Abstract

For several years, the promotion of intermodal transport has been a priority for the Spanish and European authorities (Cuerda et al., 2003; Conseil National des Transports [CNT], 2005) but the importance and the recent growth of rail transport in Spain is extremely small compared to road transport. This is more so in the case of small and medium-size companies shipping general (non-bulk) cargo, which almost exclusively use the road (Ministerio de Fomento, 2004). The establishment of a network of intermodal freight transport centres connected to the main railway lines and close to the main cities is viewed as an opportunity for the modal shift, and also the establishment of relevant intermodal corridors dedicated to specific freight purposes (ore, agricultural products), to be defined at a European level, should improve the overall figures. But nevertheless, there is the feeling in Spain that more attention should be given to general traffic issues, facing the needs of the great amount of small companies moving small amounts of freight, but with an enormous aggregate effect. Thus the strategic objectives of our work lie within the rationalization of mobility and the improvement of intermodal accessibility. They concentrate on establishing the basis for a higher participation of small and medium-size companies in intermodal transport by analyzing the specific experiences of an individual transport company, based in the city of Seville, seeking an enhancement of the modal shift within its logistic operations. This work is organized as follows: In section 2 we describe the role of intermodal transport in the supply chain. In Section 3 we list the actors involved in all phases of intermodal transport to then show the decision-making model for each one of these actors. In Section 4 we apply this model to the case of a transport company based in the South of Spain, describing all the shipment and cost data. Finally, in section 6 we explain our conclusions drawn from the decision making model in general and in particular for the case-study company, and analyze the effect of additional factors (other than cost) in the decision-making process with respect to intermodal transport. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

Abstract

International audience; The current Air traffic System in Europe relies on airspace and airport capacity estimates computed by the Air National Service Providers (ANSPs) using demand forecast and Air traffic Controllers operations schedules. The Demand Capacity Balancing (DCB) aims at reducing the Air Traffic Management resources held in reserve to cope with demand peaks by providing the system with demand smoothing means. A recent study on the subject suggests introducing a congestion-based route fee that encourages users to avoid crowded slots for a given departure and arrival airport [1]. An optimal equilibrium point can then be reached through a clever choice of penalties incurred by flying at departure times adversely impacting congestion. Alternative routes may also be considered in the planning, as for a whole category of customers price tag is more important than travel time. However, taking into account that for short haul flights alternative means of transportation may be a viable option, DCB can be addressed in a wider scope by considering surface vehicles along aircraft. A side effect of this holistic approach is the ability to cope with disruptive events. The present work describes a simulation and optimization model tailored to this particular problem.

Abstract

Travel patterns of people across Australian cities have been dominated by private cars. As noted by transport researchers, a sustainable transportation system encourages people to make the shift towards non-motorised transport (i.e. public and active transport) and emerging types of transport (i.e. ride-hailing and shared bikes). Using an online questionnaire survey (n = 410), this research reports on the determinants of people’s transition to more sustainable modes of transport in Adelaide, Australia. Further analysis undertaken using a discrete choice model, found that home relocation and job changes were strongly associated with the modal shift of respondents. Younger cohorts were likely to shift away from car usage despite the significant influence in the change in participants’ family composition (i.e. birth of a child), level of education, driving license, dwelling tenure, perceived safety and costs. The significance of this study is that it determined that car dominance can be reduced since there is a willingness of people to opt for non-motorised transport options and other new shared mobility services. The chapter concludes with a varied set of transport policies and strategies addressing different socio-economic groups to increase the share of sustainable mobility, a critical step in moving towards a ‘smarter’ city. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Abstract

Based on original research collected through semi-structured research interviews and five focus groups throughout Denmark, this study explores Danish perceptions about ad hoc, acquaintance-based, and organization-based ridesharing (“carpooling”). Using a grounded, qualitative factor analysis approach, it investigates the elements that influence the adoption (and non-adoption) of ridesharing and identifies market segments and business models that may enable planners to overcome existing barriers. The article finds that Danish drivers and commuters appear to be split on the topic. Negative perceptions reported by respondents include lack of availability and difficulty finding rides, viewing ridesharing as unsafe or unsecure, and expectations of social awkwardness, among others. Positive perceptions reported include cost savings compared to public and private transport, greater flexibility of travel times, and the ability to socialize with vehicle occupants. These contrasting views lead us to conclude that existing theories and models of ridesharing behavior may need to be fundamentally rethought, both in Denmark and possibly elsewhere. Our results also suggest that ridesharing efforts framed around climate change or environmental sustainability will not likely be successful in Denmark.