Abstract

Standardization of emission calculation is progressing swiftly in order to support the improvement of the sustainability of transport chains. Using the GLEC Framework v1.0 as a starting point, this research maps out, which further gaps need to be addressed for ensuring seamless coverage at a meaningful accuracy of such a calculation. The analysis is based on a desk research complemented by considerations and feedback received in the context of real-life test cases of the GLEC Framework. The paper closes with an outlook on requirements towards an eco-label related to the emission calculation standardization.

Abstract

Cooperative systems which rely on vehicle-to-infrastructure communications are designed to tackle important road"br" transport issues, such as safety and pollution. Since the associated monetary commitment is substantial, a clear"br" understanding of the appropriate business models and likely costs, impacts and benefits is necessary before"br" investment decisions can be made. A tool for estimating the costs and benefits, from both business and the societal"br" point of view, was developed in the COBRA+ project, to assist National Road Authorities (NRA) during their"br" decision processes. This paper illustrates the application of the tool to use cases in Austria, England and the"br" Netherlands. The study identifies some of the key aspects to focus on in order to achieve a beneficial balance"br" between costs and positive impacts. Findings reveal that the costs are likely to be higher than the monetised benefits"br" over the time period investigated (to 2030). The financial role of the NRA (or their Road Operator) is particularly"br" influential for the business case.

Abstract

—With increasing numbers of vehicles using low level automation and higher level automation expected in the future, significant effects are expected on traffic flow. Despite much simulation and driving simulator research on SAE level 1 vehicles, there remain many questions in regard to the effects of the systems on traffic flow. The effects of higher levels of automation are even more difficult to estimate, as these vehicles are not even present on roads at this time, let alone in sufficient numbers to analyze. In this research, we propose a methodology for a-priori analysis of potential conflict situations: Method for Explorative TRaffic scenario Observation and Analysis (METRO-A). It is applied to the case of automated driving in conventional traffic to analyze potential difficulties that SAE level 3 and 4 and higher vehicles may encounter in mixed traffic conditions, for a weaving section case-study. Furthermore, a set of important research questions are constructed that are relevant for the automotive industry, and road agencies and authoritie

Abstract

Joint fact-finding has been advanced as a method for helping stakeholders grappling with technically intensive policy and planning challenges to collaboratively engage in research and arrive at shared sets of facts to inform their decision-making. This paper introduces joint fact-finding and considers its application in the context of infrastructure stakeholders aiming to assess and increase the resilience of their infrastructure systems to climate change. A set of evaluative criteria is introduced, which are proposed for assessing joint fact finding processes both procedurally and substantively in terms of the outcomes, considering them to be both arenas for collaborative governance and joint knowledge production efforts. These criteria are applied to a case in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. This case suggests that joint fact-finding can provide value, but also reveals some lessons. For the efforts themselves, these lessons relate to: The practical applicability of the outcomes; the inherently contingent nature of the outcomes when addressing wicked problems; questions of representation from stakeholder groups; and the importance of leadership and good process design. The following observations are made regarding the criteria: While they are typically interdependent, both process and outcomes should be evaluated; and more attention should be paid to the method and metrics of evaluation, while recognizing that there is no single formula or approach that can be applied, given the heterogeneity of the criteria. © 2016, Editorial Board EJTIR. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Diesel NOx emissions have been at the forefront of research and regulation scrutiny as a result of failures of late vehicle technologies to deliver on-road emissions reductions. The current study aims at identifying the actual emissions levels of late light duty vehicle technologies, including Euro 5 and Euro 6 ones. Mean NOx emission factor levels used in the most popular EU vehicle emission models (COPERT, HBEFA and VERSIT+) are compared with latest emission information collected in the laboratory over real-world driving cycles and on the road using portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS). The comparison shows that Euro 5 passenger car (PC) emission factors well reflect on road levels and that recently revealed emissions control failures do not call for any significant corrections. However Euro 5 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and Euro 6 PCs in the 2014–2016 period exhibit on road emission levels twice as high as used in current models. Moreover, measured levels vary a lot for Euro 6 vehicles. Scenarios for future evolution of Euro 6 emission factors, reflecting different degree of effectiveness of emissions control regulations, show that total NOx emissions from diesel Euro 6 PC and LCV may correspond from 49% up to 83% of total road transport emissions in 2050. Unless upcoming and long term regulations make sure that light duty diesel NOx emissions are effectively addressed, this will have significant implications in meeting future air quality and national emissions ceilings targets. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd

Abstract

dverse weather conditions regularly lead to severe congestion and large travel time delays on road networks all over the world. Different climate scenarios indicate that in the future adverse weather conditions are likely to become more frequent, last longer and will be more extreme. Although climate mitigation measures are being taken, it remains important to investigate how adverse weather events will affect the performance of the road network in the future. The main objective of this paper is to give an overview of how the impact of adverse weather conditions and adaptation measures on road network performance can be quantified. A literature review has been performed to show what is empirically known about the impact of adverse weather conditions on the road network performance. Furthermore, available methods to quantify the impact of adverse weather conditions and adaptation measures on the road network performance for future situations are reviewed. As an example, a case study for the municipality of Rotterdam has been carried out that shows how a combination of models can be used to analyse which links in the road network are most vulnerable for increasingly severe local weather related disturbances. The results of the case study allow local authorities to decide whether or not they need to take adaptation measures. © 2016, Editorial Board EJTIR. All rights reserved.

Abstract

n increasing amount of vehicles are equipped with driver assistance systems; many of the vehicles currently on the market can be optionally equipped with adaptive cruise control and lane centering systems. Using both systems at the same time brings the vehicle to SAE level-2 automation. This means a driver does not need to perform longitudinal and lateral operational driving, although the driver should be ready to intervene at any time. While this can provide comfort, the interaction between vehicles operated by these systems might cause some undesired effects. This becomes particularly relevant with increasing market penetration rates. This paper describes an experiment with seven SAE level-2 vehicles driven as a platoon on public roads for a trip of almost 500 km. The paper discusses how the experiment was organized and the equipment of the vehicles. It also discusses the interaction of the platoon in traffic, as well as, in basic terms, the interaction between the automated vehicles. The experiences can be useful for other studies setting up field tests. The conclusion from this platoon test is: intentionally creating platoons on public roads is difficult in busy traffic conditions. Moreover, interactions between the vehicles in the platoon show that the current SAE level-2 systems are not suitable for driving as platoons of more than typically three to four vehicles, because of instabilities in the car-following behavior. © National Academy of Sciences: Transportation Research Board 2019.

Abstract

Cooperative systems which rely on vehicle-to-infrastructure communications are designed to tackle important road transport issues, such as safety, traffic efficiency and pollution. Since the associated monetary commitment to invest is substantial, a clear understanding of the likely costs, impacts and benefits is necessary before investment decisions can be made. A tool for estimating the costs and benefits, from both business and the societal point of view, was developed in the ANACONDA project, ‘assessment of user needs for adapting COBRA including online database’, to assist National Road Authorities (NRAs) during their decision processes. This study presents an approach for determining societal benefits by taking into account the presence of legacy roadside systems, which affect the size of the benefit reaped when cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) services are deployed. This study develops closed-form solutions for determining benefits to NRAs, taking into account the presence of legacy roadside systems. The COBRA + Tool incorporates these aspects, enabling NRAs to carry out ‘what-if’ scenarios for C-ITS deployment. The study provides examples of application of the Tool.

Abstract

In passenger transport, hub-and-spoke networks allow the transportation of small passenger flows with competitive frequencies, in a way that direct line networks cannot. Equivalently, in freight transport, it can be expected that small shipper-receiver flows of high added value commodities transit through hub and spoke networks, while larger shipper-receiver flows of less expensive commodities are transported directly, without transhipment. The objective of this paper is first to present an analytical model, based on inventory theory, explaining how for a given commodity flow, the organisation of freight transport operations is closely related to the characteristics of the shipper-receiver relationship; second to assess empirically this model. Special emphasis is put on the number of transhipments in the transport operation, as an indication of organisation of the transport operations. The theoretical model is a simplified microeconomic model, built on principles of inventory theory. The empirical assessment of this model is based on the French shipment survey ECHO, which provides both the details of the transport operation and of the shipper-receiver relationships. With this database, we first provide a straightforward, graphical verification of the prediction of the theoretical model; secondly, we estimate it econometrically. © 2016, Editorial Board EJTIR. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Carbon footprinting is regarded as one means of enhancing transparency on where greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are produced within a transport chain and thus limiting the emissions and improving the efficiency of transport and transhipment on both the demand and supply sides of the market. To meet global GHG reduction targets and to realize sustainable transport chains, standardization of emissions calculations is progressing swiftly. One of the core requirements in the next steps of the standardization effort is harmonization of level of detail of the various transport modes. In particular logistics hubs have been identified as relevant for such a development and whereas developments for transport modes such as rail, road, air, or water are pursued by industry representatives and their organizations, logistics hubs have no organization which is intrinsically motivated to further develop an approach to emissions calculation. Research can deliver an important and valuable contribution here. Therefore, based on extensive empirical research in the form of questionnaires and real-life examples of emissions calculation, this paper describes the motivations and barriers currently experienced by shippers and logistics service providers when computing emissions. Possible approaches to overcoming these barriers and contributing to the further improvement of the level of maturity of emissions calculation of logistics hubs are described and discussed. The paper closes with an outlook on further requirements toward transport chain emissions calculation standardization developments.