Transportation Projects Research Articles

Public-private partnerships: A dynamic discrete choice model for road projects

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are an effective vehicle for delivering critical infrastructure worldwide, particularly road transport assets (e.g., bridges, toll roads and tunnels). However, PPPs have been and continue to be controversial forms of project delivery as there are concerns about their ability to provide taxpayers with value for money (VfM). Current practice to determine VfM focuses on a ‘simplistic’ ex-ante evaluation referred to as the Public Sector Comparator (PSC), aiming to take a life-cycle approach to cost and benefits assessment. However, the complexity of transport projects renders the PSC ineffective and static evaluation of cost and benefits across their life-cycle. Therefore, the PSC cannot accommodate a project's environment's dynamic and changing nature. Acknowledging the limitations of the PSC, we develop and examine a dynamic discrete choice model that can be used to provide a VfM assessment for ‘road projects’. By validating the proposed model using two illustrative cases, the results suggest it can capture a more comprehensive assessment of cost components, functionality, and benefits specific to road projects and quantify the relationship between the consideration of different assessment elements and choice utility. Therefore, utilising the new model to assess VfM can enable policymakers to make more informed decisions about the employment of PPPs.

Integrated urban transport infrastructure development: The role of digital social geo-communication in Hamburg's TEN-T improvement

The European Union's (EU) Trans-European transport network (TEN-T) policy transport policy strives for an integrated and sustainable transport development. The process can be regarded as an ongoing spatial governance process rather than a linear transport planning and project implementation. Transport developers increasingly regard information and communication technologies (ICT) as supportive in these collaborative processes and government use Public Participatory Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS). Many contextual factors, institutional and technological conditions are influencing the usage and results of the tools, there is still the need to understand their role in the spatial governance processes. Therefore, exemplified by Hamburg's TEN-T green corridor project, the following question will be investigated in the paper: how did the public and governmental actors interact when utilising (PPGIS) in Hamburg's (TEN-T) green corridor project? By the means of MAXQDA, a qualitative and mixed data analysis tool the contributions of the participants from the online participation, the consultant report that summarised the contribution and government's response been analysed (GovHam, 2020a). Furthermore, a theoretical spatial governance framework had been suggested that guided the analysis. The study shows that the selective process by authorities and consulting institutions decreases the potentials of (PPGIS) to create a deliberate and transparent discussion. Hence, the results confirm other studies, showing that the social geo- communication tools are mainly used to inform participants rather than engaging reflective learning.

Developing a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (HFCV) Energy Consumption Model for Transportation Applications

This paper presents a simple hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV) energy consumption model. Simple fuel/energy consumption models have been developed and employed to estimate the energy and environmental impacts of various transportation projects for internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). However, there are few published results on HFCV energy models that can be simply implemented in transportation applications. The proposed HFCV energy model computes instantaneous energy consumption utilizing instantaneous vehicle speed, acceleration, and roadway grade as input variables. The mode accurately estimates energy consumption, generating errors of 0.86% and 2.17% relative to laboratory data for the fuel cell estimation and the total energy estimation, respectively. Furthermore, this work validated the proposed model against independent data and found that the new model accurately estimated the energy consumption, producing an error of 1.9% and 1.0% relative to empirical data for the fuel cell and the total energy estimation, respectively. The results demonstrate that transportation engineers, policy makers, automakers, and environmental engineers can use the proposed model to evaluate the energy consumption effects of transportation projects and connected and automated vehicle (CAV) transportation applications within microscopic traffic simulation models.

Large-Scale Transport Projects: Accuracy in Cost Estimation

Currently, several studies have been conducted about overspending of funds in large-scale projects, including transport. International studies show that overspending by 20–100 % is not an exception, but an established fact. The article presents the results of comparing the estimated cost with the actual costs for several large-scale transport projects that were implemented on the territory of Russia. The conclusion is made about the need for a systematic analysis when evaluating the effectiveness of projects of this class.

The "Ice Silk Road" project, its advantages and opportunities

The Ice Silk Road is an important component and logical continuation of the implementation of the strategic initiative "One Belt, One Road", a navigation channel running through the Arctic Ocean and connecting continents. The inclusion of the "Ice Silk Road" in the first comprehensive white paper on Arctic policy represents a historic step for China's participation in the Arctic. Although China's borders do not extend to the Arctic, China is one of the 13 "observers" in the Arctic Council and is increasingly active in the region. Over the past few years, China has achieved political synergy and started industrial, scientific and technological cooperation with the Russian Federation and the Nordic countries. The object of research is international scientific and technical projects based on the internationalization of participants. The subject of the study is the economic space of a single physical and geographical area of the Earth adjacent to the North Pole and having the potential to scale the economic activities of interested parties. Research methodology – theoretical and applied economic analysis of information and statistical reliable sources.  With its expanded interests and expanded capabilities, China is becoming the preferred partner for Russia and the countries of Europe and Asia in a number of infrastructure, energy and transport projects in the Arctic region – this actualizes the subject area of the study. Research results: special attention in the course of the research is paid to the description of the concept of the "Ice Silk Road", its content, goals and objectives; the internal and external advantages, as well as new potential opportunities associated with the implementation of the Ice Silk Road project are considered.

Influence of transport accessibility on the development of remote areas of residence of the indigenous people of the North

In the complex of socio-economic and environmental problems, infrastructure provision is becoming a key issue. A feature of remote areas is the inconsistency in understanding the vital need for access to modern infrastructures (primarily transport) and the costs associated with this access. On the one hand, the transport infrastructure in the region can contribute to the efficient use of the economic potential of the region. On the other hand, fencing from the outside world with restricting existing traffic flows and rejecting new transport projects may be the local population’s own choice. In modern Russian practice, industrial development is the main driving force in the development of the transport infrastructure of the territories. In this article, the following territories of the Russian Federation - Tyndinsky District of the Amur region, Neryungrinsky District of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) were selected as model territories for studies of the mutual influence of mining enterprises and the development of transport infrastructure on the socio-economic state of remote regions. The study used methods of comparative geographic and statistical analysis and data generalization problem approaches, in-depth and group interviews with local residents. The results of the analysis of publicly available data on the development and maintenance of specific transport arteries and original materials of field studies are presented. It is important that local residents associate the improvement of the economic situation in their settlements, including through changes in the transport and geographical position, with the development of industrial companies and express their largely favorable attitude towards them, despite doubts about the accompanying environmental consequences.

Южная Азия во внешнеполитических приоритетах Центральной Азии и России

The South Asian direction of the foreign policy of the Central Asian republics and Russia serves the purpose of diversifying their international contacts under severe conditions of the transition to a polycentric world order. Along with energy and transport projects, the sphere of security and international relations remains a priority in the triangle of Central Asia (CA)–South Asia (SA)–Russian Federation (RF). The foreign policy vectors are largely determined by such major regional states as India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan. These states are developing a strategic partnership and economic cooperation with Russia, China, other South Asian and Central Asian countries within the framework of regional (The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, RIC) structures, as well as some informal strategic forums (Central Asia – Russia dialogue, etc.).

Bifrost, an Innovative CO2 Transportation and Storage Project in Denmark

Bifrost, an Innovative CO2 Transportation and Storage Project in Denmark

Stereotypes of Transport Logistics in Geopolitical Analytics

It has been shown that among traditional stereotypes of the geopolitical analytics used for transformation of political instability zones into the of development territories, the image of the country determined by the term “gate-regions” or “corridor-regions” is significant. Their transport and logistics projects (TLP) become elements of the geopolitical space structure. It has been suggested to carry out the analysis of structural aspects of interaction between geopolitical factors and transport and logistics projects by means of cognitive models. Cognitive models of geopolitical conflict have been considered. It has been proposed to decrease conflict escalation by means of effects of proactivity, suppression and negative feedback. Continuous conflict suppression in the conflict loop is achieved through irreducible potential in the TLP development loop and blocking of growth potential of conflict escalation in the negative feedback loop.

Экономическая конъюнктура в Дальневосточном федеральном округе в 2021 г.

In this paper we analyze the socio-economic situation in the Far Eastern Federal District in 2021. We consider the main types of economic activity and territorial-administrative regions and base our analysis on operational statistical, analytical, and expert information. We take up the problems of functioning of the branches of the real sector of the economy, the social sphere, and foreign economic activity under the influence of the mitigation of restrictive measures of functioning in the conditions of the ongoing crisis caused by the pandemic. We note an increase in investment activity above the level of the pre-pandemic period of 2018–2019 as projects in the field of mining, transport, logistics, and gas-chemical projects had a positive impact on the increase in investment resources. Against the background of the positive dynamics of the production activity of regional industrial enterprises, a slowdown in the intensity of recovery relative to national parameters was noted. The manufacturing industry of the macroregion has demonstrated significant growth rates, but multidirectional production trends persisted in the two largest Far Eastern subjects of the Russian Federation (from the point of view of the extractive industry) – the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) (growth), and the Sakhalin Region (decline). Positive aspects (weak growth) were recorded in overcoming the real incomes crisis. The real income is still, however, below the pre-pandemic level of 2019. The growth of monetary incomes of the population in real terms was observed in the Jewish Autonomous Oblast, Primorsky Krai and Kamchatsky Krai, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Amur Oblast, and the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. At the same time, only in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug the growth rate of real incomes of the population exceeded the average Russian level. The process of population decline continues due to a decrease in the birth rate and an increased number of deaths, which was noted back in 2020; positive factors include an increase in the population due to migration growth in the five Far Eastern regions of the Russian Federation

Risk-based approach in the assessment of infrastructure transport projects

At the present stage, the active development of the economy is impossible without the development of the transport industry and transport services. The complexity of the structure and conditions for the implementation of infrastructure transport projects requires in-depth study of the risks of their implementation. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodology for managing an infrastructure transport project based on a risk-based approach. Research objectives: theoretical study of the risk-based approach, analysis of the current state of transport infrastructure in the field of rail transportation and directions of its development; identification of the features and groups of risks to which the implementation of infrastructure transport projects is subject; risk analysis; drawing up a risk map; proposal of possible preventive measures and elimination measures. The authors analyzed the dynamics and trends in the development of the transport industry and all its segments. The features of the implementation of infrastructure transport projects were considered, explaining their high level of risk. With the help of Ishikawa’s model, the process of identification and categorization of the main groups of risks of the external and internal environment was carried out. The result of the analysis is a compiled risk map, based on which the authors concluded that there are critical and significant risks requiring preventive measures and measures to eliminate them, as well as acceptable risks to be documented. The proposed methods of identification and risk analysis will be useful to the management of companies in the transport industry.

Hanoi urban transportation projects risk assessment

The urban transport projects are taking place rapidly in Hanoi, especially from 2016 to 2030. The urban transportation projects face risks. There are objective risks and there are many subjective risks. All risks affect the pro-ject efficiency. The clear assessment of risks will be the basis for providing appropriate risk management solutions. This paper applies the survey method and the possibility - severity matrix to assess the risks and separate the risks according to the dangerous level. The risk assessment is considered of two criteria the risk possibility and the risk severity. The findings revealed 17 dangers in the medium danger zone (yellow area) and 09 threats in the high danger zone (red area). This demonstrates that urban transportation projects face several hazards, and risk management is challenging for managers. It necessitates managers who are capable of effectively analyzing and evaluat-ing risks.

Financial and economic analysis of infrastructure transport projects with the participation of EU funds

Financial and economic analysis of infrastructure transport projects with the participation of EU funds

Tax Analysis of Vehicle-Miles Traveled

America’s transportation infrastructure faces three challenges: a shrinking Highway Trust Fund, poor physical conditions, and a need to shift to cleaner modes of transport. Despite these growing needs, the main tool used to fund transportation projects in the United States—the federal fuel taxes—have not been raised since 1993, even as inflation, improving fuel efficiency, and increasing electrification have chipped away at the tax yield (C. Davis 2021). Replacing federal fuel taxes with a vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) tax could both increase revenue for needed infrastructure projects and reduce VMT. This paper analyzes VMT taxes across four dimensions: administrative feasibility, behavioral distortion, revenue yield, and equity. It finds a consensus among researchers that VMT taxes can reduce driving, although they may also produce a substitution effect toward less fuel-efficient vehicles. They can provide adequate yield for governments and are as equitable as fuel taxes. On the fourth dimension—feasibility—VMT taxes appear to be somewhat less efficient for governments to collect, but advances in collection technology may solve that issue. This paper recommends that the federal government replace fuel taxes with a VMT tax and couple it with increased fuel-economy regulations or sales taxes on fuel-inefficient cars.

Time Savings vs. Access-Based Benefit Assessment of New York’s Second Avenue Subway

AbstractUnder the current practice of benefit-cost analysis, the direct economic benefits produced by a newly built transit facility are assessed based on how it affects travel time and various costs that are associated with transport needs and travel behavior. However, the time-saving-based benefit calculation approach has been questioned and criticized. Given the strong correlation between accessibility and land value, we propose the access-based land value benefit assessment as an alternative, and apply this assessment method to analyzing the Second Avenue Subway project in Manhattan, New York. The primary principle of the access-based method is that the economic value of a transport project’s intangible gains is largely capitalized by nearby properties’ value appreciation, which is directly caused by improved transport accessibility. We find that: (i) the actual travel time saving is lower than originally forecast; (ii) a strong positive correlation between residential property value and job accessibility by transit is observed; (iii) the appreciation in sold property value and rented property value both far exceed total project cost; and (iv) such results support the decision to approve and construct the Second Avenue Subway.

Cooperation between the Slovak Armed Forces and Movement Coordination Centre Europe Project: Air Transportation Improvement Opportunities

The air transport environment is very complex, and in its nature everThe air transport environment is very complex, and in its nature everchanging and evolving. Capabilities and capacities in transport are dynamicand dependent on many factors including the world happenings andsituation. It’s as well crucial to note that characteristics of the transportconditions are subject to compliance with the national and internationalagreements, laws, and other regulations.On the top of that, most of the militaries around the world have limitedoperational budget, so there is a notable need in finding cost-effectivesolutions for transportation. That’s one of the main reasons whyinternational military transportation projects, such as MovementCoordination Centre Europe project, are progressively growing andexpanding their scope.

Impact of Large-Scale Transportation Projects on the Land Prices of Surrounding Areas: The Case of Seoul-Gyeonggi Great Train Express (Gtx)

Impact of Large-Scale Transportation Projects on the Land Prices of Surrounding Areas: The Case of Seoul-Gyeonggi Great Train Express (Gtx)

Fast-and-Frugal Decision-Making: Setting a Research Agenda for Navigating Uncertainty in Large-Scale Transport Projects

Fast-and-Frugal Decision-Making: Setting a Research Agenda for Navigating Uncertainty in Large-Scale Transport Projects

Air Transport Projects Quality Assessments by Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)

The complex environment of aviation created dynamic air transport systems where the quality is vulnerable and directly sensitive to the supply side due to the high strategic level of driven market environments. The significance of quality quantifications has grown rapidly. Calculating quality factors is not a simple task, due to the heterogeneous, inseparable and incomprehensible characteristics of the system. For this purpose, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) survey was distributed among two groups of 22 experts of pilots and ATCOs and applied by creating a three-level hierarchy model of the air transport supply quality to evaluate and weigh the critical characteristics. In the hierarchical structure, 4 main criteria, 15 first-level sub-criteria, and 12 second-level sub-criteria were used for the air transport supply quality model.

КОСМІЧНИЙ ТУРИЗМ: ЕВОЛЮЦІЯ РОЗВИТКУ ТА ЕКОНОМІКО-ПРАВОВІ ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ

The article establishes that the concept of space tourism has undergone a long evolution and is connected with mankind's perception of space aircraft as a literary category of fantastic works, the result of scientific developments with their own names, a comprehensive service of passenger space transport and a hotel and restaurant industry located on near-Earth space orbits. It has been proven that the main features of the space tourism market at the present time are: commercial nature, package offer of tourist services, their high cost, high requirements for space tourists as participants in space flight from the point of view of their health, physical training, life safety instruction ; segmentation according to the level of solvency of consumers (premium class, wealthy clients), according to motivating motives (extreme, entertainment, implementation of business ideas, conducting scientific research, etc.). Factors that will stimulate the development of space tourism are highlighted: provision of mass passenger space transport projects, development of ground infrastructure in the form of spaceports and space infrastructure in the form of hotels and restaurants; creation and distribution of space tourism agencies, regulatory and legal regulation. It is shown that space tourism is an international legal category. In order to bring national legislation into line with world practice, space tourism should be included in the main concepts of the Law of Ukraine "On Space Activities". It is also appropriate to determine the requirements and rules for the participation of citizens of Ukraine and other states in this type of tourism, to regulate the issue of issuing permits for this type of tourism in Ukraine. It has been proven that the development of space tourism will be stimulated by insurance protection mechanisms for space tourists, similar to those received by airline passengers. Space flights and space tourism are a promising segment of the insurance protection market, the development of which is restrained by high technical-technological, commercial, financial risks and the complexity of their distribution among interested parties.