Showing papers in "Transportation research procedia in 2022"

Development of models and algorithms for transport and group equipment tasks

Abstract: The solutions to the problems of choosing the optimal technological route for transportation infrastructure in the production department, group equipment and the cycle of operation of technological modules are proposed. Models and algorithms for constructing an optimal technological route transportation of parts, group equipment and a cycle of work of technological modules have been developed, which consist of machine tools and auto-operators (robots). In this article, they are formulated and solved in the form of a coverage problem using the gradient method. Methods are proposed for solving problems of grouping objects according to structural and technological characteristics and operations for transporting parts based on the selection of supporting group parts, constructing invariant sets and classifying objects by the test method, which will improve the classification reliability and give a close to the minimum number of groups of parts.

The 15-minute city: interpreting the model to bring out urban resiliencies

Abstract: In a globally connected world and increasingly smart cities, the demand for living in a physical neighborhood where one can walk and cycle among familiar people and a variety of services is always alive. It is a quality of life which meets the deep desire of community and place identity. In this regard, the 15-minutes city is the contemporary version of the classical “human measure”. The model offers a refreshing chrono-centric vision for the city that prioritizes people’s time, energy and physio-psychological health by relieving their daily commutes. The recent pandemic clearly showed this potential; the daily outdoor movement by soft mobility allowed for social life even during lockdown periods. The paper is subdivided into two main components: a theoretical discussion of the 15-minute city model as part of a broader sustainable urban planning narrative, and a practical application mapping the potentials of Milan as a 15-minute city, focusing on population distribution and urban fabric structure as a measure of performance evaluation. The emergence of the 15-minute model rebalances the building volume concentration of the consolidated Transit Oriented Development paradigm; suggesting an innovative and more articulated vision. The 15-minute approach, rooted in the organic planning of the ‘60, is pushed by the covid-19 emergency, making treasure of the experience of urban regeneration masterplans of the last decade. The approach falls in line with real estate strategies for place making, which aim to create new sustainable urban districts that are pedestrian oriented and carbon free. After interpreting the international framework of urbanism trends with respect to the 15-minute model, the paper focuses on the Milan case. The potentials for neighborhoods across the city of Milan is investigated to conform to an inclusive 15-minute city model, using fully-fledged and innovative mapping of proximity. This analysis aims to explore the resilience of urban resources to support walkable living environments with a guaranteed basic level of accessibility to daily needs by walking. The support to this model offered by soft mobility modes and micro-mobility devices is also raised. The results show, in a number of urban neighborhoods, a limited level of walkability although related to a spatial city structure which is able to be regenerated as a dense and effective network of 15-minute neighborhoods through tactical urbanism actions on existing open spaces and soft mobility policies, combined with long term strategies (infrastructure capacity and digital upgrading). It is a first methodological test which opens up the research towards a new inclusive concept of accessibility.

Urban accessibility in a 15-minute city: a measure in the city of Naples, Italy

Abstract: Cities accessible in 15 minutes represent a new possibility for reorganizing the urban system (times, spaces and activities) to try to respond to many current challenges, including ageing populations, energy saving and, more recently, Covid-19. A renewed concept of urban accessibility, together with the redefinition of public spaces and "soft" ways of moving (pedestrian and cycle) to reach neighbourhood services, represent a starting point not only from which to face new challenges but also to rediscover the sense of community, especially at the neighbourhood scale. The 15-minute city draws its origins from the concept of the "neighbourhood unit", developed in 1923 in a competition for the city of Chicago, to define compact residential neighbourhoods where the proximity between services and homes contributed to set out the identity character of that part of the city and to create "the sense of belonging" of a community to a place. The events of the last year strongly re-propose experimentation with this approach, also following the proposal by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, aimed at giving a new face to Paris starting from the creation of extensive pedestrian green areas on the large boulevards that are now crossed by the cars and, therefore, to allow the inhabitants to reach, by walking, essential urban services within the 15-minute threshold. Other cities, such as New York and Milan, have also begun to work to make their neighbourhoods, especially peripheral ones, accessible in 15 minutes on foot or by bicycle, without neglecting the goal of transforming these neighbourhoods into attractive places for social gathering for local communities. In this perspective, the research work aims at identifying the urban characteristics that define a 15-minute city, starting from the cities that are launching this experimentation. Among the urban characteristics, the geomorphological, physical (concerning both the spaces and the paths, such as the geometry of the pedestrian and cycle networks), functional (distribution and location of services), socio-economic (of the population) and settlement ones are taken into consideration. According to the weights of the variables identified as significant, the work defines different areas accessible in 15 minutes based on users’ willingness to walk and the geomorphological, physical, settlement and functional characteristics identified in each urban area. The work is carried out in selected districts of the city of Naples which, due to their demographic, morphological and settlement characteristics, make them a significant area of experimentation.

Impact of Teleworking on Travel Behaviour During the COVID-19 Era: The Case Of Sicily, Italy

Abstract: As a result of the travel restrictions and governmental guidelines imposed on many countries during the COVID-19 crisis, a significant increase in teleworking has been observed. New policies led to major changes in the lifestyle of millions of citizens all around the world and will permanently affect their travel behaviour. This paper aims to investigate and analyse the impact of teleworking on transportation habits, focusing on walking and commuting before and during the pandemic. Data regarding the walking frequency fluctuations due to teleworking were collected through structured questionnaires in Sicily, Italy. Most respondents seem to believe that it can be a factor leading to a decrease in their walking trips and to a change in their associated walking habits and behaviour. In this study, the rebound effects of telecommuting with respect to vehicle usage are taken into consideration. Although, it can result in a smaller number of trips weekly, the net amount of distance travelled per person can be larger, as employees are more willing to commute farther considering they will not commute as often. However, for longer distances, people tend to use trains since it allows working while commuting. This can result in reduced traffic, especially at peak times and consequently have a positive social and environmental impact, less stress and less air and noise pollution from private vehicles. An increasing number of companies is announcing the decision of pivoting to teleworking even after the pandemic is over. Policy makers and urban planners can use telecommuting as a tool that contributes to relieving traffic and seek ways to introduce a more sustainable future of work and mobility in the post-pandemic world.

Model of aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul using artificial neural networks

Abstract: The paper presents a designed model of maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) of an aircraft with a predictive maintenance unit. The use of an artificial neural network is provided as a maintenance tool. Predictive maintenance with an artificial neural network is part of the MRO strategy "Before the fault is detected". The MRO project with predictive maintenance will allow to build the concept of conducting an in-depth analysis before choosing a strategy for controlling the stage of the aircraft life cycle - aircraft operation.

Scenarios for a Post-Pandemic City: urban planning strategies and challenges of making “Milan 15-minutes city”

Abstract: This Covid-19 pandemic has put a strain on many developed world global cities, especially those with high population densities and high level of connectivity; European cities such as Milad, Paris, London, Madrid and Barcelona among others have experienced major outbreaks. Many cities are therefore experiencing a moment of global rethinking. In a few years, we have gone from an idea of extreme density that has led to the gentrification of megacities with ever smaller living spaces to completely antithetical proposals, such as the idea of " the 15-minutes city" where all services can be reached with a minimum travel time. Within this context, this paper aims to provide an overview of this concept and its discussion and application on the case of Milan, by conducting a desk research and analysing the official reports and documents. This paper discusses that the core idea of the 15-minute city is not new, as it can be traced back to the concept of Clarence Perry’s “neighborhood unit” in the early 1900s, as a self-contained residential neighbourhood, where essential services are accessible by walking distances. In the case of Milan, the “2020 Adaptation Strategy” confronts the second phase of the pandemic (after the major lockdowns in 2020) and makes references to creating a ‘15-minute city’, by redefining the spaces in neughbourhoods to meet the basic needs of its residence.

Anxiety, fear and stress feelings of road users during daily walking in COVID-19 pandemic: Sicilian cities

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced people’s lifestyles including their travel choices. The pandemic resulted in placing restrictions in travelling throughout Italy due to the obligatory need for social distancing and changes in public transport services. City residents changed their mobility patterns and started using their private vehicles more often instead of public transport, while choosing to walk or cycle for short distance trips. Governments and local authorities encouraged citizens to use sustainable travel modes, particularly walking, during the pandemic period. However, the high number of infections and deaths, especially in Italy, has strongly influenced the propensity of walking due to the emotional aspects of travelling. This paper presents a statistical analysis based on data gathered through a questionnaire in urban areas of Sicily focusing on travel by walking for either leisure or work. The evaluation of negative emotions that people who habitually walk for short distances in the study areas is the main focus of the present work.The data indicated a variation between three emotions: anxiety, stress, and fear. These emotions had a potential to influence people’s daily life and, as a result, their travel habits.

The Evolution of Sustainable Mobility and Urban Space Planning: Exploring the factors contributing to the Regeneration of Car Parking in Living Spaces

Abstract: Strategies and actions to promote sustainable mobility must be based on the characterization of the mobility supply and the promotion of decarbonization policies (e.g. the management of public spaces). The presence of parkings, especially in urban areas, has a significant impact on the occupancy of physical spaces. In this framework, referring to the last decades and the recent pandemic, the paper focuses on the evaluation of influencing factors that have contributed to the changes of planned and designed parking spaces in urban areas. Parklets can support post COVID-19 (Phase 3) pandemics by improving the quality of public space and social distancing close to shops and activities, benefiting from this micro-urban regeneration. Moreover, they can be considered as an extension of the pavement and their implementation can encourage the reduction of private traffic by promoting soft mobility (i.e. walking and cycling). The article defines and highlights the features for the identification and planning of spaces where parklets can be implemented, to improve sustainability and support the post-pandemic recovery.

Road Accident Analysis with Data Mining Approach: evidence from Rome

Abstract: Nowadays, road accident is one of the main causes of mortality worldwide. Then, measures are required to reduce or mitigate the accident impacts. The identification of the most effective measures requires an effective analysis of accidents able to identify and classify the causes that can trigger an accident. This study uses data mining as well as clustering approaches to analyze accident data of the 15 districts of Rome Municipality, collected from 2016 to 2019. The aim is to find out which data mining techniques are more suitable to analyze road accidents, to identify the most significant causes and the most recurrent patterns of road accidents by means of a descriptive analysis. Besides, a model to foresee road accidents is proposed. Results show that such analyses can be a powerful tool to plan suitable measures to reduce accidents as well as to forecast in advance the areas to be pointed out.

Developing micromobility in urban areas: network planning criteria for e-scooters and electric micromobility devices

Abstract: The rapid spread of micromobility, characterized by the use of e-scooters and other electric micromobility devices, has brought both urban and transport planners to deal with the presence of a huge number of new vehicles with different size and technology with respect to those traditionally circulating in urban areas. In particular, the massive use of e-scooters is leading technicians and administrations to think about how to re-design urban spaces to accommodate the new form of mobility. Many European countries are starting to set rules for the novel users, some of them by equating e-scooters with bicycles. However, it is necessary to focus on some peculiar aspects of this mode of transport, namely safety, access to the main points of interests and integration with public transport. Based on this premise, this work identifies and proposes a set of criteria for the planning and design of a network of infrastructures for micromobility devices. The criteria are applied to evaluate the case study of Palermo (Italy). Suggestions for planning interventions are provided based on the analysis of different data sources and case studies, which can constitute a guidance for administrators, urban and transport planners.

Integrating quality management systems (TQM) in the digital age of intelligent transportation systems industry 4.0

Abstract: The rapid expansion of Total Quality Management (TQM) was a response to the challenges posed by increased levels of competition in the global market and heightened attention to issues of quality planning, assurance, control, and improvement. Currently, entering the digital age and the advancement of human life in every field affect the development of TQM through the diversification of Industry 4.0 techniques and applications. This article is to explore the digital concepts relevant for TQM and identify possible challenges emerging while implementing these concepts in practice. In line with this, this article integrates three stages, thus filling in gaps in the existing research. First of all, it tracks the transition from the concept of quality control to digital-friendly TQM, highlighting the meaning of quality, specific features of TQM development, and breakthroughs in the history of TQM. It is noted that the contemporary TQM represents quality as a category open to the achievements of scientific and technological progress that can assist in meeting the customers’ expectations and attaining competitiveness. Second, the article analyzes the TQM in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. Finally, the research results emphasize the most distressing issues faced by quality management systems (QMS) in the digital age and suggest recommendations to combat them.

Applying machine learning techniques in air quality prediction

Abstract: Air pollution levels become more and more dangerous every year, which is one оf the most significant and important problems for humanity nowadays. Of all air pollutants, particulate matter has the most harmful effect on the human health, especially in the long term. This article discusses the need to predict changes in PM2.5 concentrations for air quality monitoring and preventing unsafe and risky situations. In the course of the presented study, detailed visualization of the original data and а comparative survey of the application of machine learning methods were carried out. For solving the problem of forecasting time series of particulate matter concentration values several machine learning models, such as ARIMA, Facebook Prophet, and LSTM, were used. At the moment, it is possible to predict the trend of changes in the mean values of pollutant concentrations for several months in advance. But widespread use of these technologies requires more correct data to make better and more accurate predictions.

Lean Maintenance 4.0: implementation for aviation industry

Abstract: Nowadays, for staying competitive on the aviation market the aircraft manufacturers face the need to improve the quality of aviation after-sales services. For achieving this goal, it is needed to improve the aircraft maintenance organization through various methodologies, such Lean and Industry 4.0. In this paper it was suggested to integrate Lean and Industry 4.0 approaches for aircraft MRO processes and simulate its implementation in discrete-event simulation system AnyLogic. The simulation process methodology and aircraft maintenance process flow chart are proposed in this article. The results show that Lean Maintenance 4.0 methodology could be implemented for aviation industry and increase the efficiency of aircraft maintenance system organization. Moreover, the simulation methods could help to identify the bottlenecks in this process and make a right decision about new technologies, such as Lean and Industry 4.0, implementation.

Public Open Spaces: connecting people, squares and streets by measuring the usability through the Villanova district in Cagliari, Italy

Abstract: Growing spatial and social injustice, vulnerability to environmental hazards, and the Covid-19 pandemic have underlined the need of a radical re-conceptualization and transformation of Public Open Spaces (POSs). Within this perspective, the usability of the public space emerges as a fundamental condition that influences the individuals’ well-being by affecting central human capabilities, including bodily health and integrity, control over the environment, and attachment to people, objects, and places. Usability is herein defined as the potential of spaces to expand human capabilities by supporting autonomy, active mobility and utilitarian, leisure and social activities. Consequently, with a combination of space syntax and spatial analysis techniques, this study structures an analytical method to identify central spaces for pedestrian activity, assess their usability and underline major criticalities. The analytical method encompasses a set of quantitative indicators related to both intrinsic geometric, functional, social attributes and to configurational extrinsic properties of spaces. The case study concerns public spaces within the historical district of Villanova, Cagliari, Italy. The case study analysis will underline that the integration of space syntax techniques and spatial analysis methods is instrumental to the comprehensive understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic spatial attributes affecting patterns of outdoor activities, and to the identification of intervention priorities with regards to the redevelopment and regeneration of public spaces. Consequently, this study represents a valid contribution to the topic of Active mobility and urban redevelopment, in the urban planning session of the conference. In conclusion, the study underlines the relevance of the proposed analytical method as a framework supporting data-informed design solutions and smart decisions within a planning perspective centred on strengthening inclusion and equality of the urban realm.

Development of a typical structural diagram of the hydraulic system of short-haul passenger aircraft

Abstract: The article develops a typical structural diagram of the hydraulic system of short-haul passenger aircraft, obtained on the basis of an analysis of the hydraulic system diagrams of aircraft of this class. This made it possible to carry out a generalized calculation of the required energy characteristics of consumers and the system as a whole for the modes: takeoff, flight and landing, as well as to develop a kinematic diagram and calculate the hydraulic cylinder-lift of the front landing gear. Also in the article, a verification calculation of the cylinder for stability in the supportive position of the rod for compression was carried out.

Factors influencing the implementation and deployment of e-vehicles in small cities: a preliminary two-dimensional statistical study on user acceptance

Abstract: Recent sustainable mobility scenarios, aimed at the decarbonization in urban and non-urban contexts, seek to promote an increasing use of electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by 2030, considering their attractiveness not only for private use but also as shared mobility alternatives by different categories of users. It is significant to investigate the binomial formed by users’ characteristics and travel habits as influencing factors of the spread associated to these innovative services. This paper presents a descriptive and two-dimensional statistical analysis to assess the acceptance of shared e-mobility linked to the user’s profile. The variables have been investigated via an on-line questionnaire, in applying the Likert scale and a single and multiple bivariate analysis have been performed. The case study of Enna city is presented, characterized by a size typical of Italian small urban centers, with critical issues in terms of the transport services supply. A large sample of under 40 years has been selected assuming their greater propensity to use this innovative transport modes. The results highlight the correlations between the socio-demographic data, the choice of the vehicle power supply and the influence of the characteristics of the service. These factors, along with the mobility patterns, must be taken into consideration for the improvement and promotion of the service.

Real-Time Optimization of Energy Consumption in Railway Networks

Abstract: In railway traffic, perturbations may give rise to conflicts, causing delays. As a countermeasure, effective re-scheduling and rerouting decisions can be taken by addressing the real-time Rail Traffic Management Problem (rtRTMP). One of its subproblems is the real-time Energy Consumption Minimization Problem (rtECMP). The latter enforces the train routing and precedences computed by a rtRTMP solver and defines train timings and speed profiles. The objective is to minimize the weighted sum of train energy consumption and total delay. In this paper, we propose an Ant Colony Optimization algorithm for the rtECMP and we test it on the French Pierrefitte-Gonesse control area with dense mixed traffic. The results show that, in a very short computing time, a remarkable exploration of the search space is performed before convergence.

Effects of urban road environment on vehicular speed. Evidence from Brescia (Italy)

Abstract: Inappropriate speeds are key factors that may affect the occurrence and the severity of road crashes. Although rural roads are influenced by more severe crashes than urban roads, perhaps due to the higher vehicular speeds, the latter suffer from a higher frequency of crashes. Therefore, exploring factors affecting the vehicular speed in the urban area is crucial. The literature provided several models to usually estimate the operating speed (i.e., V 85 ) in rural roads. However, further investigations are needed to provide these estimations in the urban areas. In addition, these models often estimate the 85 th percentile of the speed distribution, that cannot represent the entire distribution. Therefore, the problem of the speed prediction distribution is also a challenge in urban roads. This paper addresses this challenge by exploring the effects of some road factors on the vehicular speed along segments of urban roads. First, this speed is modelled as a random variable with a normal distribution. Next, by using 11,466 car spot speed data collected along a portion of the urban road network of city of Brescia (Italy), two multiple linear regression models were run for the estimation of the speed mean and the related standard deviation, respectively. Preliminary results showed that the presence of median, the bus stop density, the presence of curb and the type of adjacent land are significant predictors of the vehicular speed distribution on urban roads. These results may support road management agencies to set proper actions on speed management, especially for existing roads and/or critical section roads in urban areas.

Big Data and Data Mining Technologies Application at Road Transport Logistics

Abstract: The article deals with the application of modern Big Data and Data Mining technologies in logistics. The analysis of studies related to Big Data and Data Mining in logistics has been carried out. The problems of collecting, analyzing and interpreting data on the workload of the transport system of the Moscow region are considered. The paper presents prospects for the application of the results for modern transport companies and government agencies in the planning of transport infrastructure construction.

Development of transport service to the population in the social and economic spheres of the state

Abstract: Public transport services are regulated at the level of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation by legal documents that do not address all issues, which creates difficulties in delegating powers to local governments, including: 1. Solving the issues of restructuring the route network of urban passenger transport, taking into account the needs of the population. 2. Determination of the tariff policy for passenger transportation. 3. Organization and conduct of competitive selection of carriers to prevent unauthorized passenger transportation. When analyzing the existing problems in the field of passenger transportation, it is necessary to highlight: 1. A high level of road accidents in road transport, including those involving passenger vehicles. 2. Systematic non-compliance by carriers, individual entrepreneurs, with the requirements for conducting medical pre-trip and post-trip examinations of drivers carrying passengers. 3. Violation of work and rest regimes of drivers engaged in passenger transportation. 4. Violation of the norms of technical operation of vehicles. 5. The absence of legal norms that enshrine the mandatory professional development of drivers in specialized state educational institutions. 6. Violation of license requirements by drivers.

Understanding micro-mobility usage patterns: a preliminary comparison between dockless bike sharing and e-scooters in the city of Turin (Italy)

Abstract: Urban areas around the world are experiencing a sharp growth of shared micro-mobility services mainly because of the introduction of shared dockless bikes and, more recently, of e-scooters. Besides understanding who uses these services and why, more studies are needed to understand when and where these services are used and whether their usage patterns differ. This study aims to expand the current state of knowledge about the usage of micro-mobility services by comparing the spatiotemporal usage patterns of a dockless bike sharing (BS) service and an e-scooter service both operating in the city of Turin (Italy). Both visual and statistical approaches are used to analyze and contrast the temporal usage patterns of such services. Usage hotspots are detected by using spatial analysis and contextualized by considering the land use destination. Results indicate that both micro-mobility services are used to perform short trips, which are mainly occurring on weekdays in the afternoon. Usage peaks suggest that both services primarily fulfill the demand for non-commute related travel, in line with previous studies in other countries. Nevertheless, morning usage peaks of dockless BS service show that the service might also be used for commuting trips to and from university. Usage hotspot detected near to a university district only during weekdays supports this finding. On the other hand, e-scooter trips are mainly concentrated in the city center and in proximity of railway and metro stations, suggesting that, among other purposes, the service is used as a first and last-mile connection to public transport.

Evaluation and Analysis of Risks in Automotive Industry

Abstract: As it is widely known, along with the manufacturer and the consumer, the authorities that implement the state policy on ensuring the safety of products put into circulation in the country and create appropriate regulatory documents within their competence also participate in the formation of requirements for the design of cars. Mandatory requirements can be national (for one country only) or regional (for several countries). In addition, a country or a group of countries may, within the framework of an international agreement, join international requirements. Regulation of vehicles and its additional equipment at the legislative level stands as a guarantee from the state to the citizens that only safe products get to the country’s market. The amount of additional equipment installed on the vehicles is constantly increasing and there are no appropriate regulatory documents for the major part of this equipment; this represents the relevancy of the selected topic.

Investigating spatial behaviour in different types of shared space

Abstract: The shared space concept has been implemented in many European cities to promote barrier-free movement and encourage road users to rely on social behaviour and mutual respect. By minimising traffic control and reducing segregation between traffic modes, it attempts to enhance the role of pedestrians in the space. Yet, shared space design is context-based, relying on local policies, cultural behaviour and the use of different design elements. There is a wide variety of schemes and, due to the complexity of modelling social behaviour in shared spaces, it is still a challenge to analyse the impact of different designs on traffic behaviour. Therefore, investigating existing implementations can be useful to illustrate the potential effect of a certain design approach. In this paper, road users’ trajectories from different types of shared space schemes are analysed and compared in regard to spatial behaviour. For that, five schemes in Germany were selected and recorded. The results indicate that cyclists and motor vehicles move with comparable speeds and mostly follow similar trajectories in the case study areas. However, to avoid conflicts, cyclists might choose to ride on the edges of the circulation zone or seek refuge in the safe zone. Some patterns of pedestrian movement were observed in similar schemes. Pedestrians are more likely to walk in the circulation zone in shared space intersections than in street segments. Nevertheless, this comparative analysis has shown that pedestrian movement is still diverse and hard to predict solely on the design. Even though the shared space design influences how people use the space, the presence of motor vehicles might have a stronger impact on spatial behaviour and should be better explored in future research. In practice, implementing the shared space concept does not necessarily create a balance in space usage or behaviour. It is crucial to integrate design elements and policies to better accommodate the needs of vulnerable road users.

Micro-mobility in the “Virucity”. The Effectiveness of E-scooter Sharing.

Abstract: The Covid-19 pandemic event has produced an acceleration in the use of technological innovation which, in some cases, has substituted some urban activities usually carried out through direct interaction between people. The restrictions on mobility, the collapse of tourism and the spread of teleworking have produced important effects on the demand for mobility at urban, extra-urban and international level. Collective transport was penalized, as considered unsafe for contagion. Policies were mainly oriented at reducing the service capacity to mitigate the theoretical crowding on board rather than increasing the number of vehicles. So, the transport services just worked because the demand for the LPT naturally decreased out of fear of contagion. Alternatively, for short distance in urban areas" non-conventional" modes of travel have been spreading, also encouraged by some governmental measures. The spread of “urban micro-mobility” systems including the supply of e-scooters has had an immediate impact. Beginning with these considerations, this study proposes an analysis of the spread of e-scooters in Italian cities starting from the pandemic event, with the aim of verifying their effectiveness even in the post-emergency phase. With this aim, the study is divided into three parts. The first part offers an overview on the theme of urban micro-mobility particularly referring to the use of e-scooters in Italian cities. The second part illustrates the results of direct surveys carried out through questionnaires addressed to a specific range of users, the undergraduate students, considered as a highly significant age range. In the conclusions, some initial considerations are proposed to define the contribution of these "new modes of travelling" in the city to the whole urban sustainability. The final objective of the study is the foreshadowing of possible recommendations to improve the integration between mobility planning and governance of urban transformations.

Perceived Pedestrian Level of Service: The case of Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract: Level of Service (LOS) is one of the most crucial components for the assessment of pedestrian facilities by mainly concerning the effective width as well as pedestrians’ flows. However, current research reveals that qualitative characteristics can also contribute to LOS estimation as perceived by pedestrians. Specifically, socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender) as well as characteristics related with perceived comfort and safety can be related with perceived LOS. A Revealed Preference (RP) face to face questionnaire-based survey (including 301 interviewees) was realized during October 2019 at a central pedestrian facility in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece. RP questionnaire survey assisted in gaining valuable knowledge concerning the factors that mainly affect pedestrians’ perceived LOS across the pedestrian facility. The examined pedestrian facility is one of the most important in Thessaloniki since it facilitates high pedestrian flows within the city center daily. The present survey considered pedestrians’ general mobility characteristics such as walking frequency along the facility and trip purpose. Additionally, the evaluation of the greater facility’ area in terms of land use attractiveness, comfort, personal and road safety, public transport, parking conditions and traffic delays, accessibility, pedestrians and bicycles were concerned as well. Ordinal regression was the main tool for the development of the ordinal regression model, and therefore, for the conclusions’ drawing of the present research. The findings regarding perceived LOS can pave the way towards the design of sustainable policy concerning pedestrian facilities as well as the encouragement of active transport in urban areas.

An Innovative Methodology for Micro-Mobility Network Planning

Abstract: The global trends in urban planning and policy have seen more efforts directed toward the development of sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs) and more livable cities. Then, the main objective of the paper is to propose a methodology to design the supply network for a micro-mobility system exploiting the opportunity offered by floating car data (FCD). A two level methodology is proposed: the first level is related to the estimation of the potential demand to serve, obtained by means of FCD analysis (by crossing type of trip, trip length, trip travel time and stopping time at destination), the second level allows us to design the network by considering the potential demand, the points of interest in the area and considering some constraints (e.g., road characteristics).The proposed methodology was applied in the SUMP of Trani (a medium city with about 55,000 inhabitants in the Apulia Region, southern Italy). In such case study, through the analysis of the FCD, emerges that the 22.2% of current trips by cars could be switched from car to micro-mobility. Subsequently, a possible layout of the micro-mobility network that accomplish the potential trips is proposed.

An Analysis of the Service Coverage and Regulation of E-Scooter Sharing in Rome (Italy)

Abstract: In recent years, electric scooters (e-scooters) have become a major successful expression of micro and shared mobility and have widely spread across the world. Because of this ample success, numerous e-scooter sharing companies have started their business in an increasing number of cities. A typical company puts a fleet of vehicles at disposal of its users, allowing to rent them by a smartphone application and paying a per-minute fee. Each company identifies a service area, namely a portion of the territory of the city where shared e-scooters may be rented, ridden and parked. The service area is commonly provided under the form of a geofence, namely a virtual limit that can be set through Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and is drawn on the map provided by the smartphone application of the company. In this work, we study the e-scooter sharing systems that have been created by a number of private companies in Rome, the capital city of Italy. Specifically, we focus on identifying and analyzing the service coverage guaranteed by the companies through their service areas and the overlap of areas managed by different sharing companies. We also provide an overview of the e-scooter sharing regulation of Rome, identifying some first recommendations that could lead to a more effective deployment of e-scooter sharing services.

Economic problems of the Russian transport system development

Abstract: The paper considers the main economic problems of the Russian transport system development, defines the role of transport in the development of the national economy. The features of the development of the national transport system within the framework of integration into the international transport system are highlighted. The authors analyzed the main performance indicators of all modes of transport. The negative consequences of the pandemic on the development of the Russian transport system are presented. Proposals for its improvement have been developed.

Aviation industry project management based on the parameters of scarce resource allocation models

Abstract: The article proposes effective methods for temporal analysis and calculation of generalized network models. Based on them, a class of parametric network models is constructed and applications of such models to the problems of distributing limited resources of complex production systems in the aviation industry under conditions of work intensification are considered. A number of scheduling dates have been specified. Consistency conditions and resource solvability criteria for some classes of problems on such models are studied.