Transport Strategies Research Articles

Connectivity, Reliability and Approachability in Public Transport: Some Indicators for Improving Sustainability

The reliability of public transport connectivity is influenced by factors such as route design, frequency, availability and infrastructure. Using a shortest path algorithm, we identify up to “k” space–time paths for each origin–destination pair (OD), considering schedules and maximum tolerable waiting times. We propose four reliability indicators and an approachability indicator to assess transport supply. These indicators are calculated at path, OD and network levels using two sets of equations. This framework enables fleet managers to evaluate and compare strategies to improve connectivity reliability and equity, such as increasing route frequency, optimizing lengths or expanding the network. Enhancing connectivity reliability encourages modal shifts to public transport, while improving approachability minimizes resource usage, contributing to sustainability. An application to the bus network of a city in Brittany, France, demonstrates the practical use of these indicators in evaluating and optimizing transport strategies.

Parallel manipulation of multiple ink droplets via near-infrared light on lubricant infused surface

Previous studies on light-driven droplet transport often use light to heat the substrate to generate a temperature difference, thereby changing the wettability or surface tension at two ends of a droplet, to propel the droplet forward, and not much attention has been paid to the droplets with photothermal properties. Herein, we introduce a method of ink droplet manipulation via near infrared light-driven on lubricant infused surfaces. Rather than heating the substrate itself, this method uses near-infrared light to irradiate one end of an ink droplet, creating a temperature gradient inside it and forming a Marangoni flow that pushes the droplet forward. It is demonstrated that the ink droplets would experience two stages during sliding, and the movement ability of the ink droplets depends on their absorbance and size; specifically, the average acceleration and steady velocity of the droplets are both positively correlated with their absorbance and negatively correlated with their volume. The work not only proves that the method can realize conventional individual droplet manipulation such as controllable transport along arbitrary paths, but also proposes a unique customized transport and merging strategy for multiple ink droplets. This investigation offers a simple and versatile manipulation approach for ink droplets, and the relevant results have potential applications in the fields of precise maneuver of light-driven droplets and droplet-based inkjet printing.

Diagnostic tools for stroke detection-from prehospital to diagnosis

Strokes are common neurological emergencies that require rapid diagnosis to minimize long-term damage. Prehospital detection and triage play acritical role in patient outcomes. How effective are different prehospital diagnostic tools for stroke detection, and which triage strategies optimize patient care? The article compares prehospital diagnostic tools for stroke detection and evaluates different transport strategies. Case studies illustrate their practical application. Traditional stroke diagnosis methods have limitations, particularly in identifying strokes in the posterior circulation. Newer diagnostic tools that incorporate additional symptoms, such as dizziness and vision problems, show higher sensitivity. The choice of triage strategy depends on the severity of symptoms and regional factors. Direct transport to specialized centers is beneficial for severe strokes, while initial stabilization at nearby units is more efficient in rural areas. Modern diagnostic tools offer better sensitivity for prehospital stroke detection. Regional cooperation and the selection of appropriate triage strategies are key to improving stroke care.

Optimal operation strategies for freight transport with electric vehicles considering wireless charging lanes

Unlike traditional recharging at fixed stations, wireless charging lanes equipped on the road network enable electric vehicles (EVs) to recharge while in motion, reducing the time required for EV recharging. Indeed, the availability of wireless charging lanes allows the urban freight transport service operators to consider adjusting EVs routing plan to do EV recharging in transit so that the total operational costs can be further reduced. Envisioning that wireless charging lanes would be practically constructed on the road network, this study aims to investigate how the optimal EV routing plan can be determined in a pickup and delivery problem in the future electrified mobility system. The problem is formulated into a mixed-integer programming model, and we propose a branch-and-price algorithm to solve it. Additionally, a large neighborhood search heuristic is incorporated within the column generation framework to effectively tackle the sub-problems. Computational experiments on test instances highlight the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm and demonstrate the potential of wireless charging lanes to reduce total operational costs.

Dual‐Layer Dynamic Optimization Model for Carbon‐Conscious Transport Mode Allocation

Within the framework of China’s “Dual Carbon” strategy, numerous cities have articulated visions and objectives for optimizing the travel structure of transport to further urban sustainable development goals. A critical challenge lies in minimizing CO2 emissions from road networks while meeting diverse transport demands. However, at present the mode shares are set arbitrarily and may not be realistically achievable. When government officials establish travel structure targets, they may not adequately consider the intricate balance between residents’ travel demands and low‐carbon development objectives. To address this issue, this paper presents a dual‐layer optimal allocation model for transport modes, which simultaneously addresses travel demand management and carbon emission control. The upper‐layer model evaluates carbon emissions with the help of speed‐dependent emission factors for various transport modes, and the lower‐layer model leverages the logit Stochastic User Equilibrium (logitSUE) model to yield the velocities of road segments under a diverse array of travel structures. A sophisticated fusion algorithm, integrating the Dial_MSA algorithm with a genetic algorithm (GA), is developed to solve the model. The proposed model and algorithm are tested on a large‐scale real network and show its robustness and scalability. The optimal travel structure derived from this study can provide a theoretical foundation and empirical support for policymakers and urban planners in setting transport infrastructure goals and strategies.

GRAIN EXPORT FROM UKRAINE: CHANGES DURING THE PERIOD OF MARTIAL LAW

This article delves into the complexities and challenges faced by Ukraine’s grain export sector amid the ongoing conflict and evolving legislative landscape. The analysis begins by exploring the significance of grain exports for Ukraine’s economy, particularly during wartime, and the critical role they play in ensuring food security both domestically and globally. The article examines recent legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the grain export process, specifically focusing on new laws intended to combat the issue of “black” grain exports, which have raised concerns about corruption and mismanagement. It discusses the implications of these laws for exporters, government agencies, and regulatory bodies, highlighting the need for effective implementation and oversight. A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the importance of railway logistics as a primary mode of transportation for grain exports, especially in light of disruptions caused by the conflict. The analysis considers how new transportation routes and strategies are being developed to facilitate the movement of grain despite the ongoing challenges. Additionally, the article examines trade disputes with Poland, which have complicated Ukraine’s export efforts and created further barriers to trade. It concludes that while recent legislative measures are crucial for stabilizing grain exports, their effectiveness depends on timely implementation of subordinate regulations and strong monitoring systems. The findings indicate that the Ukrainian government must enhance coordination among state bodies to ensure compliance and reduce corruption risks. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the importance of navigating the complexities of grain exports during wartime to safeguard national interests and contribute to global food security.

A Sustainable Supply Chain Model on the Impact of Carbon Emission with Pre-Payment Based Partial Free Transportation

Objectives: To analyze and justify the importance of Green technology investment for both production and distribution processes in the supply chain along with a Pre-Payment Based Partial Free Transportation strategy. Methods: A non-linear sustainable supply chain model considering a single manufacturer and multi-retailer is formulated with an incorporation of green technology investment for both production and transportation processes along with partial pre-payment based free transportation. Lagrangian method is used to obtain the optimal solution of the problem. Findings: The proposed model has been solved with the prescribed method and it gives the average profit of the manufacturing firm with green technology investment is $15537.360 and the average profit of the manufacturing firm without green technology investment is $9864.8816. This shows that the model with green technology performs better than the other one. Novelty: Green technology investment has been incorporated for both production and transportation processes, along with partially pre-paid, free transportation, whereas earlier research focused only on green investment for production. 2020 Mathematics Subject Classification: 90B05, 90B06. Keywords: Green technology, Carbon emission, Carbon cap, Carbon tax, Prepayment transportation

Evolving passenger priorities in seat ticket purchases: a novel ticketing strategy for railway passenger transportation

The reasonable and efficient utilization of train seats is crucial for optimizing the benefits of railways in medium- to long-distance passenger transportation, enhancing service quality compared to road and air travel. To achieve this, the study introduces a novel ticketing strategy, including: (1) Assigning priority levels based on a normalized fuzzy evaluation of passenger travel fatigue, with longer journeys receiving higher priority and longer presale periods; (2) Implementing a stepwise reduction of priorities over time to mitigate the adverse impact of assigning higher priority to long-distance passengers on the seat ticket purchases of short-distance passengers; (3) Elevating priority for short-distance passengers and enabling seat reuse when a long-distance passenger secures a seat ticket without reaching the maximum travel range corresponding to the current highest priority, ensuring early purchases for short-distance passengers; (4) Managing seat ticket presales through a seat reuse priority grouping to preserve, as much as possible, seat numbers with lower reuse depth or unsold seat numbers and maximize availability for long-distance passengers. Simulation results indicate the proposed ticketing strategy significantly enhances train seat utilization and optimizes railway efficiency for medium- to long-distance passenger transportation, while effectively balancing the ticket purchasing rights of short-distance passengers, thereby improving overall service quality.

Conceptual methodological approach to the formation of innovative port transport and logistics infrastructure within the priority development areas

The article considers the possibility of forming a single network of transport and logistics centers in order to ensure the advanced development of transport infrastructure and the fulfillment of the tasks set in the Transport Strategy and the Strategy for the Scientific and Technical Development of the Russian Federation. The similarity of the principles of the formation of priority development territories with the transport and logistics centers functioning within their framework and cluster theory is shown. In this regard, a conceptual model of the transport and logistics cluster of the regional level, built into the international transport corridor and which is part of the country's supporting transport network, has been proposed. A conceptual model for managing the development of a combined transport and logistics system of transportation, taking into account interaction within the framework of the international transport corridor, was considered and supplemented, the implementation of which will speed up the formation of a reference transport network and the achievement of the set targets of the main national program documents.

Socio-economic foundations for the development of Ukrainian road infrastructure with regard to the country’s transit capabilities

The article analyses the main principles and problems of socio-economic development and legal regulation of the automotive infrastructure of Ukraine. The main directions determined by the state to ensure the development of road infrastructure and increase transit opportunities are presented. Some achievements in improving the transport infrastructure in the pre-war period are considered. The author analyses the legal and regulatory framework for the development of road infrastructure. The author examines the legislation and the National Transport Strategy on the development of road infrastructure, expansion of transit opportunities, improvement of the quality of logistics and transport services, satisfaction of social needs of the population, and improvement of the investment climate not only in the transport sector, but also in the agricultural, industrial and other areas of the business environment. It is also noted that the war has had a significant impact on the development of Ukraine’s road infrastructure and transit capabilities, and therefore it is of particular importance to quickly and effectively address the challenges, problems and tasks facing the state to ensure European integration, develop the logistics services market, fill budgets at all levels, and meet the social needs of the population. The author concludes that the National Transport Strategy of Ukraine for the period up to 2030 needs to be further improved in the direction of establishing specific procedures, grounds, procedure and timing for reforming the electric vehicle infrastructure, given the growing number of eco-vehicle owners every year, despite the martial law. Therefore, based on the analysis of legal acts, as well as current legislation, government programmes, and statistical data from official government bodies, the author draws conclusions about the urgent need to prepare a separate document at the state level on the development of the electric vehicle sector. To ensure the effectiveness of such a document, it is proposed to take as a basis the experience gained locally, since there are programmes for the development of the electric vehicle industry in every regional centre and major city of Ukraine, with special attention being paid to the programme of the capital, which takes into account international experience and changes every year in accordance with the needs of eco-mobility owners.

Integrating variable importance and spatial heterogeneity to reveal the environmental effects on outdoor jogging

Outdoor jogging is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of urban active transport strategies aimed at improving public health. Despite growing research on the influence of both natural and built environmental factors on outdoor jogging, less is known about the relative importance of these factors. Moreover, the spatial heterogeneity effects of environmental factors remain unclear. Failing to consider these varying effects regarding impact intensity and spatial scale results in inefficient planning policies aimed at promoting active transport. This study addresses these gaps by analyzing crowdsourced jogging trajectory data in Shenzhen using a computational framework that combines Random Forest Variable Importance (RF-VI) and Multi-Scale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR). The analysis identifies hierarchical environmental effects and the varying impacts of twelve key determinants across different spatial scales. Results reveal that natural environmental factors are most contributing to outdoor jogging, while density-related built environment factors contribute the least. Additionally, environmental effects vary in scale, direction, and intensity, with seven variables exerting global impacts and five showing localized effects. Notably, the central and suburban areas of Shenzhen display considerable spatial heterogeneity in environmental influences. The findings inform the importance of integrating green infrastructure, mitigating over-dense urban development, and enhancing pedestrian-accessible road networks to promote outdoor jogging. These insights advocate for context-sensitive urban planning that balances natural and built environments to to foster healthier mobility.

Optimizing bone transport strategies: a pixel value ratio-based evaluation of regeneration rates in bifocal and trifocal techniques

BackgroundBone transport techniques are crucial for managing large bone defects, but the optimal approach for different defect lengths remains unclear. This study aimed to compare bone regeneration rates between short bifocal bone transport (SBBT), long bifocal bone transport (LBBT), and trifocal bone transport (TBT) using pixel value ratio (PVR) as an objective quantitative measure.MethodsThis retrospective study included 60 patients undergoing lower limb bone transport, divided into SBBT (n = 22, defects <6 cm), LBBT (n = 20, defects ≥6 cm), and TBT (n = 18, defects ≥6 cm) groups. PVR was measured at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively using standardized digital radiographs. Healing index (HI) and external fixation index (EFI) were calculated to assess treatment efficiency. Demographic data, surgical characteristics, and complications were also analyzed.ResultsTBT showed significantly higher PVR values compared to LBBT at all time points (4 weeks: 0.779 ± 0.036 vs. 0.719 ± 0.027, p < 0.001; 8 weeks: 0.822 ± 0.027 vs. 0.787 ± 0.025, p = 0.008; 12 weeks: 0.866 ± 0.024 vs. 0.835 ± 0.016, p = 0.023) and to SBBT at 4 and 8 weeks (p < 0.001 and p = 0.016, respectively). The TBT group demonstrated significantly lower HI and EFI compared to both SBBT and LBBT groups (p < 0.05), indicating faster healing and shorter treatment times. Although SBBT showed slightly higher PVR values than LBBT, the differences were not statistically significant.ConclusionTrifocal bone transport leads to faster bone regeneration and shorter treatment times compared to bifocal techniques, particularly for longer bone defects. The study demonstrates that defect length alone may not be the primary factor influencing regeneration rates in bifocal transport. PVR proves to be a reliable and cost-effective tool for assessing bone regeneration in different bone transport techniques, offering potential for guiding clinical decision-making. These findings suggest that trifocal transport should be considered as a preferred method for treating larger bone defects, especially when minimizing treatment time is crucial.

Possibilities of Using Inland Navigation to Improve the Efficiency of Interurban Freight Transport with the Use of the RIS System—Case Study of the Route Opole–Szczecin

This study explores the potential of inland navigation as a key component of Poland’s sustainable transportation strategy, focusing on the Opole–Szczecin route. It emphasizes inland waterways as an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to road and rail transport, potentially revitalizing local economies and reducing dependency on more traditional transport modes. The use of the River Information Service (RIS) system is highlighted as to its role in enhancing the logistical efficiency and safety of inland water transport. The research includes a comparative analysis of cargo transport on the Opole–Szczecin route, using road, rail, and inland-waterway options, revealing the advantages of inland-waterway transport in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges and opportunities for the development of inland navigation in Poland, advocating for greater integration with other transport branches through innovative technologies like RIS.

Energy Policy Scenarios for Carbon Emissions in Road Passenger Transport in Austria up to 2050

The transport sector currently contributes to about 25% of total CO2-emissions in the EU as well as in Austria. The largest share is caused by individual passenger car transport, primarily powered by fossil fuels. It is imperative to replace conventional cars with sustainable alternative technologies and explore alternative modes of transportation, all while reducing the overall vehicle kilometres driven. To meet climate targets, the implementation of effective policies is crucial, and phasing out fossil fuel vehicles is an inevitable step. The core objective of this study is to analyze which policy strategies in road passenger transport in Austria up to 2050 lead to a significant reduction in CO2-emissions. To do so, four scenarios for energy consumption and CO2-emissions, are derived and modelled: a Business-as-Usual Scenario, a Phase-Out-Scenario of fossil fuels, a Tax-Scenario and a Green-Policy-Scenario. Of specific relevance is that our approach is considering flow and embedded CO2-emissions. The major driving factors considered encompass income, vehicle kilometres driven, vehicle power, fuel intensity, and specific CO2-emission factors. The BAU-Scenario continues current policy trends without major changes. The Phase-Out- Scenario looks at gradually stopping the use of fossil fuel vehicles. The Tax-Scenario uses higher financial measures to reduce the use of high-emission vehicles. The Green-Policy-Scenario combines various strategies to encourage public transport and active mobility and improve vehicle efficiency. The major conclusions are: (i) The total vehicle kilometres travelled and overall vehicle stock must be reduced. (ii) Focusing on BEVs is not sufficient; a modal shift towards public transport and active mobility is important. (iii) Public transport and active mobility need to be made more attractive options. These steps will help reduce emissions and create more sustainable urban environments.

Crafting a jogging-friendly city: Harnessing big data to evaluate the runnability of urban streets

Jogging, historically marginalized in the realms of urban and transportation strategy since it is not about commuting, is garnering appreciation for its health-related merits. The growing public focus on health underscores the urgent need for planning and infrastructure to support outdoor physical activities, yet current evaluations of urban environments' friendliness toward such activities are insufficient. This investigation unveils a runnability evaluation framework predicated on accessible geospatial big data. Initial steps involved delineating potential metrics from the built environment, pedestrian perceptions, and the natural setting, as informed by literature. This was followed by constructing a backward stepwise regression analysis, utilizing jogging frequency as the response variable against the identified metrics as predictors. The ensuing model retained certain variables, which were then deemed valid metrics, and their regression coefficients were appropriated as weights to compute a runnability index for individual street segments. This framework was applied in Guangzhou, affirming the model's objectivity and validity. The introduced framework furnishes researchers and urban planners with an objective and reproducible tool for the evaluation of runnability and possesses the versatility for an extension to assess walkability and bikeability. This study encourages the attention and support of jogging activities.

Unified strategy of flat band engineering, electronic transport and other spectral properties for different kagomé ribbon variants

Unified strategy of flat band engineering, electronic transport and other spectral properties for different kagomé ribbon variants

Digital traffic state analysis for urban regions considering complex multi-directional flow changes

In this research, a digital analytical model based on three-flow full-cycle state macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD) with observable different perimeter control management and flow loading modes has been proposed on the basis of real network and peak hour traffic flow loading scenarios in Rostov-on-Don. It is known that the aim of digital management of urban intelligent traffic is to ultimately optimize the overall state of multi-area traffic operation in the city. The goal of this research was to provide a strong basis to establish digital management strategies for intelligent transport, determine the change trends of steady-state equilibrium of regional traffic flow and their effects on full-cycle states of traffic flow under various peripheral control management strategies and traffic loading patterns. Simulation results confirmed that with the evolution of traffic state, stricter peripheral control management always results in a wider attraction area ultimately giving rise to steady-state equilibrium of traffic flow.

Optimization of liquefaction cycles applied to CO2 coming from onshore pipeline to offshore ship transportation

In the field of the CO2 transportation for the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) process chain, several analyses show that, for a large-scale CO2 transportation, pipeline transportation is the preferred method on land due to its lower cost. Barges also present a feasible alternative if the capture site is near a waterway. Maritime transport becomes more advantageous than pipelines, particularly over long distances and across ocean. Despite the need to liquefy CO2 and to add temporary storage facilities for loading and unloading onto ships, beyond a certain distance at fixed CO2 transported and plant life, ship transport optimal at pressures of 7 or 15 bar depending on the type of vessel. Impurities in CO2, arising from various industrial processes and variable performances of capture technologies, increase energy consumption during compression and could cause corrosion risks. Specifications for CO2 ship transport limit the concentration of certain impurities with strict thresholds. Methods for purifying CO2, such as the two-flash system and stripping column, have been proposed to meet these specifications. The studied CO2 liquefaction methods show that hybrid cycles, combining open cycle with Joule-Thompson expansion and closed cycle with cooling machine offer reduced energy consumption and improved CO2 recovery compared to open or closed cycles. In the presence of the maximum threshold of impurities in the pipeline, energy consumption can nearly double from 21.8 kWh/tCO2 to 40.9 kWh/tCO2, with the highest recovery rising 98.1 %. This research underscores the importance of optimizing CO2 transport strategies to facilitate the deployment of CCUS technologies.

Acceptability of a city-wide transport plan: A thematic analysis of written consultation responses

IntroductionPolicy intervention to reduce car use is required for environmental and health benefits. Multi-component interventions with both positive (i.e. ‘carrot’) and negative (i.e. ‘stick’) strategies are effective in promoting modal shift, but ‘stick’ strategies are less acceptable and often abandoned before implementation. This study aims to understand the arguments surrounding policy acceptability for a multi-component transport plan including both carrot and stick strategies in Cambridge, UK. MethodsA series of public consultations between 2017 and 2022 informed transport priorities and provided feedback on a range of proposals. The final public consultation sought views on detailed proposals to expand the bus network and invest in sustainable travel infrastructure funded by the implementation of a road user charge. Following the consultation, concessions were made to the plans and they were later abandoned due to a lack of political consensus. We downloaded and analysed written responses generated during the consultation to identify arguments influencing policy acceptance. ResultsFrom 115 included responses, we identified five themes: (1) support for the overall vision of the transport strategy; (2) mixed support on proposals (favouring carrots but not sticks); (3) concerns about consultation process; (4) concerns about deliverability of proposals; and (5) the effects of the scheme on transport, inequalities and economic growth. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that policy design and communication should focus on perceived effectiveness and equity and building trust among agencies ahead of policy proposals to support the effective implementation of travel policy solutions.

Disrupted intermodality: Examining adaptation strategies to public transport e-scooter bans in Barcelona

Electric scooters (e-scooters) have changed urban mobility by offering a dynamic solution to the critical “first and last mile” problem, connecting individuals from their homes to public transport and their final destinations. Despite their growing popularity, e-scooters navigate through a landscape of shifting legal frameworks, highlighting the urgency for policies that not only harness their potential but also address their inherent challenges. This study aims to shed light on the intermodal practices and demographics of e-scooters users in Barcelona, explores the potential impacts of regulatory changes on established transport habits, and assesses the adaptability of users to changing transportation options. Through a self-reported survey of 311 private e-scooter users, we find a notable prevalence of young men from lower socioeconomic backgrounds engaging in intermodal travel, primarily for employment purposes. To better understand how e-scooter riders integrate the device in their daily mobility strategies, we introduce the Intermodality Ratio (IR). A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) is then used to identify key demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic predictors of the IR, revealing place of residence as the most significant factor influencing intermodal behavior. Finally, we analyze participants’ anticipated behavioral shifts in response to the upcoming ban using a Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) model, which explores the sociodemographic factors affecting the likelihood of adopting alternative transport strategies. These findings contribute to the limited understanding of e-scooter utilization and intermodal practices, particularly within the context of public transit, offering insights into how transport policies can more effectively accommodate emerging mobility solutions.