Integration of Sustainability Issues in Strategic Transportation Planning: A Multi-criteria Model for the Assessment of Transport Infrastructure Plans

Abstract

Last decades have witnessed significant advances in transportation planning methodologies, facilitated by the development of computational algorithms, technologies, spatial modeling tools-such as geographical information systems (GIS) and decision support systems (DSS). However, at strategic planning levels, a commonly accepted assessment model integrating the sustainability paradigm is still lacking. This work presents a novel contribution to this research line, with the proposal of a multi-criteria assessment model embedded in a GIS. The criteria have been designed covering the three dimensions of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. This assessment model constitutes an interdisciplinary approach tightly linking network analysis, spatial geography, regional economic, and environmental issues in a GIS-based computer framework. The validity of the methodology is tested with its application in a case study: the extension of the high speed rail (HSR) network included in the Spanish Transport and Infrastructure Plan 2005-2020.

Territorial cohesion impacts of high-speed rail under different zoning systems

“…As in Lopez et al (2008), Lopez and Monzon (2010) and Ortega et al (2012), the statistical index selected to measure the dispersion of accessibility values is the coefficient of variation. In Ortega et al (2012), this is denoted the Potential Accessibility Dispersion index (PAD), and we maintain this name here.…”

“…On the other hand, when the focus is on the distribution of accessibility between locations, the concepts used are "spatial equity" or "territorial cohesion". In this paper, we will use the term "territorial cohesion" -following our previous research (Lopez et al, 2008;Lopez and Monzon, 2010;Ortega et al, 2012) -to refer to the degree of dispersion of the spatial distribution of accessibility.…”

Efficiency and spatial equity impacts of high-speed rail extensions in urban areas

“…It is therefore increasingly being claimed that the design of a HSR network may need to be modified to ensure that both an acceptable degree of equity is retained, while maximizing economic growth (Brocker et al, 2010;Button, 1993;Lopez & Monzon, 2010). This design will require changes in local and regional secondary transport networks in order to improve the connection of cities without a HSR station to the HSR service (EC, 1999).…”

“…to equity considerations (Hay, 1993). Traditionally, assessment methodologies have not addressed the conflict between the objectives of efficiency and equity (Lopez & Monzon, 2010;Martinez & Givoni, 2009). Efficiency objectives in isolation would lead to a HSR network whose aim is to provide an efficient link between major economic activity centres.…”

Socio-Eco-Efficiency Analysis of Highways: A Data Envelopment Analysis

“…Yet, there are many challenges related to quantifying the abstract concept of sustainability of highways. There is still a lack of a standard methodology for sustainability evaluation (López, Monzón 2010). The primary difficulty lies in objectively evaluating environmental, social, and economical dimensions and the sub-categories within each dimension.…”