Intermodal commuter network planning

An intermodal commuter network is an integration of passenger transportation systems, or modes, to a single comprehensive system that provides connections among the various modes, and improved travel choices to users. In the system examined in this dissertation, commuters access their final destination via auto, rail, and intermodal auto-to-rail modes. There are numerous highway paths by which a commuter can reach the final destination. Once on the highway, the commuter can switch to rail at stations along the rail route. The commuter may also choose to walk to the rail station closest to the trip\u27s origin. The main focus of this dissertation is the development of models that can estimate traffic volumes and travel costs on intermodal networks. The particular approach used in the models is demand and supply equilibrium where transportation flows are impacted by the performance of the transportation facilities. Several optimization models are formulated based on sound mathematical and economic principles, and their equilibrium conditions are derived and stated clearly. A rigorous analysis of the mathematical properties of the models proves that these conditions are satisfied from the model solutions. The objective of these models is to alleviate some of the deficiencies encountered in the urban transportation planning process. A methodological framework is proposed which utilizes the models to analyze and evaluate operating and pricing policies in intermodal networks. The framework is designed to answer questions of interest to transportation planners, and to investigate the trade-offs between reduction in travel time and the increased cost of capacity improvements. To link theory and practice, the models are applied, within the proposed framework, to the analysis of a real-world intermodal commuter network. Policies aimed at improving the service quality of the intermodal network are evaluated based on their benefits compared to existing conditions. The models are also used to design an optimal rail transit service by computing rail fares and headways to meet future demands. The results of the analysis can be used by transportation planners, decision makers, transit operators, and transportation system managers to find effective ways to alleviate congestion on transportation systems. To this end, this dissertation points to areas of future research to further improve the proposed models

Innovative Scheme for Efficient Freight Movement and Sustainable Emissions Management

"jats:p"This paper presents and analyses an innovative integrated scheme that aims to rationalize and improve the efficiency of urban freight transport as well as to promote reduced GHG emissions and traffic flows. Emissions management has become critical concern for modern companies and public authorities seeking to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption from private and commercial heavy vehicle fleets, in line with the political targets of COP21 to COP23. The proposed scheme aims to utilize the current technological advances for efficient transport and logistics operations that regional authorities and companies can use and afford in order to provide competitive traffic management decisions as well as improvements in terms of pollutant emissions reduction. Both public and private stakeholders could interact to monitor and evaluate the impact of traffic policies and measures over time as well as the level of success of their routing strategies. Computational results on different scenarios of an experimental simulation model illustrate the competitiveness of the proposed scheme in an effort to quantify its effect. Document type: Articl

Estimating truck operating costs for domestic trips – case studies from Greece

"jats:p" The transport sector represents a vital component of national economies and has significant impacts on productivity and social welfare. In 2012, the transport sector in Europe was estimated to account for 3.7% of the European Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 5.1% for employment. Road transport proves to be the predominant mode for moving goods within Europe holding a share of approximately 45.8% in 2012 (in ton-kms). In Greece, the share of road freight transport is significantly higher (98%) indicating the importance of this sector for the Greek economy. To this end and considering the existing needs of road freight transport operators in Greece, the objective of this research is to establish an analytical and documented basis for estimating the operating cost of a truck on specific urban or national freight transport routes. To achieve this goal, an extended literature review has been conducted resulting in the identification of the main components comprising the total truck operating cost, which were then updated and validated through a series of personal interviews with selected road freight transport professionals. An excel-based application tool was also developed in order to facilitate operating cost estimates for different cases, through selection of the proper values of the relevant parameters. The resulting tool was used to analyse four test cases, which demonstrate the tool’s usability and applicability. Results from this analysis have been also validated by industry experts and they reflect real-world transport scenarios. Document type: Articl

Ferry Parking and Landside Access Study: implementing public outreach and impact assessment

Through federal regulations, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are mandated to perform public outreach and impact assessment. Although there are some established parameters, the quality and effectiveness of public outreach efforts vary widely, and in many instances information dissemination becomes the central focus of public outreach efforts. However, information dissemination, although essential, is not as effective as a two-way process of public involvement in which members of the public may provide feedback to shape agency initiatives. Research conducted for the Ferry Parking and Landside Access Study is used to describe best practices in public outreach, focusing on socio-economic and community impact assessment. The landside access study represents a dedicated effort by the New York MPO to approach planning for waterborne services by using a comprehensive approach based on land use. With emphasis on land-use criteria, the focus is on people and impact, unlike the traditional demand analysis seen in past ferry studies. By acknowledging regulatory shortcomings and outlining a plan for implementing public outreach and impact assessment, success for consensus building is likely. Practitioners are encouraged to examine the effectiveness of their own public outreach and impact assessment methods

Ferry Parking and Landside Access Study: Implementing Public Outreach and Impact Assessment

Through federal regulations, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are mandated to perform public outreach and impact assessment. Although there are some established parameters, the quality and effectiveness of public outreach efforts vary widely, and in many instances information dissemination becomes the central focus of public outreach efforts. However, information dissemination, although essential, is not as effective as a two-way process of public involvement in which members of the public may provide feedback to shape agency initiatives. Research conducted for the Ferry Parking and Landside Access Study is used to describe best practices in public outreach, focusing on socioeconomic and community impact assessment. The landside access study represents a dedicated effort by the New York MPO to approach planning for waterborne services by using a comprehensive approach based on land use. With emphasis on land-use criteria, the focus is on people and impact, unlike the traditional demand analysis seen in past ferry studies. By acknowledging regulatory shortcomings and outlining a plan for implementing public outreach and impact assessment, success for consensus building is likely. Practitioners are encouraged to examine the effectiveness of their own public outreach and impact assessment methods

Transport demand evolution in Europe – factors of change, scenarios and challenges

In the transport sector, where change comes with inertia and investments are made with a long term perspective, decision makers need to consider how the future may look like in the very long term. The work presented in this paper is a scenario analysis focusing on the evolution of transport demand towards 2050, aiming to identify related challenges for European industrial and policy players. It follows up on the work of other recent attempts to study the future of transport from a European perspective, integrating findings from these studies, updating new trends and applying a specific scenario analysis methodology relying also on expert consultation. The diversity of the scenarios created unfolds aspects of the future transport system with rather different outcomes on issues like the volume of transport, travel motives, the prevalent spatial scales of transport and logistics, people’s preferences towards different transport attributes, the relevancy of the State versus the private initiative in transport production, the level of competition, or the relative importance of environment and resource scarcity in setting an agenda for innovation and regulations. Beyond the subsequent challenges and opportunities identified in this work, the scenarios developed may be a useful basis for individual actors of distinct backgrounds to build their own specific futures, supporting them in defining strategies for the future.JRC.J.1-Economics of Climate Change, Energy and Transpor

Estimating truck operating costs for domestic trips

The transport sector represents a vital component of national economies and has significant impacts on productivity and social welfare. In 2012, the transport sector in Europe was estimated to account for 3.7% of the European Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 5.1% for employment. Road transport proves to be the predominant mode for moving goods within Europe holding a share of approximately 45.8% in 2012 (in ton-kms). In Greece, the share of road freight transport is significantly higher (98%) indicating the importance of this sector for the Greek economy. To this end and considering the existing needs of road freight transport operators in Greece, the objective of this research is to establish an analytical and documented basis for estimating the operating cost of a truck on specific urban or national freight transport routes. To achieve this goal, an extended literature review has been conducted resulting in the identification of the main components comprising the total truck operating cost, which were then updated and validated through a series of personal interviews with selected road freight transport professionals. An excel-based application tool was also developed in order to facilitate operating cost estimates for different cases, through selection of the proper values of the relevant parameters. The resulting tool was used to analyse four test cases, which demonstrate the tool’s usability and applicability. Results from this analysis have been also validated by industry experts and they reflect real-world transport scenarios