Evaluation of the Equivalent Trip Distance Using Micromobility and Public Transit According to the Time Criterion

Abstract

The advanced direction of improving the transport systems of the cities is to ensure their sustainability. Transport system sustainability directed to provide its operational efficiency, ensures the city residents transportation needs satisfaction with the appropriate level of quality and the least of the travel time costs, contributes to the economic development of the city and reduces the negative environmental impact of the transport. The concept of sustainable urban development involves widespread alternative transportation modes, in particular micromobility. The benefits of micromobility include cost-effectiveness (lack of dependence on fuel), high capacity of the transport infrastructure, environmental friendliness, and positive impact on user’s health. The main factors that affect users' choice to using micromobility are safety, cost, time and effort. The cost level depends on which one vehicle is used, own or hired through a sharing system. Travel time depends on distance and speed, which is related to the type of vehicle, user experience, time of day, weather conditions, etc. Carrying out long-distance micromobility is associated with significant efforts and usually does not provide time savings. However, the joint use of micromobility with transit services at the first-mile and (or) last-mile of the trip can really compete with private cars. The research proposed an analytical equation of determining the rational spheres micromobility trips choice by users according to the time criterion. This equation involves the definitionn of the equivalent trip distance by scheduled passenger transport and micromobility considering the directness of connections by the specified modes. It is assumed that the directness of the micromobility trips is higher than for public transit. It was established that the equivalent trip distance can vary widely, which is due to the different ratio of the micromobility and public transit trips conditions. Further research will be focused on the study of the separate and combined influence of equivalent trip distance factors and establishing the patterns of its change. Keywords: transport system, micromobility, equivalent distance, sharing system, public transit, directness of the connection.