On the Development of a Sustainable and Fit-for-the-Future Transportation Network

Abstract

Population growth in cities and expanding city territory as well as population decline in rural areas pose a challenge for the existing transport network. Consequently, we observe a rapid change in transport infrastructure and transportation technology within the last few years. Due to novelty or differentness, it will initially be challenging to integrate them into the existing network in Western European cities and to identify suitable corridors leading to especially beneficial effects on the overall transport network. The effects of new technologies and (high-performance) infrastructures are hardly examined. It remains unclear how these novel transportation technologies will change society, our understanding of spatial proximity, mobility, and consequently the logistics sector. In this work, we give an overview regarding first considerations and reflections on the impacts of the changes and developments in the field of freight transportation. Our work mainly focusses on the estimation of the impacts of high-performance transport technologies on the society, spatial proximity, and the logistics sector while extending the European transportation network accordingly. In our understanding, we refer to high-performance transportation technologies as mobility systems with either high throughput (fast and/or high utilization loads) or very flexible application. To be more specific, we focus on Hyperloop technologies, Cargo-Sous-Terrain, freight airships, and drones.

The Matrix vs. The Fifth Element—Assessing Future Scenarios of Urban Transport from a Sustainability Perspective

“…Pipeline systems such as, for example, Hyperloop or Cargo Sous Terrain are being discussed as a new transport mode for goods-and/or passenger-transport (see, e.g., Markvica et al [17]). Hansen [18] and Werner et al [19] assess the deployment of the Hyperloop for passenger and goods transport in the pipeline.…”

TRIMIS: Modular Development of an Integrated Policy-Support Tool for Forward-Oriented Transport Research and Innovation Analysis

“…This representation should be extended beyond technologies in the "strict" sense, since often, non-technological innovations appear as more promising for sustainable transport [23]. Focusing on innovative technologies and new transportation concepts, a holistic approach is necessary to assess their effective implementation within a network, accounting for different aspects such as the infrastructure costs, transport costs for the transported goods, the effectiveness for each transport mode, and regional development [24]. Furthermore, technology acceptance and knowledge regarding interest by consumers is of vital importance to policymakers, as highlighted in recent studies focusing on technology diffusion and consumer interest for ride-sharing services [25], electric vehicles [26], delivery drones [27], autonomous cars [28], autonomous buses [29], and urban air mobility [30].…”

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

“…With the growing complexity of the municipal organization and the number of stakeholders involved [16], decision making proves challenging in governance. Furthermore, the uncertainty of future transport infrastructure needs [17] leads to the risks in the future usability of infrastructure. To reduce risks of spending scarce private and public resources on infrastructure solutions that are not efficient or interoperable [18], a full understanding of the system at play is needed.…”