Are We Missing the Bus? A Case Study on Flexibility Options for Charging Infrastructure at the Amsterdam Central Station

Abstract

Is it possible for flexible applications of infrastructure to help cope with the demand for space? In this paper we tried to answer how different forms of flexibility can impact the societal costs of infrastructure development on passenger transport hubs. For this explorative research option, the value is used to determine these impacts. It is applied to charging infrastructure for electric buses at the Amsterdam Central Station. It shows the challenge in setting up a collective approach towards attaining the optimal societal impact, due to limited knowledge on the potential of flexibility, the complexity in setting up a win-win for each stakeholder based on their different interests and the lacking ownership of the overall collective impact that can be made. The remaining question is, will there be a way out?

Can We Do More with Less? Analyzing the Organization of Flexibility of Space and Infrastructure at UDCs: A Case Study for Food Center Amsterdam

“…Flexibility of space and infrastructure exists in a variety of forms, including flexibility in the physical infrastructure (and space), management of infrastructure, changing goals for space and infrastructure over time, and stakeholder involvement, as indicated for passenger transport hubs [8]. From the perspective of UDCs, a variety of literature related to specific forms of flexibility exist for logistic hubs, including shared space in UDCs [20] and automation in warehousing [21].…”

“…In regard to the application of flexibility in collaborations, limited knowledge on the topic of flexibility and its application exists among stakeholders [8,9,22]. Furthermore, challenges in the integration of flexibility in projects limit its actual application [23].…”

“…When asked what applications of flexibility are seen, interviewees indicate shared parking, collective cooling and heating, collective solar panels and energy storage, shared charging infrastructure, and shared space and storage. Based on these four forms of flexibility [8], most interviewees indicated that they see flexibility in the physical domain, and to lesser extent over time and in management. Flexibility of actor involvement was hardly mentioned, and when it was mentioned, it was seen in strong relation to management flexibility.…”

“…Furthermore, the interviewees indicated that path-dependencies and the increased impact of combined forms of flexibility can bring added value. Overall, this shows a lack in overall understanding and overview of the forms of flexibility, which can lead to a bias in decision-making [8,9,22]. With this limited knowledge on, and overview of all, options of flexibility, the application of flexibility is currently hampered.…”

“…Flexibility is defined as "the ability to be easily modified" [7]. It can exist in different forms, such as flexibility of physical infrastructure, management, stakeholders, and goals [8]. Furthermore, flexibility contains elements such as resilience, adaptability, and robustness [9].…”