЛИЮ И ЗАПАДНЫЙ КИТАЙ

The processes of formation of transport communication in the Central Eurasian region are considered. The analysis of the state of standardized international transportation and logistics infrastructure based on a multimodal transit route passing through the territories of Russia, Mongolia and Western China is carried out. A design scheme for the operation of a transport hub in the interaction of two different types of mainline transport is proposed. A mathematical model of the development of a transport hub as part of a multimodal corridor has been chosen.

ОСНОВЫ И МЕТОДОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ФОРМИРОВАНИЕМ КОМПЛЕКСНЫХ ТРАНСПОРТНЫХ СИСТЕМ В ПРОЦЕССЕ ИНТЕГРАЦИИ МУЛЬТИМОДАЛЬНЫХ КОРИДОРОВ И РЕГИОНАЛЬНОЙ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРЫ

The object of the study is complex transport systems formed in the process of integration of multimodal corridors and infrastructure of the regions through which the highways of the transport network pass. The subject of the study is the methods of ensuring effective integration of existing, projected and constructed basic transport infrastructure facilities. The purpose of this study is to highlight the basics and describe the process of creating a methodological base, searching for principles, forms and methods of managing the formation of modern integrated transport systems. As a result of the research, the procedure for developing the methodology and the main aspects that need to be taken into account when performing scientific work are determined. The present study contains a justification of the relevance of developing a methodology for managing the formation of complex transport systems, a description of promising complex transport systems and methods of their formation.

Optimization of Travel in Bus Rapid Transit-Based Multimodal Corridors

Frequently, urban transportation infrastructure and services are operated in a suboptimal manner with respect to key policy objectives such as enhancing mobility, avoiding severe congestion, improving public transit ridership, reducing fuel consumption, and emissions. To overcome this problem, a hybrid simulation-optimization methodology was developed for identification of values of demand management variables that result in the most favorable travel condition in a multimodal corridor regarding a policy objective. This methodology was applied to a bus rapid transit-based major travel corridor in Ottawa (Canada). The travel simulation part of the model is implemented within the EMME/2 modeling framework, supported by a transitway simulation technique. The optimization part of the methodology is based on direct search method that identifies the optimal values of key demand management variables for policy responsiveness. Optimization results are presented for bus modal split, in-vehicle travel time, fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emission.

Optimal Routing of Wide Multi-Modal Energy and Infrastructure Corridors

A multi-modal corridor accommodates multiple modes of energy and transportation infrastructure within the same right-of-way. The existing literature on corridor routing in raster space often focuses on one mode with no consideration of the width. This is not a realistic assumption, especially if multiple modes are to co-exist within the same wide right-of-way. Moreover, newer routing methods that consider corridor width cannot take into account multi-modality and the arrangement of modes within a corridor. We developed two multi-modal wide-corridor routing methods using raster data. In the first method, the cost rasters of all modes are weighted and aggregated into a single composite on which a wide LCP is found. This wide LCP is then divided among the modes based on the desired arrangement. The second method uses a directed transformed graph in which the weight of each edge is calculated using different layers of cost data based on the edge direction, the desired widths and arrangement of the modes. Comparative analyses using synthetic datasets show the superior performance of the second proposed method in finding a muti-modal corridor in comparison with the first mode, and in finding a single-modal corridor when compared to the existing methods.

A multi-modal evacuation-based response strategy for mitigating disruption in an intercity railway system

High-speed railway, the backbone for the multi-modal corridor of metropolitan areas, stimulates intercity commute and travel. With growing intercity railway demand, the risk of in-station congestion and passenger anxiety should be taken seriously after rail disruptions. This research defines an evacuation planning problem for stranded passengers along the interrupted line which is regarded to be in series and growing with time. The proposed multi-modal evacuation-based approach responds to the risk of in-station congestion and reflects the mitigation efficiency of investing in multi-modal schedules. The post-disruption transit system for evacuation is formulated by demand, operation, routing, and transfers, upon which the bi-objective bi-level optimization model for multi-modal scheduling and routing is based. A hybrid NSGA-II and ant colony optimization algorithm are proposed to solve the model. A case study applies three transit-based response strategies on a high-speed railway disruption on the Beijing-Hebei metropolitan corridor. Results show that proposed strategy provides a lower level of risk with acceptable cost and evacuation equilibrium points relative to other strategies, and differentiate transit passengers in groups resulting in less delay and left quantity. With the investment in capacity on high-speed modes, like helicopters and high-speed trains, the evacuation speed for both pick-up and travel is increased, and the evacuated quantity is improved.

Exploring the social acceptance of transforming urban arterials to multimodal corridors. The case of Panepistimiou Avenue in Athens

Urban communities should now build in specific measures, addressing multimodality and fair distribution of public space. The transformation of arterials into multimodal corridors can be a key strategy that will shape new futures. The social acceptance of “push” measure that aim to modify road space allocation have never been examined following quantitative research methods. This study aspires to fill this gap now, as it is inspired by the great debate opened in Athens, Greece about “pop-up” interventions implemented in Panepistimiou Avenue. To explore the social acceptance factors, a rating experiment is designed by developing hypothetical scenarios, which are evaluated by different road users, daily car drivers, motorcycle riders, public transport (PT) users, cyclists, and walkers. A 5-point Likert Scale is utilized, and the collected observations are processed using ordinal logistic regression methods. The main findings suggest that the majority of the participants opted for solutions that ensured a rather equal or balanced space distribution, regardless of their preferred transport mode. Car users were willing to exchange their space, and consequently experience higher travel times for the greater benefit of the city, while public transport users, daily cyclists and walkers recognize the importance to maintain a good level of service for car users too. A surprising finding from this study case is that any increase in a pedestrian area, which is already sufficiently wide, influences negatively social acceptance, while the installation of a cycle lane reports considerably high probability to be accepted from all user groups.

South American interoceanic transport corridors. An instrument of intra-regional integration and Chinese economic influence

Since the XXI century the majority of South American countries call to create large integration transport corridors that provide interconnections between different parts of the region. The authors studied the projects of multimodal transport corridors implemented by the South American organization IIRSA (Initiative for the Integration of the Regional Infrastructure of South America), the purpose of which is the connection of the coasts of two oceans: the Atlantic and the Pacific. Analyzing the situation related to the latest Chinese investment and construction projects in South America within the framework of The Belt and Road Initiative, the authors question the feasibility and prospects the effectiveness of IIRSA's priority megaprojects. According to the developers, such initiatives, embodying infrastructure integration in the region, should contribute not only to the economic growth of the participating countries, but also to greater access to the global market for finance and services. The authors consider, although, that it is likely that this initiative risks being transformed into a tool for realizing China's economic and political interests.

Multimodal corridor development as a way of supporting sustainable mobility in Athens

The current paper aims at examining ways to support sustainable modes in a metropolitan environment, as a means of enhancing accessibility and social equity. The study adopts a mix-method approach consisting of field observations, literature review and secondary data analysis. Through this approach, the research develops a method for reconceptualising urban car traffic arterials and provides a coherent plan for transforming them into multimodal corridors. The multimodal corridors are proposed based on their position in the street network, their connectivity properties, their urban characteristics, the existence of major public transport routes or dedicated cycling routes and their current street classification. Furthermore, the paper suggests design methods referring to each corridor category under the principles of sustainable mobility (e.g. cross-sections). The study area is the metropolitan area of Athens (AMA) in Greece. The implementation of the proposed interventions is expected to generate significant positive impacts such as the promotion of active modes and public transport, unification of the urban fabric, accessibility improvements, environmental protection and urban liveability benefits. The creation of multimodal corridors constitutes an alternative planning tool which prioritises walking, cycling and public transport. The method developed in this case study could be applied to other study areas with similar characteristics and may be a prototypical “roadmap” for policy-makers, planners and local communities, aiming to transform car-dominated corridors to multimodal ones.

Input/Output models for freight transport demand: a macro approach to traffic analysis for a freight corridor

Input Output model are of great interest in the transport sector, especially regarding freight transport demand. These models allow to analyze the cross effects of: political, macroeconomic and transport changes; industrial dynamics; exchange flows between different sites within a reference area, more or less divided into sub-areas. Although very interesting and desirable to be used and disseminated, their use is often hindered by the complexity of the modelling structures that need to describe the interactions with the transport systems and by the difficulty of finding complete and reliable data. In this context, this paper deals with a macro-level Input Output approach for freight demand analysis, which directly relates the quantities of goods transported along a multimodal corridor to the functioning of the economic system. The proposed model is structured on two levels: the first level allows the sectoral production forecasts of the entire economic system based on the exogenous final demand; the second allows the forecast of tons transported, annually and by sector, along the corridor based on the sectoral production estimated at the first level. The two modelling levels are applied to the analysis and forecast of freight traffic demand along the Italian-Austrian cross-border stretch of the Brenner corridor, a fundamental axis of the European transport infrastructure network. The model has been verified and validated on data covering 15 years between 2000 and 2014 using the reclassified time series of Input Output tables and the international trade data for Italy. The model has been used to produce medium-long term forecasts for different economic scenarios. The macro-level point of view and the application for the corridor provide a simple and directly applicable model compared to the complex articulations that characterize the Input Output applications to the transport systems, which can hinder their concrete use as decision support in the planning of transport infrastructures.

Forecasting Class I Railroad Fuel Consumption by Train Type

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration in evaluating public-sector investments in multimodal corridors. Two approaches are typically used in corridor studies to forecast railroad diesel fuel consumption: (1) system-average efficiency factors, and (2) detailed analytical estimates derived from train performance calculators. The former method is easy to apply but may not be reflective of the actual mix of trains used. The second method is data- and time-intensive and can only be effectively implemented with specialized software that is not publicly available. An intermediate method is introduced in this paper which allows distinctions among the types of trains that might be utilized in a corridor (e.g., unit, way, and through). A model is estimated from publicly available data that has excellent statistical properties and quantifies the absolute and relative fuel efficiencies of train options. The analysis demonstrates that using system-average fuel consumption factors may significantly understate railroad fuel economy when traffic moves in unit trains instead of mixed train service. The new method offers greater accuracy than system-average comparisons yet is much less data-intensive than train performance calculators or analytical methods.

ГЕОПОЛИТИЧЕСКОЕ ЗНАЧЕНИЕ ТРАНСПОРТНЫХ КОММУНИКАЦИЙ СОВРЕМЕННОЙ РОССИИ

Achieving the state’s geopolitical goals and extending its economic influence assumes its inclusion into modern multimodal corridors, their efficient usage and control, this enabling to restrict economic expansion of countries-competitors, weaken economic dependence on other states and increase its own presence at regional and world markets. The necessity of full-scale use of transit potential due to Russia’s geographical location as a natural transport corridor, connecting European region with Asia-Pacific region, is the main condition for implementation of RF transport strategy. From the viewpoint of geopolitical benefits, an important stage of Russian railways development in the context of world logistics may turn out to be implementation of such important transport and logistics projects as cooperation with China and other Asian countries in laying a Transpolar mainline. The first project assumes creation of a reliable and efficient mechanism of railway traffic between Europe and Asia on the Trans-Siberian railway. A further link in this chain should become established cargo shipping on the Northern sea route, as an important geopolitical benefit for the Russian Federation lies foremost in strengthening of its presence in Northern and Arctic zones. A fight for the Arctic coast is first of all the fight for the most important transoceanic communications - the Northern sea route and Northwest passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific.

On International Cargo Transit within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Aim. The presented study aims to develop a conceptual framework for the coordination and development of the competitive advantages of international transit between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in an attempt to create a unified transport system within the SCO space.Tasks. The authors assess the prospects of the interconnection and innovative development of the transit transport systems (TTS) of the SCO member states to create a common network of railroads and motorways and a unified transport system within the SCO; analyze the directions and prospects of the digital transformation of the transportation process at interstate junctions; prove that the development of cargo transit by rail, primarily through the improvement of transit transport communication with Afghanistan, is an important prerequisite for ensuring integrated security within the SCO space.Methods. This study uses the methods of systems analysis, evolutionary-institutional theory, econometric modeling, and historical approach.Results. The prospects for TTS interconnection are rooted in the implementation of the Agreement between the SCO member states to create favorable conditions for international road transport. Another promising direction involves creating a common network of railroads to achieve the global goal of establishing a unified transport system within the SCO. Given the fact that the container market has been occupied by Chinese manufacturers, the authors believe that Russian companies can and should take up a significant part of the container platform market (including innovative) within the SCO. The coordination of international transit transport should also be aimed at reducing the empty mileage rates of containers and container platforms. One of the directions for reducing empty mileage includes the formation of a backhaul cargo base and development of logistics schemes. Multimodal (combined) transport requires a single transport document as well as development and implementation of electronic workflows for cargo transit along international transport corridors. To ensure the national security of the SCO member states, first of all, it is necessary to develop rail transport of goods and passengers, which is more subject to control than road transport. It is also necessary to enhance the application of stationary and mobile inspection and examination complexes for the customs and border control of cargo.Conclusions. Realization of the transit transport potential of the SCO member states and creation of a unified transport system within the Organization’s space requires the following conditions to be met: construction of high-end transport communications; expansion of the capacity of overland borders, development of port infrastructure; interconnection of infrastructure integration projects and transit transport systems; interoperability of the transportation process, construction of multimodal transport and logistics centers; digitization of the transportation process, implementation of transport technologies based on artificial intelligence; creation of multimodal digital international corridors; implementation of electronic workfl ws; traceability of cargo transit using electronic seals.

THE ROLE OF MARITIME TRANSPORT IN THE SYSTEM OF ECONOMIC SECURITY OF UKRAINE

Topicality. In the article the author considers problems of effective development of national sea transport from a position of globalization of economic relations and participation of the country in international division of labour. It is necessary to pay attention to the character of formation of macroeconomic and entrepreneurial results of fleet and commercial ports development.Aim and tasks. The principles of achievement of functional and economic stability of sea transport enterprises are Considered taking into account international conventions of freight independence of priority cargo flows. And also highlight one of the most important tasks for the development of the national transport system-the achievement of freight independence of foreign trade operations and the solution of commercial problems-maximizing the currency profit. The author identifies the main reason for the situation, which leads to an increase in economic losses and security problems-a violation of the principle of complexity development of the national economy.Research results. Simultaneously with the elaboration of the shipping policy it is necessary to define basic ports and choose a strategy of restructuring and institutionalization of various functional activities in the property system. The Integrated development of maritime transport means the conformity of its parameters with the main macroeconomic indicators, the extent of participation in international exchange and in-system compliance of capacities and cash flows. Maximizing synergy potential in the form of multimodal transport corridors and logistic distribution systems should fully ensure the economic security of Ukraine.Conclusion. The importance of maritime transport for normal economic, social and political stability and security of the State determines the urgency of developing an active strategy of the country as a maritime power. The state maritime transport policy should be aimed at solving two global problems: transport security of economic system and freight independence of foreign economic activity.Having analyzed the current state of navigation in Ukraine, we can conclude that the positions of national shipping companies, both public and private, are weakening every year – the volume of transportations carried out by the fleet under the Ukrainian flag is decreasing. At the same time, in Ukraine there is a problem of absence of a fleet and accordingly workplaces for marine experts. As a result, there is an outflow of qualified personnel from Ukraine to foreign shipping companies, and labor migration is one of the many aspects of the deep and all-encompassing systemic crisis in our country.

ПРОЕКТИРОВАНИЕ МУЛЬТИМОДАЛЬНОЙ ТРАНСПОРТНОЙ СЕТИ

Objective: To create a methodology for designing a multimodal transport network under various scenarios of socioeconomic development of the Russian Federation and its regions which take into account the influence of factors that create initial-information indeterminacy in decisionmaking. Methods: System theory, partitioning principle, theory of sets, theory of probability and mathematical statistics, basics of information theory, graph theory and reliability theory; as well as methods of system analysis, mathematic simulation of processes and systems, mathematical logic, decision-making, dynamical programming, multi-objective optimization, economic evaluation of efficiency of design solutions were applied. Results: The authors developed and proposed a concept for designing methodology of multimodal transport networks, systemic presentation of multimodal transport networks, four-level partitioning and set-theoretical presentation of multimodal transport networks layout, mathematical simulation of multimodal transport network development strategy which takes into account the scenario of socioeconomic development of a region under study, balanced system of indices for evaluation of multimodal transport network development strategy and managing the trajectory of change of its layout and capacity in accordance with set strategic objectives, method for forming layout of multimodal transport network, method for forming a variety of possible strategies of gradual changing of layout and capacity of multimodal transport network objects, method for forming an area of efficient multimodal transport network development strategies, technology for decision-makers’ work with efficient strategy area for decision-making. Practical relevance: This methodology can be used in investment evaluation and technical and economic feasibility study of strategies of multimodal transport networks’ layout and capacity change strategies as an aggregate of multimodal transport corridors designed with the purpose of implementation of strategic tasks of development of a country’s single transport network.

Big River Crossing

The Harahan Bridge, a double-track railroad bridge built in 1916, spans the Mississippi River between Memphis, Tennessee, and West Memphis, Arkansas. A century later, one of the former wagonways on the bridge has been converted into one of the longest active bicycle and pedestrian walkways in the United States, now known as the Big River Crossing. It was the key piece of the Main Street to Main Street Multi-Modal Connector Project, a 10 mi multimodal corridor between these two cities.

The analysis of multimodal corridor through Kyrgyzstan

The analysis of multimodal corridor through Kyrgyzstan

Viewpoint: The aerotropolis: Urban sustainability perspectives from the regional city

The aerotropolis—a metropolitan region with cities that capitalize on proximity to a globally networked economy’s airport—is regarded as the twenty-first century’s new urban-development paradigm. Similarly, the regional city—a polycentric metropolitan region with linked mixed-use centers, multi-modal corridors, multi-functional districts, and natural preserves—is regarded as an urban form of the future with global and local advantage. In this paper, the building blocks of the regional city, which are increasingly regarded as principles of a durable urbanism, inform a multi-criteria framework toward a sustainability assessment of the aerotropolis-built form. The implications for the redevelopment of a North American city as an aerotropolis are noted. The paper concludes with an expansive discussion of the sustainable urban form of the future

Benchmarking Integrated Infrastructure Planning Across Europe – Moving Forward to Vital Infrastructure Networks and Urban Regions

Achieving a smart green and integrated transport system is key to sustaining and developing the economic, social and environmental vitality of urban Europe. Within this context the challenge is to deliver the next generation of infrastructure governance, design, management and operation that enables optimal accessibility, liveability and vitality across the various scales: from the local daily urban system to the wider EU-regions that cluster metropolitan areas. To tackle this challenge, a research programme has been developed for EU's Horizon 2020 – Networking for Urban Vitality (NUVit) – that focuses on the integration of the planning of multi-modal transport infrastructure with land-use planning. This paper discusses best practices amongst Europe of such integrated infrastructure planning – including cases from The Netherlands, Sweden, Estonia, Belgium. On basis of a benchmark we do an analysis addressing such issues as: spatial concepts (multi-modal corridors, nodal development); multi-modal network optimisation at various spatial scales; life-cycle issues; value creation and capturing; and, institutional and governance approaches. The paper ends by exploring the main elements of an integrated infrastructure planning approach that enables us to move forward to innovative, vital infrastructure networks and urban regions of tomorrow.

European Transport Corridors and North Adriatic Ports

From the ports in the northern Adriatic Sea (ports of Ravenna, Venezia, Trieste, Koper, Rijeka) a route from European ports of North Sea to the Far East is shorter by about 2000 nautical miles. It means a reduction of 6 to 8 days in shipping. These ports are reachable from commercial and industrial centers of Central and Eastern Europe. An assessment of the current situation and future development of the European transport corridors North - South, including possible interconnection by multimodal corridors Baltic ports in the north and Adriatic ports in the south, is included in this paper. This corridor is one of the ten basic corridors included in the new conception of the TEN-T European transport network with the assumption of financial support from the EU in the period of 2014-2020. Further, the paper also includes an analysis of a modal assessment (Modal Split) of transport connections of Central Europe with the Far East. The heart of the paper is a proposal of connection of chosen seaports that serve as logistics terminals to current European multimodal corridors and further to proposed multimodal corridors.