Showing papers in "European Transport Research Review in 2013"

Factors affecting modal choice in urban mobility

Abstract: This paper addresses the urban transit sector investigating variables affecting the habitual modal choices of commuters aiming to gain insight into the key factors affecting these choices and the reasons that discourage them from using public transport services. Probit and structural equation models have been estimated, while additional statistical analysis was performed to gain better insight of the commuters’ mobility behavior. The analysis showed that the main factor affecting the preference of commuters toward passenger car is the availability of parking space. A preference of female respondents towards public transport was also evident, while, compared to the other age groups, respondents between the ages of 35 and 44 show a higher preference for car. Furthermore, crowding is the factor that most discourages respondents from the use of public transport. High fare, lack of public transport information and bad accessibility to the transit network do not seem to discourage respondents’ use of public transport in the particular situation that was analyzed in this research. The paper demonstrated how the results drawn from the analysis can be used for tactical and strategic planning. For example, the fact that high fare levels do not discourage commuters from using public transport, may allow policy makers to slightly increase fares and redirect additional revenue to improve other public transport services. Therefore, such findings may be quite useful for policy makers to better tackle commuters’ perception and to define the appropriate urban mobility management actions and policies.

Photocatalytic roads: from lab tests to real scale applications

Abstract: This paper gives an overview of our research on photocatalytic concrete, which exhibits air purifying properties. Under the action of sunlight, a catalyst present at the surface of the material is activated, enabling degradation of pollutants from the surroundings and transformation to less harmful products. It is a promising technique to reduce a number of air contaminants, especially at sites with a high level of pollution: highly trafficked canyon streets, road tunnels, etc. In addition, the combination with cement offers some synergistic advantages, as the reaction products can be adsorbed at the surface and subsequently washed away by rain. However, the great potential of this emerging technology is hampered by the lack of uniform testing methods at European level to evaluate the photocatalytic activity. Laboratory research is undertaken at BRRC to compare existing methods and draw up recommendations for future standards. Furthermore, translation of lab testing towards results in situ remains critical to demonstrate the effectiveness on larger scale. In this perspective, several trial applications have recently been initiated in Belgium to asses the “real life” behavior. The paper gives a short overview of the photocatalytic principle and the application in concrete, as well as some main results of the laboratory research recognizing the important parameters that come into play. In addition, the implementation efforts of some recent realizations in Belgium will be presented. Already some very promising results towards air purification have been obtained. Nevertheless, further validation, also with modeling, is necessary to extrapolate the findings and enable a judicial implementation of photocatalytic road materials across the globe.

Study and the effects of ignition timing on gasoline engine performance and emissions

Abstract: Ignition timing, in a spark ignition engine, is the process of setting the time that an ignition will occur in the combustion chamber (during the compression stroke) relative to piston position and crankshaft angular velocity. Setting the correct ignition timing is crucial in the performance and exhaust emissions of an engine.The objective of the present work is to evaluate whether variable ignition timing can be effect on exhaust emission and engine performance of an SI engine. For achieving this goal, at a speed of 3400 rpm, the ignition timing has been changed in the range of 41° BTDC to 10° ATDC and for optimize operation, ignition timing has been designed at wide-open throttle and at last, the performance characteristics such as power, torque, BMEP, volumetric efficiency and emissions are obtained and discussed. The results show optimal power and torque is achieved at 31°CA before top dead centre and volumetric efficiency, BMEP have increased with rising ignition timing. O2, CO2, CO has been almost constant, but HC with advance of ignition timing increased and the lowest amount NOx is obtained at 10 BTDC. In conclusion, it obtained that ignition timing can be used as an alternative way for predicting the performance of internal combustion engines. Also engine speed and throttle position were all found to significantly influence performance in this engine.

Private household demand for vehicles on alternative fuels and drive trains: a review

Abstract: Any attempt of the government to encourage the purchase of vehicles on alternative fuels and drive trains will depend on the acceptance of the end-users on the demand side. This paper offers an in-depth understanding of the consumers’ attitudes and preferences towards AFVs which can guide the government to establish effective policy measures. A comprehensive review of research is performed under different conceptual frameworks and research methodologies: attitudinal, experimental, preference valuation studies and others. Research findings are reported with the general objective to (1) uncover the attitudes and preferences towards AFVs and (2) examine whether the environmental benefits of AFVs play a role in the car purchase decision. Overall, there exists a strong environmental concern, and positive attitudes towards AFVs. However, environmental benefits are of little importance in the car purchase decision, which is principally driven by price characteristics, performance and convenience attributes. Limited knowledge levels also seem to prevent building up awareness of AFVs, which is the key to their adoption. The adoption of AFVs is likely to be limited without significant governmental incentives and regulations. Based on the key findings, it can be recommended that a combination of educational campaigns (e.g., information tools), pricing measures (e.g., differentiated vehicle taxation), supply-sided measures and large-scale demonstrations is required to support the adoption of AFVs.

Comparison of fuzzy-based and AHP methods in sustainability evaluation: a case of traffic pollution-reducing policies

Abstract: In recent years, the debate concerning the concept of sustainability and sustainable development has received increasing attention with reference to interactions between transport and land-use systems A multi-dimensional vision of sustainable mobility has been accepted as a reference point for stakeholders and experts; it finds a significant representation in the concept of the “three pillars of sustain-ability” which examines the idea of sustainability from a three-dimensional perspective: social, economic and environmental This paper presents a Fuzzy-Based Evaluation Method (F-BEM), which is a useful tool for evaluating the sustainability of alternative transport policies The structure of the method formalises the concept of the “three pillars of sustainability” by means of a set of indicators as input variables The method determines an overall fuzzy index of the sustainability of each alternative policy analysed and provides information about the combined dimensions of sustainability (equity, viability and bearableness) In order to analyse the operational applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method, various pollution-reducing policies were evaluated with reference to a case study and compared with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method Interpretation of results yielded useful information about the capacity of the model to be used as an alternative to traditional methods of sustainability evaluation, and also indicated further developments of this research

An analysis of the determinants of local public transport demand focusing the effects of income changes

Abstract: Purpose In order for public transport to be a part of the solution to the environmental problems caused by traffic there need to be a clear understanding of how, and to what extent, different factors affect demand. There still seem to be some confusion regarding some key relationships, one of them being the effect of income on public transport demand. The purpose of this article is therefore to provide empirical estimates of how different factors, including price and car ownership (although income being the main issue), affect the demand for local public transport. Methods In order to achieve the aim of the study, an econometric FD-model, allowing for unobserved effects, was estimated using panel data from Swedish counes from 1986 to 2001. Results The short-run (direct) elascies with respect to fare, vehicle-kilometres, income and car ownership were found to be −0,4, 0,55, 0,34, and −1,37 respectively. However, income affects public transport demand directly, and through its effect on car ownership, these effects works in opposite direction. Combining these it is found that total income effect is close to zero. Conclusions It is concluded that, although the findings of several previous studies suggests that demand for public transport might be falling with increased income, there is no evidence of such effects even when the full effect of changes in income (including changes in car ownership) is taken into account.

Why do drivers exceed speed limits

Abstract: The present study attempts to explore relationships between drivers’ attitude towards exceeding speed limits in different types of road and the drivers’ characteristics and self-reported speed behaviour. The basis of the study was the answers that approximately 1.000 drivers from each of 23 European countries gave to specific questions of a specially designed questionnaire relating to speed behaviour and other personal characteristics. Log linear analysis was used and four models were developed: for motorways, main roads, country roads and built-up area roads. The model application revealed that the dependent variable (self-reported exceeding the speed limit) is strongly dependent on the belief that other drivers exceed speed limits for all four road types. Other variables found to have an impact on the attitude towards exceeding speed limits concern driver characteristics (gender, age group, annual kilometrage), opinions (enjoyment of driving fast, the expectation of speed enforcement and wishes for higher limits) and self-reported behaviour (having received penalty for speeding) and other parameters (engine capacity of its car, signalling others about police trap).

The impact of automotive industry and its supply chain to climate change: Somme techno-economic aspects

Abstract: The purpose of the present paper is to present and discuss some techno-economic aspects of the impact of the automotive industry and its supply chain to climate change. In order to provide a well-structured estimate to this global concern nowadays, we will deal with the following: we will clearly define what is meant by climate change and will resume the origins, the extend and the contribution of the automotive vehicles to this phenomenon; we will give an account of the actual world-fleet of vehicles and of the expected increase of this fleet in the forthcoming future, taking into consideration the projected in the future contribution of the world-fleet of vehicles in climate change and of the actions that have been taken by regulation authorities to reduce this phenomenon by limiting the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as of other pollutants by newly produced vehicles; we will provide a comprehensive approach of well-to-wheel studies regarding emission and energy consumption mainly performed in the USA, Japan and in the European Union. The above studies will permit us to evaluate alternative technologies that the automotive industry is considering in order to comply with these regulations and to contribute in reducing the impact of vehicles in the environment and, subsequently, in the climate change. CO2 equivalent gas emissions of vehicles are expected to increase in the coming years and, consequently, the contribution of the transport sector to climate change will also increase. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) constitute the technology to be adopted in order to reduce the contribution of vehicles to climate change. Given the multinational character of the automotive industry and of its suppliers, no major problems will appear in the introduction of new technology vehicles that are conceived to face the environment and climate change problems.

A comparison of North American and European railway systems

Abstract: In comparison to North America, railway companies in Europe are confronted with strong economic issues in running their wagonload traffic. The purpose of this paper is an analysis how infrastructural and institutional differences affect planning issues and economic efficiency. A particular decision problem from railway freight traffic, the Railroad Blocking Problem (RBP), is considered. It is a typical consolidation problem from wagonload traffic, where transport and reclassification costs have to be balanced. A short survey on corresponding optimization models is given. An analysis of the cost structures shows that the share of fix costs in the total transport costs is much higher in Europe than in North America. The objective functions of the models take this into account. They effect that North American models mainly focus on finding short ways for each wagon, while European ones focus on consolidation and high train utilization. The possibility to transfer North American planning concepts to Europe is discussed. Due to institutional and infrastructural reasons, train capacities and cost structures in North American and European railway freight traffic differ from each other. This results in very centralized railway traffic in Europe. According to the different circumstances, the planning issues differ from each other, too. A direct transfer of decision concepts is not possible. Although the planning issues strongly differ from each other, Europe can learn a lot from North American railway planning models. The potentials of decentralized traffic in European railway freight traffic should be investigated.

The influence of hearing loss on transport safety and mobility

Abstract: Purpose: To examine how road users with different degree of hearing loss experience safety and mobility in transport situations, compared to road users with normal hearing.Methods: A questionnaire ...

Transferability of driver speed and lateral deviation measurable performance from semi-dynamic driving simulator to real traffic conditions

Abstract: Purpose This manuscript presents the experimental plan and results of driver trials conducted with a semi-dynamic driving simulator and an equipped research vehicle in real traffic conditions.

Benefit measures for noise abatement: calculations for road and rail traffic noise

Abstract: The aim of this study is to estimate monetary abatement values for road and rail traffic noise that can be used for policy purposes. However, a main objective is to critically discuss the assumptions necessary to convert the monetary values elicited in willingness to pay (WTP) studies to values than can be use for policy purposes. We employ the hedonic regression technique on Swedish data to elicit individuals’ preferences for noise abatement. Our elicited values are then converted to policy values and critically examined based on findings from a literature review. We show that WTP for road and rail not only differs in levels but also that the relationship between the noise level and the marginal value differs between the two sources. We also show that a health cost component added to the WTP estimate, based on the assumption of uninformed property buyers, will be small but not negligible and that also modest differences in the assumption of the discount rates will have a significant effect on the estimated values. The main implications from this study are: (i) WTP for road and railway noise abatement differs not only on absolute but also marginal levels, (ii) Even small differences in the chosen discount rate, which is necessary to convert WTP values from a hedonic price study to policy values, have large effects on the policy values, and (iii) We show how to add a health cost component to the WTP estimates in order for the monetary estimates to reflect the total social cost. However, we argue that the motivation for doing so is weak and that more research is needed on this issue.

Towards a liberalised European high speed railway sector: Analysis and modelling of competition using Game Theory

Abstract: Introduction The liberalisation of the Railways imposed by European Directives introduces competition in a sector traditionally organised largely through national monopolies. As a result, the analysis of the competition particularly on a given route is very recent. Approach The approach and methodologies so far developed to analyse the competition between European rail operators have resulted in interesting but isolated efforts. Developments based on game theory and analysis of strategic decision as part of the organisational economics theory have proven to be the most appropriate. This paper introduces an improvement on these methodologies by using the principles of consumer behaviour theory and the analysis capabilities of game theory to develop a dedicated purposebuilt modelling tool for the analysis of intermodal competition within the operator’s revenue function. To validate the model, a forecast analysis on the Madrid-Barcelona high speed corridor has been performed. Conclusions The resulting model allows quantifying the minimum requirements for a new operator to stay in the market as well as the equilibrium price and level of investment required.

Determination the capacity of two-lane suburban roads with neural networks and effect of speed on level of service

Abstract: Introduction This study aimed to determine the capacity of two-lane suburban roads and its effect on level of service.

Consumer value of fuel choice flexibility - a case study of the flex-fuel car in Sweden

Abstract: This paper examines the value of fuel choice flexibility derived from a flex-fuel engine. Based on the stochastic properties of fuel prices, we use Monte-Carlo simulation in order to value the option to switch fuel. Our findings indicate a considerable value of fuel choice flexibility, ranging between 7,500 and 37,800 SEK, depending on the underlying stochastic process we assume that fuel prices follow. This can be compared to the state subsidy of 10,000 SEK provided until recently for buying a flex-fuel car. Compared to an environmentally friendly pure ethanol strategy, the switching strategy is considerably less costly, about 2,000–19,000 SEK depending on the assumed underlying stochastic process, a fact that is important to take into consideration with environmental policy.

Port activity evolution: the initial impact of economic crisis on major Greek ports

Abstract: The objective of this study is the quantitative analysis of recent developments in transport activity of the main Greek ports (Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Patra), in order to establish clusters of various transport load and time groups of growth and decline of the transport activity, regarding the period 2002–2010. From this latter approach, the investigation of any impact of the economic crisis in the evolution of transport activity can be explored. The methodology used is based on forming clusters, to identify growth-recession periods, and groups of determining transport categories. Methods used are: Principal Component Analysis, Factor Analysis and Cluster Analysis. The results show that the major port of Piraeus activity’s evolution can be represented by two distinct periods. A growth period (2002–2004) which is related to the Olympic Games of 2004 and an instability period of the transport activity’s evolution, which follows. The last 3 years a decrease for most of the transport activities has been encountered, due to the economic crisis. Considering the three main ports of the country, as a unit we realize a slightly differentiated picture, since, despite a distinct last period of decline, we cannot certainly shape the claim that during the previous years there is a strong positive influence in the other two ports by a developmental event like the Olympic Games. These findings could mean that the spatial developmental impact of the Olympic Games limited at the regional level. However the main findings for the Piraeus’ port, mentioned beforehand, are still valid. A general conclusion, regarding the prerequisites of the increased competitiveness and efficiency of ports, refers to the investments in modern infrastructure, services and systems administration, the transport management in Greek ports and the development of a combined transport system.

The Low-cost fare response to new entry

Abstract: This study analyzes easyJet’s fare response to new entry. Traditionally, this stream of literature has focused on the reactions of network carriers to competition from low-cost carriers. As low-cost services spread, however, the number of low-cost incumbents is rising. This paper aims to shed light 16 on low-cost price behaviour in the European context. The analysis is based on an original dataset composed of all fares offered by easyJet up to 90 days beforedeparture, on all flights during the period 2007–2009. We focus on short-term price reactions by employing the event study methodology. We decompose the price response into three terms: the average fare, dynamic pricing, and fare dispersion around the predicted price curve. Our results show that easyJet’s temporal price discrimination tends to decrease after a new entry, especially when the new entrant is a traditional carrier. There is also some evidence for an average fare reduction of about 3 %.

Improving road-side surveys for a better knowledge of road freight transport

Abstract: The focus of this paper is to enhance our observation and knowledge of interurban road freight transport. It explores some possibilities for improving roadside freight surveys, usually used to gather origin-destination data. To achieve this, new questions are added to a standard roadside survey form, and the enhanced survey form is tested through two surveys. The new questions relate to currently unobserved variables: the vehicle volume occupied by freight; the method of organisation (double crew, relays) used by the carriers; the existence of specific logistical imperatives; and drivers’ compulsory breaks. The questions on volume constraint and carrier organisation prove to be the most informative. These two questions are thus two promising areas for improvement in roadside freight surveys. The questions about specific logistical imperatives and driver breaks prove less fruitful. The paper concludes that it is possible, through minor modifications in data collection protocols, to significantly enhance observation quality in road freight transport activity.

Issues of eLogistics applications for varying stakeholders: findings from an online survey

Abstract: The current paper aims to: a) propose and verify definition of eLogistics: ‘a set of activities based on using ICT systems and tools, as well as the Internet, as the main communication medium in order to maintain logistics processes’ and explore its acceptance; b) provide a synthesis of trend and possibilities of eLogistics systems and c) obtain a comprehensive picture of available eLogistics applications, sources, functionality and use by different type of companies. A qualitative research approach was adopted applying the Bristol Online Survey (BOS) tool. A brief literature review (of limited online sources and books) resulted in the online survey questionnaire. The survey questions had the options of: agree or disagree; or yes or no on a particular statement or issue. Also to solicit the opinion of the survey participants, a free text area/box was provided against an issue or statement. The study suggests that open source, open standards and standardised system interfaces will support increased supply chain efficiency through integration and access to SMEs as well as larger players. The development and running of an eLogistics platform is costly for SMEs. The authors recommend that such platform be developed through funding by national governments and/or the European Commission. The running and maintenance of such platform can be done by an association relevant to SMEs or a third party with a small contribution (or fee) by the participating SMEs.

Vehicle navigation system using UHF RF-ID

Abstract: In northern countries, we sometimes encounter heavy snow fall and it causes low visible condition. In this circumstance, we have difficulty to keep the driving lane. For the purpose of safety driving, we develop the vehicle navigation system with Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Radio Frequency Identification (RF-ID) to keep the driving lane. We obtain a vehicle location on the driving lane using UHF RF-ID system. The vehicle position in driving lane is written on RF-ID tags in advance and these tags are buried in an asphalt road. Our experimental vehicle equips RF-ID antenna which communicates with RF-ID tags and gets vehicle location on the driving lane. This position information is given to a driver by Liquid Cristal Display. We make Graphical User Interface which shows vehicle location and direction to the center of the driving lane. And our system gives voice instruction, which says the above direction. In order to simulate low visible condition, we put a bubble wrap onthe wind shield in front of driver’s seat. This bubble wrap makes driver difficult to see the outside. In our driving experiment with a daily driver and a novice driver, they can keep on the driving lane using our navigation system against the bubble wrap on the windshield. The navigation system with RF-ID is useful underthe low visible condition. And low visible condition is occurred in not only in the heavy snow fall, also thick fog and so on.