Transportation Options Research Articles

Temporal and mode-based accessibility to urban tourism spots: A spatial travel time analysis—Budapest

Efficient access to tourist spots is necessary for enhancing the overall travel experience, especially in urban environments. This study investigates the accessibility of key tourist spots in Budapest through different transportation modes (e.g., walking, cycling, and public transport) across various time intervals. Using spatial-temporal travel time maps and detailed statistical analysis, the research highlighted significant differences in how these modes connect tourists to their attractions. Cycling stands out as the most efficient transportation option, providing rapid access to a wide range of tourist spots, while public transport ranks second. However, the study also reveals disparities in accessibility, with central areas being well-served, while outer ones, especially in the northwest, remain less accessible. These findings highlight the need for targeted transportation improvements to ensure that all areas of the city are equally reachable. The results offer valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers aiming to enhance tourism infrastructure and improve the visitor experience in Budapest.TRANSLATE with x EnglishArabicHebrewPolishBulgarianHindiPortugueseCatalanHmong DawRomanianChinese SimplifiedHungarianRussianChinese TraditionalIndonesianSlovakCzechItalianSlovenianDanishJapaneseSpanishDutchKlingonSwedishEnglishKoreanThaiEstonianLatvianTurkishFinnishLithuanianUkrainianFrenchMalayUrduGermanMalteseVietnameseGreekNorwegianWelshHaitian CreolePersian // TRANSLATE with COPY THE URL BELOW Back EMBED THE SNIPPET BELOW IN YOUR SITE Enable collaborative features and customize widget: Bing Webmaster PortalBack//

Saving the planet through consumption

This paper analyzes the discourse of cause-related marketing (CRM) employed by the app Uber to promote its “Uber Planet/Green” initiative, which aims to offer more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options. The research examines consumer practices through a psychoanalytic lens (LACAN, 1999; STAVRAKAKIS, 2007; ŽIŽEK, 2000, 2008), along with extensions such as Rifkin’s concept of cultural capitalism (2000) and the practice of “causumerism” by Richey and Ponte (2011). The methodology involves a critical analysis of marketing campaigns and impact reports to understand their implications. The findings indicate that, while CRM advocates for significant social causes, it also commodifies social activism, aligning with contemporary critiques of ethical consumption and the practices of comfort and authenticity (BANET-WEISER, 2012). This research contributes to the discourse on the complexities of consumer engagement with sustainability initiatives.

Unveiling Travel Patterns and Challenges Considering Mixed Land Use and User Behavior in an Indian City

Transportation and land use are inextricably linked. Travel patterns are influenced by the location, design of new developments, and users’ behavior. In many Tier II cities in India where rapid transit systems are unavailable, such as Vadodara, spatial and transportation planning lack integration with land use. This disconnect neglects user behavior and travel needs, resulting in congestion and pollution as ongoing, reactive challenges rather than being addressed through sustainable and proactive solutions. This research used a triangulation approach incorporating literature analysis, questionnaire surveys, and field observations to enhance the robustness of the results. After a comprehensive analysis, findings were derived from the user behavior, traffic patterns, and field observations for mixed land use. The study revealed a heavy reliance on private vehicles for work trips (53%) despite low satisfaction with sustainable transport options (average rating of 2.8 out of 5). Infrastructure issues, such as disorganized parking and pedestrian safety concerns, exacerbate congestion and pollution. This study recommends a Comprehensive Mobility Plan (C.M.P.) and a land use and transport integration (LUTI) cell to address these issues and promote sustainability. Future research should explore comparative studies, socioeconomic factors, and legal frameworks for sustainable development.

State-of-the-Art and Advancement of Charging Infrastructure in Electric Mobility: An Integrated Review

Electric mobility is attracting significant attention in the current era due to its environmental benefits, sustainable transportation options, and the absence of carbon emissions. However, challenges such as the high price of batteries, inefficient charging techniques, and compatibility linking the charging station with electric vehicles (EVs) must be addressed. This article reviews advancements and identifies challenges in charging infrastructure for electric mobility. This study incorporates and analyzes an integrated review of approximately 223 research articles. Current research trends and states of charging infrastructure are prepared as per the Web of Science (WoS) database from 2013 to 2023. In light of recent extensions in wireless power transfer technology, including capacitive, inductive, and magnetic gear topology, are presented to advance the charging infrastructure. Different charging tactics based on power source, such as level-1 AC, level-2 AC, level-3 DC fast, and level-3 DC ultra-rapid charging, related to charging infrastructure are addressed. The vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration methodology is addressed to construct a smart city by presenting the transfer of power and related data through linkage and moving systems. The exploration of artificial intelligence, global connectivity of electric vehicles (EVs), sun-to-vehicle (S2V), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) techniques with EVs is conducted to enhance and progress the charging infrastructure. Key barriers associated with charging infrastructure are identified.

Értékteremtés a közlekedésben a határmenti közlekedési közszolgáltatások fejlesztésével

The territories and borders of the countries in Europe changed a lot during the last century, which had a positive effect on some states and a negative effect on others, but in all cases it can be said that it led to a reorganization of territorial processes. In addition to Hungary’s territorial loss, it does not have a border region where the new state border would not have split a naturally formed region in two. Borders, among other things, by eliminating transport options, turned the border areas into „backwaters”, which led to their devaluation. The aim of the research is to prove that the specific aspect of value creation is the creation of cross-border transport, within this, the realization of transport accessible to everyone by creating the availability of public transport services. The purpose of cross-border transport is to improve the situation of two peripheral areas that exist side by side, but are incapable of lasting cooperation with each other due to the lack of transport connections. The first stage of connections is the existence of the infrastructure, on which certain activities can be carried out, such as individual modes of transport, organized group transport and goods transport. However, the existence of public transport or public transport services occupies a special place in the formation of regions. During the research, in addition to the state of the infrastructure, different public transport services were mapped and compared, and the value-creating power of public transport services was verified by comparing social and economic phenomena.

Evolution of transport, accessibility and tourism competitiveness in Extremadura (Spain): a benchmarking analysis

The efficiency of the transportation options available to tourists, in terms of convenience and time, directly impacts the competitiveness of a destination in the tourism sector. The aim of this study is to compare how the indicators of accessibility and connectivity of transportation have evolved across Spain's Autonomous Regions. To achieve this, we used indicators related to the sufficiency and connectivity of air and high-speed train services, as well as land accessibility and connectivity, as provided by Exceltur's Monitur reports. For a dynamic analysis, which is essential in assessing this type of infrastructure, we considered the values of these indicators from the first Monitur report (2010) and the most recent one (2018). Based on these values for the 17 Autonomous Regions of Spain, we identified the regions that have gained relative competitiveness and those that have experienced a relative decline. The dynamic analysis conducted in this study has allowed us to classify the regions according to the evolution of their relative competitiveness. It highlights the key areas that destination managers should focus on to design strategies that enhance their competitive position.

Comparative Analysis of the Carbon Footprint Value Resulting from the Selected Mode of Transport, Based on the Example of Transporting Neodymium Magnets

The article presents a sensitivity analysis of the carbon footprint for different modes of transporting neodymium magnets over a selected route, in the context of their environmental impact and sustainable development. Neodymium magnets, widely used in modern technologies such as wind turbines, are essential for renewable energy sources, making the selection of environmentally optimal transportation crucial. The calculations included road, rail, inland waterway, and air transport, using available emission calculators, which allowed for an analysis using averaged emission indicators for each mode of transport. Additionally, a comparative analysis was conducted with the SimaPro program to verify the consistency and accuracy of the results. The findings indicated that rail transport, with access to low-emission infrastructure and a reduced carbon footprint per unit of mass, is the most efficient option for CO2 emissions reduction, whereas air transport, despite its speed, generates the highest emissions per ton of cargo, making it the least environmentally friendly alternative. A t-test analysis was also conducted to statistically validate the results for each transportation option.

Leveraging AI in Traffic Engineering to Enhance Bicycle Mobility in Urban Areas

More With the rise of AI-driven technologies, urban cycling is becoming more accessible and appealing to many due to benefits such as health improvement and cost efficiency. Governments worldwide are promoting cycling as a sustainable transportation option to address environmental challenges. Ensuring seamless bicycle mobility in cities is essential to incentivize cycling. AI-powered Traffic Engineering can significantly enhance the flow of bicycle traffic in urban areas by optimizing infrastructure and safety. This article explores the benefits of cycling and the rationale for investing in AI-integrated cycling infrastructure. It provides examples of smart solutions such as AI-based vehicle-cycle segregation (including London's Cycle Superhighways), protected intersections enhanced by machine learning algorithms, and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) that incorporate AI for dynamic traffic management. Their implementation and impact on cyclists and overall traffic flow are analyzed, demonstrating that these advanced systems reduce accidents, boost road efficiency, and make cycling more enjoyable. Quantitative data on these improvements is also presented. In conclusion, AI-enabled Traffic Engineering solutions play a vital role in enhancing bicycle mobility and safety in urban environments.

Analysis of socioeconomic and built environment factors influencing travel mode choice of older adults in Georgia

This paper explores the travel behavior of older adults in comparison to younger adults using the 2017 U.S. National Household Travel Survey Georgia Add-on. We employ a discrete mode choice model to examine how the relationships between travel outcomes and socioeconomic, trip, and built environment characteristics vary by age. Travel modes are categorized into automobile, public transit, and non-motorized modes (i.e., walking and biking). The analysis reveals significant differences in factors related to non-auto mode travel outcomes between age groups. The presence of health conditions is associated with a lower likelihood of older adults choosing non-auto modes, and this effect intensifies with age. The association between trip purposes and travel outcome also varies; home-based-other purpose trips, such as healthcare appointments or community activities, are associated with a higher probability of older adults choosing non-motorized modes compared to other trip purposes. Residential density is more of a factor for older adults' non-auto mode choices, and older adults living in non-auto mode supportive environments are more likely to maintain non-auto mode usage. The study further finds that older adults and those with health conditions live and travel in less dense, less walkable areas than their counterparts, which makes it difficult for them to have viable non-auto transportation options. To expand mobility options for older adults, planners should design programs for older adults with health conditions and provide services for those who can no longer drive or without access to automobiles. Additionally, considering built environment conditions and the varying needs of individuals based on trip purposes is recommended to satisfy the mobility needs of older adults in accordance with their lifestyles.

Multi-objective model for electric vehicle charging station location selection problem for a sustainable transportation infrastructure

The transportation industry mostly depends on conventional vehicles, leading to significant adverse effects on the environment. The widespread usage of electric vehicles can be seen as a relief for this problem. However, the success of electric vehicles largely depends on the availability and proper deployment of charging station infrastructure. It is crucial for cities to strategically select suitable locations for charging stations with adequate capacity levels to promote sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation options. Hence, in this study, a multi-objective model is proposed for the electric vehicle charging station location selection and capacity allocation problem. The model aims to maximize customer satisfaction, minimize total risk, and minimize costs as key objective functions. To manage the demand effectively, the region of interest is divided into grids. The proposed multi-objective model is applied to the European side of Istanbul and solved by using AUGMECON2 technique. Finally, computational analyses are presented based on scenarios including different demand values. These analyses provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the proposed model and its implications for achieving sustainable transportation in Istanbul.

The Environmental and Biodiversity Impacts of a New Cableway System: A Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment

Cars are still used as the primary mode of transportation for daily commuting, with their emissions significantly affecting urban air quality, contributing to overall greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts to reduce car dependency have led to exploration of alternative transportation options such as cableway systems in urban areas. However, limited information exists regarding the environmental impacts and biodiversity implications of such systems. This study conducted a comparative life cycle assessment between a proposed cableway system for the city of Trieste, Italy and its current car transportation mode. The analysis considered both daily operational profiles and passenger occupancy rates of the cableway system. Drawing from similar cableway systems worldwide, it was calculated that the proposed Trieste cableway would accommodate 2,007 daily passengers, on average. Results from the environmental assessment revealed that the cableway's operational phase had by far the greatest impact on all environmental categories, followed by its construction and by land clearance. Additionally, the use phase was found to be the major cause for most biodiversity loss, particularly towards terrestrial ecosystems. Comparisons of life cycle GHG emissions between the cableway and car transportation indicated that the cableway system would be a preferable option if the daily average passengers would reach at least 3,908, which is almost double than the expected ones. Furthermore, the cableway system exhibited larger environmental impacts across most categories compared to current car transportation. Thus, this study challenges the perception that the cableway system is a more sustainable option compared to conventional modes of transport, as additional factors need to be considered for a broader overview of the environmental performances.

Investigating relationships between ridesourcing and public transit using big data analysis and nonlinear machine learning: A case study of Shanghai, China

Ridesourcing has transformed the landscape of passenger transportation systems in many cities worldwide, but whether it competes with or complements public transport (PT) is still debated, and the literature is limited. Therefore, this study aims to address this knowledge gap by measuring the relationships between the two systems and examining their determinants using a multisource big data analysis and nonlinear machine learning approach, with Shanghai, China, as the study case. First, we used the observed ridesourcing data in Shanghai to compute the fastest PT alternative for each ridesourcing trip based on the Amap open platform and subsequently compared the travel patterns (i.e., distance, duration, and generalized cost) of the two systems. Second, we propose a technical framework that considers the spatiotemporal availability and generalized cost acceptability of PT services, as well as the inclusivity of ridesourcing services, to accurately classify and identify the relationship between ridesourcing and PT systems. Finally, we explored the importance of four types of determinants, namely, ridesourcing characteristics, PT service, built environment, and weather, and their nonlinear effects on different relationships based on extreme gradient boosting and Shapley additive explanations. Our results show that the fastest PT alternative involves an average travel distance, generalized travel time, and generalized cost that are 1.16, 2.13, and 1.15 times greater, respectively, than those of ridesourcing. Competitive trips account for 36% of urban areas but only 16% in the suburbs. Furthermore, more than 70% and 10% of the ridesourcing trips in suburban areas are used to complement and integrate PT, respectively. The nonlinear machine learning framework identified the top three determinants of integration as travel cost, distance to the CBD, and travel time. Notably, determinants such as the distance to the CBD and temperature have nonlinear effects on these relationships. These findings offer valuable insights for designing multimodal transportation options that integrate the benefits of ridesourcing and PT.

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.

Market segmentation and willingness to pay for public transport annual passes among older adults: insights from Genoa, Italy

A survey of older adults aged 65 and over (n = 247) was conducted in Genoa, often described as ‘the oldest city in the oldest country’ in Europe. This paper presents two scenarios exploring older people's willingness to pay (WTP) for annual tickets for local public transport (LPT) and examines the impact of factors such as cost, time, and comfort. These insights could help address the challenges of travel in ageing societies. A segmentation analysis based on the mean values of the two WTP scenarios (status quo and improved services) was conducted, followed by linear regression modelling to understand how older adults' socio-demographic traits, perceptions, and travel behaviour affect their WTP.Our findings suggest that the pricing of the annual pass (€345 at the time of survey) exceeds the WTP indicated by respondents. The mean WTP for the status quo level of service (€221.36) was much lower than the WTP if service levels were improved (€304.07). Women were found to be more likely to use LPT but also tended to live alone and have lower incomes. Off-peak hours, particularly in the afternoon, were also associated with a higher WTP. This research is important in the context of Europe's ageing population, highlighting the need for more inclusive transport options for older adults. Public transport authorities (PTAs) should explore more tailored approaches to pricing and service provision. It is imperative to balance the competing goals of cost recovery, equity, and service attractiveness to encourage older people's uptake of LPT services, while maintaining accessibility and wellbeing.

Electromobility strategy on emerging economies: Beyond selling electric vehicles

Electromobility (EM) has emerged as a promising solution to achieve carbon neutrality goals by replacing traditional fossil fuel-powered transportation with electric vehicles (EVs). This sustainable transportation option significantly reduces energy consumption and eliminates greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to mitigating climate change and improving air quality. While some countries have implemented strategies to promote EM adoption, emerging economies like Brazil face complex challenges. This research employs Q-methodology to explore the viewpoints and opinions of Brazilian specialists in the field of EM, identifying challenges and opportunities for successful adoption. The study also examines the broader implications for emerging countries and their automotive industries. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing EV costs, propulsion technologies, and the need for government incentives and policies. Additionally, the research highlights the role of education and urban mobility in promoting EM. While the study offers valuable insights, it acknowledges limitations in the sample and suggests future research directions.

Urban dynamics and Gen-Z mobility: The influence of land use diversity and density on daily trip patterns in Indonesia

This study aims to assess the impact of land use—specifically land diversity and density—on the trip patterns of Gen-Z in developing cities like Indonesia, where public transport infrastructure is limited. Using travel history data from GMaps Timeline, the movements of 1,057 individuals were analyzed over 150 days on a 24-hour continuous basis, with 65.56% representing Gen-Z and the remainder older generations as a comparison group. Of the 579,360 trips observed, the findings indicate that density and land use diversity significantly influence the number of daily trips and daily mileage per trip. The study also identifies differences in mobility patterns between Gen-Z and older generations and highlights the role of gender in shaping trip patterns in urban areas. The practical implications of the findings emphasize the importance of urban planning strategies that integrate high-density, mixed-use areas to reduce reliance on private vehicles and promote sustainable transportation options. Enhancing the diversity of land use and developing pedestrian-friendly environments enables cities to address the mobility preferences of Gen-Z, which tend to favor sustainable transport modes. Furthermore, this research underscores the critical role of appropriate infrastructure development in fostering sustainable mobility for younger generations. Without such infrastructure and supportive urban planning, the potential to optimize sustainable transport preferences among Gen-Z remains limited. This highlights the urgency for policymakers to prioritize investments in public transport systems and land use policies that promote accessible, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility.

Investigating a Toolchain from Trajectory Recording to Resimulation

The growing variety of transportation options and increasing traffic congestion pose new challenges for road safety. As a result, there is an intensified focus on developing automated driving features and assistance systems aimed at minimizing accidents caused by human errors. The creation of these systems requires a substantial amount of testing kilometers, with estimates suggesting that around 2.1 billion kilometers would be necessary to ensure that each situation pertinent to the driving function is encountered at least once with a probability of 50%. This paper advances the microscopic simulation of traffic scenarios beyond linear patterns, utilizing the open-source environment openPASS. It addresses the research question of whether existing microscopic simulations are able to realistically represent non-linear traffic scenarios. A comprehensive toolchain integrates simulation with video recordings and laser scans. The study compares recorded traffic flow data with simulations at a T-junction, assessing the realism of vehicle models and trajectory representation. Three scenarios are analyzed, considering vehicles and pedestrians. The 3D geometry of the scene was captured with a laser scanner, enabling the mapping of recorded video data onto a geo-referenced environment. Object trajectories were extracted using an ’Regions with Convolutional Neural Networks features’ object detector. While openPASS simulated vehicle and pedestrian behaviors effectively, limitations in trajectory variability and reaction times were observed. These findings highlight the need for more realistic behavior models. This research emphasizes the necessity for improvements to accommodate complex driving behaviors and pedestrian dynamics.

Systematic Analysis of Commuting Behavior in Italy Using K-Means Clustering and Spatial Analysis: Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Transport Solutions

Transport Demand Management (TDM) is crucial in shaping travel behavior and enhancing urban mobility by promoting sustainable transport options. This study represents a comprehensive analysis of employee commuting behavior across seventy-seven cities in Italy, with a focus on Rome as a case study. It investigates some requirements of the workplace travel plan as a TDM strategy for promoting sustainable commuting. An online survey conducted in June 2022 yielded 2314 valid responses, including 1320 from private car drivers. K-means clustering was used to identify distinct behavioral patterns among commuters, revealing four clusters based on demographic factors and transport preferences, such as age, gender, family circumstances, vehicle ownership, willingness to walk, ride bicycles, or e-scooters, and reasons for mode choice. This study analyzed Rome’s public transport network, land use, and private car use. Results underscore the need for tailored transport policies that enhance inclusivity and accessibility, especially for employees with family members who cannot commute independently. A spatial analysis of Rome reveals significant infrastructure deficiencies, such as complicated transfers and inaccessible stations, which discourage PT use. Future research should explore the impact of remote work and psychological factors and conduct in-depth subgroup analyses to inform inclusive transport policy development.

Advancing Sustainable Transportation Equity for Older Adults: A Geospatial Analysis of Mobility Gaps in Florida

As older adults face increasing mobility challenges due to diminished driving ability, they encounter heightened risks of social exclusion, impacting their mental, social, and physical well-being. This study investigates spatial gaps in the availability of sustainable transportation options—including public transit, paratransit, and specialized senior services—and examines their alignment with the distribution of older adults segmented by age group (65–74, 75–84, and 85+). Using Florida as a case study, Geographic Information System (GIS) was employed to conduct a geospatial analysis, identifying statistically significant clusters of low transportation availability alongside high concentrations of older adults. The primary contribution of this research lies in its innovative methodology, which integrates precise transportation service boundaries with age-segmented demographic data, offering a nuanced assessment of transportation equity as a crucial aspect of sustainability. Findings provide a comprehensive framework for policymakers, enabling targeted resource allocation and planning that enhance mobility, accessibility, and quality of life for older adults. This study contributes to advancing sustainable development goals by addressing transportation disparities, supporting equitable, age-sensitive transportation solutions, and informing broader discussions on sustainable urban planning.

Tourist mobility packages in an island mass tourism destination: Exploring preferences heterogeneity and willingness-to-pay

Ensuring a sustainable and efficient transportation system meeting visitor mobility needs is paramount for mass tourist destinations. Recognising this challenge, some destinations are embracing Mobility as a Service (MaaS) solutions as a strategy to create a more sustainable transportation system for tourists. This study uses a discrete choice experiment to analyse tourists’ preferences and willingness to pay for MaaS packages in two well-known municipalities of the Canary Islands, one of Europe’s premier mass tourism destinations. The empirical evidence of taste heterogeneity revealed by the analysis indicates that a one-size-fits-all solution is inadequate. Therefore, the development of mobility packages must be tailored to the specific needs of distinct tourist segments. This approach caters to individual preferences and maximises the perceived value for each tourist segment, promoting the adoption of sustainable transportation options.