bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Sell a Railway: Lessons on the privatization of Three Dutch Railway Projects
Authors: Koppenjan Joop , Leijten Martijn
Published: November 2023

In this contribution, we provide a comparative analysis of the Dutch government’s attempts to realize private investments in three national railway mega-projects: the Betuwe Route, a dedicated freight railway line connecting the Rotterdam harbour to the German rail network, the High Speed Line (HSL South) between the Belgian border and Amsterdam and the Zuiderzee Line between Amsterdam and Groningen, for which a private consortium led by Siemens suggests the use of Maglev technology. The privatization of the first two railway lines was attempted for during the nineties and beginning of this decade. In June 2007 operation of the Betuwe Route began. To date, the government has not succeeded in involving private parties in the Betuwe Route. Although the privatization of the HSL South has partly been realized by engaging into a complex mix of contract-arrangements, it has proven difficult to keep under control. Recently operation has been postponed until October 2008. During the project study of the third railway project, which started in 2000, government again tried to realize privatization while avoiding the mistakes of the earlier two projects. In 2005 government decided not to move forward with the tender procedure and consider alternatives. Building on theory and earlier experiences with privatization and public private partnerships we compare the three cases with respect to motives for privatization, strategies and results. We seek explanations for the way privatization evolved within each project and generic lessons that can be drawn from the cases.
Integrated traffic control for mixed urban and freeway networks: A model predictive control approach
Authors: Berg Monique Van Den , Hegyi Andreas , Schutter Bart De , Hellendoorn Hans
Published: November 2023

We develop a control method for networks containing both urban roads and freeways. These two road types are closely connected: congestion on the freeway often causes spill-back leading to urban queues, slowing down the urban traffic, and vice versa. As a consequence, control measures taken in one of the two areas can have a significant influence on the other area. We first develop a model that describes the evolution of the traffic flows in mixed networks. Next, we propose the control method that is used for the integrated control. This approach is based on model predictive control, in which the optimal control inputs are determined on-line using numerical optimisation and a prediction model in combination with a receding horizon approach. We also compare our newly developed control method with systems that are similar to existing dynamic traffic control systems like SCOOT and UTOPIA/SPOT, in a qualitative as well as in a quantitative way via a simple case study. The results illustrate the potential benefits of the proposed approach and motivate further development and improvement of the proposed control method.
Discussion note by Prof. Joop Evers: Profile of new intercity transport
Authors: Evers Joseph J.M.
Published: November 2023

The massive use of private cars causes serious problems. Despite parking problems and traffic congestions, for many the private car remains favourable. As an alternative, a new type of public intercity transport has been proposed, called Fast Transport on Request (FTR). Specific elements are: dedicated tracks for high speed bus driving between the cities; booking via Internet or intelligent telephone; intelligent logistics control reducing the number of stops and excluding detours; adaptive seats and digital facilities.
Response by Prof. Joop Evers
Authors: Evers Joseph J.M.
Published: November 2023

The remarks by professor Weidmann concern: (1) Trip booking (discussed in III); The unmanageable number of O/D-relations (discussed in I); (2) Relations with other PTmodalities (discussed in II); (3) Capacity (see I and Profile paper: ‘State of art of fast transport by buses’); (4) Political feasibility (discussed in V and VI); (5) Speed (discussed in II) and (6) Infrastructure (discussed in II, VI and VII). The remarks of professor Bookhuis concern: (1) FTR as an alternative for car travelling (discussed in IV) and (2) Opportunities (discussed in VII). The author thanks professor Brookhuis and professor Weidmann for their interesting and stimulating remarks.
Performance assessment for intermodal chains
Authors: Rigo Nicolas , Hekkenberg Robert , Ndiaye Alassane Ballé , Hadhazi Daniel , Simongati Gyozo , Hargitai Csaba
Published: November 2023

The reasons for choosing or promoting a certain way of transporting goods are dependent on a multitude of factors. Shippers will be interested in reliable logistics and low cost, while authorities are in general more concerned with relieving congestion and minimizing the environmental impact of transport in general, while accident-free transport is in the interest of all parties involved. Historically, many analysis methods have been developed that include one or more of the above factors, both for transport and non-transport purposes. For the European funded 6th framework project CREATING however, aims to achieve an integrated approach to the assessment of transport, focused on intermodal chains at a micro level, which required highly specific input data which was not readily available from literature. In order to solve this, the authors have joined forces: Delft University developed a model that determines transport cost and emissions related to intermodal transport chains, based on the technical and operational aspects of the transport means utilized, while Budapest University developed a method to measure logistic performance of specific transport chains and the University of Liège developed a multi-criteria decision aiding model that can translate values obtained into a single performance indicator. The approach developed by the authors is demonstrated by means of one of the cases under evaluation in the CREATING project.
Book Review Gunilla Jönson and Emin Tengström (eds.) Urban Transport Development. A Complex Issue.
Authors: Geenhuizen Marina Van
Published: November 2023

This book presents a selection of contributions to the 2003 Conference of The Volvo Research and Educational Foundations in Göteborg. It is not meant as a book of proceedings but as a book representing the major perspectives of the conference on urban transport problems. These perspectives can be summarized as follows: a more or less holistic view to be achieved through a system approach and an emphasis on complexity; in addition, a focus on the long-term dynamics of the development of the transport system. The book is structured into five sections. Section one (chapters 1 through 3) is an attempt to elaborate the above perspectives to provide common ground for the subsequent sections. The perspectives are highly relevant but also very comprehensive. In this light, the discussion is rather brief and could have been more systematic as an introduction.
Effect Equilibrium Approach in Calculating the Economic Range of a Freeway Industrial Zone
Authors: Miao Xin , Xi Bao , Zhang Xi-Qiao
Published: November 2023

This research aims to develop a valid method to examine the relationship between transportation infrastructure and economic growth through the measurement of the economic boundary of a freeway industrial zone in developing countries. By comparing the similarities of a freeway industrial zone with an electromagnetic field, the Boit-Schwander law in electromagnetism is applied to create an electromagnetic model, which can calculate the attractive effect caused by a freeway on its influential area. When the attractive effect is equal to the traffic impedance, the economic range of the industrial zone can be determined by the effective equilibrium approach. An empirical analysis of the Ha-Shuang freeway demonstrates this approach is valid and practical.
Airlines and their Focus on Cost Control and Productivity
Authors: Martín Juan Carlos , Román Concepción
Published: November 2023

Airline deregulation is an issue which has been attracting more attention, especially from the media, in recent years. In this paper, we analyze how the deregulation in the European Union has affected the behaviour of carriers, especially regarding the entrance of new Low Cost Carriers. Subsequently, we analyze how the former legacy carriers have reacted to this entrance studying issues such as the new focus on airline costs and productivity. We also present some evidence about the potential role which can be played by other sectors of the industry like airports, Air Traffic Management firms and aircraft manufacturers.
The Driving Factors of Passenger Transport
Authors: Jong Gerard C. De , Riet Odette Van De
Published: November 2023

Over the past few decades passenger transport has grown rapidly resulting in a multitude of problems including severe traffic congestion and pollution. It is expected that passenger transport will continue to grow rapidly in the future, which will worsen the situation even further. The traditional approach to deal with the problems is to expand the infrastructure. However, transport policy is a broad and versatile field. Many different types of policy measures can be observed in literature and practice. Sound transport policy-making requires knowledge on the drivers of transport demand This article is aimed at (re)structuring the many different insights in a single conceptual model, which reviews the key drivers, and how each affects the various choices that travellers make (activity type, destination, mode, time-of-day and route) and the resulting impact on overall passenger transport demand. The model was derived on the basis of a review of literature, which was supplemented by a review of thirteen exemplary urban area cases. In addition, a quantitative data analysis was carried out to assess the transport demand elasticities for various drivers. Current study has been carried out in response to the search for effective transport policy, which is discussed in the concluding section. The outcomes are of particular relevance of policy analysts and policy makers developing passenger transport policy, but are also useful for scholars and students in the field of transport.
Marginal Railway Infrastructure Costs in a Dynamic Context
Authors: Andersson Mats
Published: November 2023

In this paper, dynamic aspects of railway infrastructure operation and maintenance costs in Sweden are explored. Econometric cost functions are estimated to check the robustness of previous marginal cost estimates by introducing lags and leads of both dependent and independent variables. We find support for a forward-looking behaviour within the Swedish National Rail Administration (Banverket) as both infrastructure operation and maintenance costs are reduced prior to a major renewal. There are also indications of both lagged traffic and costs affecting the cost structure.
Modelling the Cost Performance of a Given Logistics Network Operating Under Regular and Irregular Conditions
Authors: Janic Milan
Published: November 2023

This paper develops an analytical model for the assessment of the cost performance of a given logistics network operating under regular and irregular (disruptive) conditions. In addition, the paper aims to carry out a sensitivity analysis of this cost with respect to changes of the most influencing factors. In particular, this is expected to investigate the vulnerability of this network with respect to particular disruptive events. The logistics network under consideration consists of the manufacturers and retailers/consumers as the origin and destination nodes of the goods flow concerned, and the transport system (links and services) connecting them. The nodes are characterized by the goods’ production and consumption rates, and the level of inventories, and related costs. The transport system is characterized by the transport mode that is exclusively used in the network, its frequency of service, the goods’ delivery time (speed), and the related costs. Irregular conditions are characterized by the intensity of the impact and duration of the disruptive event, which, in the given case, is assumed to completely cut off the transport services in the network. The model uses inputs reflecting these characteristics. The output consists of the network’s total and average cost per unit of goods, which is estimated depending on the type and delivery frequency of the transport mode that is exclusively used, and on the duration of the disruptive event. The model is applied to the generic hypothetical logistic network using data from the European logistics networks.
Improving Decision-making for Sustainable Urban Transport: An Introduction to The DISTILLATE Research Programme
Authors: May Anthony
Published: November 2023

The policy measures needed to achieve more sustainable urban transport systems are now well understood. However, there remain serious barriers to the development and delivery of effective strategies. These include split responsibilities, lack of clarity in the policy process, inappropriate financing rules, lack of data and skills, limited public support and lack of political resolve. The series of papers in this special issue describe the research undertaken in an integrated research programme, DISTILLATE, which has developed a set of decision-support tools designed to help overcome these barriers. This paper outlines the context of the programme, which was conducted with sixteen local authority partners involved in the UK Local Transport Plan process. It describes the research approach, which focused on the barriers which were of the greatest importance to practitioners and the most researchable, and which used case studies, and action research, to understand problems and test solutions. It outlines the more detailed analysis of the barriers faced by local authorities. This demonstrated that the policy measures which were the most important were the most difficult to implement, and that the problems in doing so arose in all six technical areas of the research programme: monitoring, option generation, finance, prediction, appraisal and coordination. It also emphasised the need to distinguish between strategy development and scheme design. The paper describes the approach adopted to developing and testing the programme’s 19 products for strategy development and scheme design, and the overarching decision-support tool developed to aid their dissemination. It concludes with an assessment of the growing challenges in urban transport policy and of the need to improve the take-up of decision-support tools.
Implementing Innovatory Transport Measures: What Local Authorities in the UK Say About Their Problems and Requirements
Authors: Hull Angela
Published: November 2023

There is a growing emphasis on the need to secure an integrated transport system that both serves the needs of the economy and that contributes to a wider sustainability agenda which includes prudent use of natural resources and equitable access to jobs and facilities. Although the UK government has not set specific targets for emission reduction or accessibility for the transport sector, all local highway authorities in England are now required to set out five year programmes with commitments on progress on four national shared priorities, which include the reduction of polluting emissions from transport and improved public transport. Transport practitioners have a key role to ensure that the foundations are laid now for the transport sector to be in a position to offer an integrated, resource efficient transport system in urban areas. Research has indicated that the principal barriers to achieving more sustainable transport strategies are poor policy integration and coordination, counterproductive institutional roles, unsupportive regulatory frameworks, weaknesses in pricing, poor data quality and quantity, limited public support and lack of political resolve. This paper reports on a study examining the efficacy of the decision support tools available to local transport officers to achieve more sustainable transport options in 16 local authorities in the UK. Results from two questionnaires and a series of follow-up interviews are combined over a four year period to identify where significant support to transport officers is needed. The results suggest that technical and financial support is still necessary in the development, appraisal, monitoring and evaluation of integrated, sustainable, urban travel strategies.
Comparison of Different Toll Policies in the Dynamic Second-best Optimal Toll Design Problem: Case study on a Three-link network
Authors: Staňková Kateřina , Olsder Geert Jan , Bliemer Michiel C.J.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the dynamic optimal toll design problem is considered as a one leader-many followers hierarchical non-cooperative game. On a given network the road authority as the leader tolls some links in order to reach its objective, while travelers as followers minimize their perceived travel costs. So far toll has always been considered either as constant or as time-varying. Inspired by the San Diego's Interstate 15 congestion pricing project, in which heuristics with toll proportional to traffic flow are applied on a real two-link highway network, we consider toll as proportional to traffic flows in the network. On a three-link network we investigate various toll schemes and their influence on the outcome of the game for the road authority. We show that the use of alternative toll schemes may improve system performance remarkably.
Book review: Harry Richardson and Chang-Hee Christine Bae (2008) Road Congestion Pricing in Europe: Implications for the United States
Authors: Lindsey Robin
Published: November 2023

Road pricing has a long and checkered history with many failed attempts interspersed by a small number of successes around the world. A question at the forefront of research and policy is whether the successes and failures hold useful lessons for designing and implementing roadpricing schemes in other countries and cities. Road Congestion Pricing in Europe (RCPE) provides a welcome and informative contribution to the debate.
Decision-making on Mega-projects: Drifting on Political Discontinuity and Market Dynamics
Authors: Priemus Hugo
Published: November 2023

Decision-making on mega-projects is beset by a multitude of problems. Cost overruns and disappointing achievements are already well documented. Some of these pitfalls appear in the initial stages of the decision-making: the absence of an appropriate problem analysis, the lack of alternatives, ambiguities about scope, no programme of functional requirements, flawed process architecture and the dissemination of contested information. But all sorts of uncertainties arise in the long periods between the initiative and the start of operations. Very often, unforeseen developments are triggered by political discontinuity and market dynamics. This paper helps to address this situation by providing an overview of the impact of market dynamics and political discontinuity (which are sometimes interrelated) on decision-making on mega-projects. We analyse these impacts and attempt to determine ways in which project managers could deal with them. The identification and allocation of risks among public and private players is a crucial variable. The paper aims to contribute to theories of decision-making on mega-projects and puts forward practical recommendations for the relevant parties.
Managing Optimism Biases in the Delivery of Large-Infrastructure Projects: A Corporate Performance Benchmarking Approach
Authors: Siemiatycki Matti
Published: November 2023

Optimism bias has been a considerable challenge in the planning and delivery of public services, particularly infrastructure mega projects. This has resulted in consistently underestimated costs and overestimated benefits, as well as delivery delays. This paper explores whether innovative mechanisms of collecting and publicly disseminating information about the performance of government contractors on past projects can contribute to improving the success rate of future initiatives. Drawing on international examples from North America, Europe and Asia, it is found that the production and dissemination of greater information through benchmarking does not on its own lead to reductions in the prevalence of optimism biases. However, there is evidence that when combined with incentives built formally into government procurement processes that reward strong past performance, benchmarking can support improvements in the quality of project outputs.
A Typology of Strategic Behaviour in PPPs for Expressways: Lessons from China and Implications for Europe
Authors: Mu Rui , Jong Martin De , Heuvelhof Ernst Ten
Published: November 2023

In line with governance trends around the world, a growing number of expressways in the People’s Republic of China are managed as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). The tremendous growth in demand for mobility in newly emerging economies has led to a gap between investment needs and available public funding. Using private funds is potentially helpful in closing this gap and accommodating the social and economic needs of motorization. By some, it is also hoped that contracting-out and involvement of the private sector will lead to higher transparency and accountability. However, in line with what has been found in various transport infrastructure modes, during uncertain and hazy transition periods that arise after infrastructure reforms, many forms of potentially pernicious strategic behaviour can pop up. Strategic behaviour emerges from information a-symmetry between private and public players, where the former act as agents and the latter as principals. In this article, China’s evidence on various types of strategic behaviour in the management of expressways is found. Several PPP projects for expressways in China are investigated empirically. And conclusions are drawn as to what possible cures are effective countermeasures of strategic behaviour, and what are the implications for Europe.
Editorial - Large Transport Infrastructure Projects: Improving Institutions and Decision Making
Authors: Wee Bert Van , Flyvbjerg Bent
Published: November 2023

In recent years the subject of decision making on large transport infrastructure projects and related institutional issues have received much attention in the academic and professional literature, partly triggered by the book Megaprojects and Risk (Flyvbjerg et al., 2003). This book shows that for large infrastructure projects cost overruns and demand shortfalls are very common, and that institutional factors play an important role in this being the case. Recent academic contributions include special issues in Environment and Planning B (2007) and Transportation Planning and Technology (2007) and the book ‘Decision-making on mega projects. Costbenefit analysis, planning and innovation ‘ (Priemus et al., 2008).
Developing an Indicator System for Monitoring, Analyzing, and Assessing Airport Sustainability
Authors: Janic Milan
Published: November 2023

This paper deals with developing an indicator system for monitoring, analyzing, and assessing sustainability of airports. The sustainability implies simultaneous increasing of the overall socialeconomic benefits and increasing at a slower rate, stagnating, and/or diminishing of the negative impacts of these airports during the specified medium- to long-term period of time. The indicator system consists of the indicators and their measures reflecting the airport operational, economic, social, and environmental dimension of performances. These include effects-benefits and impacts-externalities of the airport operations. The effects-benefits include mainly the airport contribution to local employment, regional (local) economy, and consequently GDP (Gross Domestic Product). The impacts-externalities embrace local noise, air pollution, congestion and delays, land use (take), and waste. The particular indicators and their measures are specified respecting interests and attitudes of particular actors involved such as users and providers of air transport services, private and public investors, governmental organizations, local community members, lobbies and pressure groups, and general public. An application of the proposed indicator system has shown that it could be considered as an initial step in developing a “tool” for assessing the current and prospective level of the airport sustainable development.
Sufficient Scope in Current Aircraft Technology Developments?
Authors: Haan Alexander R.C. De
Published: November 2023

Air travel demand is growing worldwide with an approximate worldwide long term average of 5 to 6% annually. This growth has both very positive and negative effects. Aviation is deeply embedded in our society. Dramatic decrease in ticket prices has brought to many the possibility of reaching many destinations worldwide in a day’s travel. It is claimed by some that the negative effects – such as noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions - will not become more problematic in the future, because technologies are being developed that will compensate them. The starting point of this research is to discover whether this claim concerning the potential of current aircraft technology developments is true. In other words: is the current development in aircraft technology capable to contribute to a sustainable development in the aviation sector by keeping current positive effects, while mitigating the negative effects? Existing research on this issue is mostly trend research, focussing at the average technology efficiency increase and extrapolating this to the future. In a context where multiple actors have to decide about what to do, this extrapolation is not enough. An aggregated number does not reveal the concrete options and causal relations behind it. This paper, therefore, introduces the open and explicit method of systems analysis to answer the question if (and if so, how) new aircraft technology can mitigate the adverse effects of an increasing air travel demand, while keeping the benefits. It presents analytical results in terms of numbers and score cards in order to feed the policy process that eventually should lead to policy in order to solve the problem. In light of the results of the systems analysis, this paper concludes that current developments in aircraft technology are not sufficient to mitigate the adverse effects of growth. Our research suggests that the combination of the efficiency improvement rate, the growth rate of the demand for air travel, and the long replacement times for older technology do in fact not cancel each other out. In order to achieve a sustainable development in the aviation sector, this systems analysis approach shows the limited (though important) influence technology can have on the full concept of sustainable development. We suggest to not only invest more into developing ever better technologies, but to also search for non-technical solutions in order to address the full concept of sustainable development.
A Comparison of the Impacts of Aspects of Prospect Theory on WTP/WTAEstimated in Preference and WTP/WTA Space
Authors: Rose John M. , Masiero Lorenzo
Published: November 2023

The importance of willingness to pay (WTP) and its counterpart willingness to accept (WTA), in the evaluation of policy measures has led to a constant stream of research examining survey methods and model specifications seeking to capture and explain the concept of marginal rates of substitution as much as possible. Stated choice experiments pivoted around a reference alternative allow the specification of discrete choice models to accommodate aspects of Prospect Theory, in the particular reference dependence. This permits an investigation of theories related to loss aversion and diminishing sensitivitywidely documented within the literature. This paper seeks to examine a number of theoretical developments. In particular, the paper seeks to empirically examine a number of aspects related to decision making processes that are posited to exist by Prospect Theory, namely reference dependence, loss aversion and diminishing sensitivities. Unlike previous research which has examined these issues in the past, we examine these assumptions on WTP/WTA rather than on the marginal utilities of decision makers. In doing this, the paper simultaneously compares and contrasts different econometric forms, in particular estimating models in preference space with WTP/WTAs calculated post estimation versus models estimated directly in WTP/WTA space where WTP/WTAvalues are directly during estimation. We find evidence for reference dependence and loss aversion in WTP/WTA for different time attributes, however we find less compelling evidence for the existence of diminishing WTP/WTAs.
Measuring Spatial Separation Processes through the Minimum Commute: the Case of Flanders
Authors: Boussauw Kobe , Derudder Ben , Witlox Frank
Published: November 2023

The average distance covered by individual commuting trips increases year after year, regardless of the travel mode. The causes of this phenomenon are diverse. Although increasing prosperity is often invoked as the main reason, the discipline of spatial planning also points to the relevance of land-use policies that enable processes of suburbanization and sprawl. By calculating time series of spatially disaggregated theoretical minimum commuting distances, this paper offers a method to identify and quantify the process of spatial separation between the housing market and the job market. We identify the detected spatial separation as one of the possible indicators for the contribution of spatial processes to the growth of traffic. In the case study area of Flanders and Brussels (Belgium), it is found that over time the minimum commuting distance increased in many municipalities, especially where population is growing faster than job supply, or where traditionally high concentrations of employment still increase. Decreases are noticed in suburban areas that are getting a more urban character by acquiring a considerable functional mix. For the study area in its entirety, we do indeed register an increasing spatial separation between home and work locations. However, this separation evolves less rapidly than the increase in commuting distances itself. Regarding the methodology, we find that the use of municipalities as a spatial entity is suitable for grasping regional transformations of the economy and intermunicipal forms of suburbanization and peri-urbanization. However, a similar methodology, applied at a more detailed geographical scale, could be used to detect processes of sprawl in the morphological sense.
Conflict between Independent Scrutinisers of Transport Megaprojects: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Kells Stuart
Published: November 2023

If, in the context of an ‘audit explosion’, public sector projects are subject to multiple and uncoordinated forms of independent scrutiny, then the different scrutinisers could reach contradictory conclusions, adopt incompatible methods, and ultimately provide less effective oversight. In the Australian state of Victoria, three independent scrutiny mechanisms operate concurrently on transport megaprojects. The three mechanisms – performance auditing, probity auditing and gateway reviews – are not coordinated and yet have overlapping goals relating to integrity and value for money. This paper describes the three scrutiny mechanisms, before presenting evidence that the mechanisms can generate contradictory conclusions that remain unreconciled, and that the mechanisms conflict in ways that affect the viability of at least one of the mechanisms. The paper concludes with a discussion of implications for Europe and directions for future research.
Do Planners Get it Right? The Accuracy of Travel Demand Forecasting in Norway
Authors: Welde Morten , Odeck James
Published: November 2023

This paper deals with the accuracy of travel demand forecasts among Norwegian road projects. We use data collected from tolled roads and toll free roads. The results reveal that while traffic forecasts of tolled schemes are fairly accurate, traffic forecasts among toll free roads have a higher degree of inaccuracy and are generally underestimated. An explanation for the observed discrepancy between estimated and actual traffic among toll free roads is that road planners may have ignored the existence of induced traffic and that the standard national traffic growth rates used in the transport models has been too low. For tolled roads, an explanation for the higher degree of forecast accuracy is that planners over the years have been scrutinized to provide careful estimates. Our recommendation is that traffic forecasts provided by planners should constantly be subjected to scrutiny by independent consultants before being presented to the decision makers. Aspects that need to be specifically examined include: (1) the extent to which a road project may lead to induced traffic, (2) the extent to which transport models accommodate appropriate factors and, (3) the extent to which forecasts made address uncertainties by providing confidence intervals of estimates.
Book review: Anders af Wåhlberg: Driver Behaviour and Accident Research Methodology; Unresolved Problems
Authors: Brookhuis Karel
Published: November 2023

Anders af Wåhlberg has apparently written this book starting from a negative attitude. He has his own ideas about what is acceptable in traffic psychology research and what is not. Throughout the book he sets his face against the established order such as the rather standard way of using accident statistics, against self-reports, well-known and widely accepted relationships such as exposure and accidents, against traffic conflict studies, and even experimental studies in simulators and instrumented vehicles.
An Investigation of Container Train Service Provision and Load Factors in Great Britain
Authors: Woodburn Allan
Published: November 2023

The long-term growth in the volume of international trade poses considerable economic and sustainability challenges for freight transport, not least for the landward movement of deep sea containers. Rail freight plays a major role in the inland transport of containers passing through the main British container ports, and potentially could play a more significant role in the future. However, there is little detailed understanding of the nature of this particular rail market, especially in terms its current operating efficiency. To improve knowledge in this area, the paper focuses specifically on an analysis of container train service provision and load factors to/from the four main ports, based on a representative survey in 2007 of almost 600 container trains. The extent to which the existing capacity is utilised is presented, and scenarios by which the number of containers carried could be increased without requiring additional train service provision are modelled, to identify the theoretical potential for greater rail volumes. Substantial existing spare capacity was evident, with considerable variability by port and rail freight operator. If all existing services were fully loaded, a 38 per cent increase in container traffic by rail would result and if all services were operated with 24 fully loaded standard wagons, there would be 65 per cent growth. Finally, the paper identifies the challenges involved in achieving higher load factors, emphasising the importance both of wider supply chain considerations and government policy decision-making.
Book Review: Tampère, C.M.J., Viti, F. and Immers, L. H. (eds.): New Developments in Transport Planning: Advances in Dynamic Traffic Assignment
Authors: Bekhor Shlomo
Published: November 2023

This book contains a selection of contributions from the second Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA) Symposium held at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, in June 2008. The nineteen individual chapters of the book are suitably classified in four distinct parts, providing a coherent state-of-the-art overview of fundamental DTA research and practice. The international experts that contribute to the book are leading researchers in the field, and provide both wide-spread reviews and fresh looks on the various issues related to DTA.
Editorial: Transport and Tourism: a Weak Symbiosis. An Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Landré Martin , Peeters Paul
Published: November 2023

“Tourism’s very existence depends on transport. Still, researchers in transportation and logistics do not show much interest in tourism whereas travel and tourism researchers pay more attention to accessibility than to transport.” These were the opening sentences of the call for papers for the TTRA European Chapter Conference “Transport and Tourism: Challenges, Issues and Conflicts” held in Rotterdam and Breda, The Netherlands from 22 to 24 April 2009.
A Very Long Term Forecast of the Port Throughput in the Le Havre – Hamburg Range up to 2100
Authors: Dorsser Cornelis Van , Wolters Milou , Wee Bert Van
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a new methodology for the development of a probabilistic very long term forecast of the total port throughput in the Le Havre – Hamburg range up to 2100. The forecast is based on a combination of System Dynamic Modelling, Judgement, and Causal Relations. It is intended to provide infrastructure planners with some guidance on the very long term development of transport demand over the lifetime of the infrastructure. On the basis of the forecast it can be expected that the port throughput in the Le Havre – Hamburg region will remain growing throughout the first half of the century, but at a reduced pace. Towards the end of the century throughput volumes will stabilize or even decrease. The notion of decreasing and stabilizing throughput volumes will help infrastructure planners to consider the (ultimate) capacity to be provided beyond the current expansion plans as well as the type of expansions that will suit future demand some 20 to 30 years from now.
Drivers, Options and Approaches for Two Seaport Authorities on the Joint Reduction of Bunker Oil Related Emissions
Authors: Stikkelman R.M. , Minnée M.G. , Prinssen M.M.W.J. , Correljé A.F.
Published: November 2023

The international agreements, made by International Maritime Organization in 2008 are an encouraging start to reduce the SO2 emissions caused by the use of bunker oil. Port authorities are confronted with a dilemma. From an environmental point of view, a proactive attitude is preferred. However, a unilateral initiative may jeopardize their bunker oil market share. In this article, we study the benefits and drawbacks of collaboration on emissions reduction between the ports of Rotterdam and Singapore. Many options for reducing SO2 emissions and several policies strategies are discussed. Collaboration instead of competition may give a strategic financial advantage as compared to other would-be bunker harbors on the route Europe-Asia. Without a group of dedicated and critical actors, both port authorities do not have the power to enforce policies or options. The Rotterdam system can be regarded as a decentralized multi-actor network. The Singaporean situation may be characterized as a centralized authority. The process design towards cooperation should take into account these differences. Overall, it can be concluded that cooperation between the port authorities of Singapore and Rotterdam has extra benefits compared to a situation without cooperation.
Crossing Borders on Cross Border Car Mobility
Authors: Witlox Frank , Acker Veronique Van
Published: November 2023

“We live in a world of lines and compartments. We may not necessarily see the lines, but they order our daily life practices, strengthening our belonging to, and identity with, places and groups, while - at one and the same time - perpetuating and reperpetuating notions of differences and othering.” (Newman, 2006, p. 143)
Combining Models and Commodity Chain Research for Making Long-Term Projections of Port Throughput: an Application to the HamburgLe Havre Range
Authors: Langen Peter W. De , Meijeren Jaco Van , Tavasszy Lóránt A.
Published: November 2023

Long term projections of cargo throughput are indispensable for port development plans. Although commodity flow projections are useful for governments, port authorities, terminal operating companies and port users, scientific research on commodity flow projections for ports is limited. Existing studies generally use econometric models that assume stable relationships between growth of port throughput and such variables as GDP growth and trade growth. This paper presents a method that was developed as part of the Port Vision 2030 project of Port of Rotterdam Authority. The method combines a model with expert judgement and commodity specific research. This combination enables incorporating disruptions of past growth patterns. The contribution of this paper is the description of this method, its application to the volumes in 2030 of all major commodities handled in the Hamburg – Le Havre range, with four different scenarios, while most studies deal with a few commodities in one port, and often for a shorter period and with less scenarios. The results show that in all scenarios, total throughput is expected to rise, although in three scenarios not as fast as in the previous two decades. Furthermore, intermediates and container flows are expected to continue to grow, while throughput of raw materials (iron ore, crude oil) may decline.
Advancement in Conceptualizing Cross-Border Daily Mobility: the Benelux Context in the European Union
Authors: Gerber Philippe
Published: November 2023

Based on specific characteristics of mobility, the cross-border commuter status still has some ambiguities, whether in legal, geographic, economic or more generally in social or cultural terms. This paper aims at providing theoretical advancement to this specific cross-border mobility, especially through the transfer of a theoretical model using a cross-scale analysis based on two complementary concepts. The first corresponds to ‘border confirming’ and is measured at the macro level, including the economic differentials on both sides of the border. The second concept is called ‘border transcending’ and focuses on the individual level. It is based on the assessment of the psychosocial barriers that may fade as the daily practices of the border rise. This exploratory approach is tested within the European context of Benelux. The results, although they cannot be generalised due to a lack of comparable data, offer research perspectives. So far, the existence of a cross-border catchment area, tested on the Belgian cross-border commuters working in Luxembourg, is a reality for many.
The Comprehensiveness Dilemma of Cost-Benefit Analysis
Authors: Sager Tore
Published: November 2023

Most project impacts on environment, climate, and health are not valued in markets or in choice situations similar to market transactions. Analysts have to go beyond revealed preferences to stated preference interviews and even to deliberative processes in order to elicit preferences from which the trade-off values (‘prices’) of the expanded cost-benefit analysis (CBA) can be deduced. The comprehensiveness dilemma of social CBA arises with the choice between calculation of ‘prices’ from revealed preferences and communicative construction of ‘prices’ on the basis of preferences stated in deliberation. New methods for eliciting preferences, such as deliberative monetary valuation, yield preferences influenced by ethical and political values. The interpretation of the analytic results then becomes problematic. The comprehensiveness dilemma is that planners must choose between a narrow CBA making good economic sense, and a comprehensive CBA with dubious economic content. By aiming for completeness, CBA changes character from being a summation of changes in individual wellbeing to being a mix of this and the summation of monetary expressions of ethical and political viewpoints and attitudes.
Carsharing systems demand estimation and defined operations: a literature review
Authors: Jorge Diana , Correia Gonçalo
Published: November 2023

Efforts have been made in the last few decades to provide new urban transport alternatives. One of these is carsharing, which involves a fleet of vehicles scattered around a city for the use of a group of members. At first, part of the research effort was put into setting up real life experiments with vehicle fleets and observing the performance of major private operators. In the meantime, with the growth of this alternative and the need to better plan its deployment, researchers started to create more advanced methods to study carsharing systems’ planning issues. In this paper, we review those methods, identifying gaps and suggesting how to bridge them in the future. Based on that review we concluded that carsharing demand is difficult to model due to the fact that the availability of vehicles is intrinsically dependent on the number of trips and vice versa. Moreover, despite the existence of carsharing simulation models that offer very detailed mobility representations, no model is able to characterise accurately the supply side, thus hindering the cost-benefit assessment that is fundamental to justify investment in this transport alternative, in particular those that are being endorsed by the European Union. More complex, however, is the operation of the emerging one-way carsharing systems, where a vehicle may be dropped off at any station, which adds uncertainty as to the location where vehicles can be picked up. Several optimisation approaches have been proposed to mitigate this problem but they are always limited in scope and leave other aspects out for model simplification purposes. Some simulation models have also been developed to study the performance of this type of carsharing system, but they have not included ways of balancing the vehicle stocks.
Airport’s Profit Sharing: Effects on Investment Incentives, Competition and Social Welfare
Authors: Sarmento Paula , Brandão António
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of airport’s profit sharing on the incentives to invest, market competition and social welfare. The analysis is developed under two frameworks, one with a single airport and one with two competing airports, and both with airline competition. We conclude that airport’s profit sharing may display the highest incentive to invest when compared to alternative vertical relations. Also, we found that airport’s profit sharing excludes the independent airline, as long as the profit airport participation is not below 60%. Moreover, airport’s profit sharing does not allow the elimination of double marginalization and thus the effects on social welfare are ambiguous.
In memoriam Piet Rietveld
Authors: Nijkamp Peter
Published: November 2023

Below you will find an ‘In memoriam’ concerning Piet Rietveld, who until his recent passing away was member of EJTIR’s Editorial Advisory Board (EAB). The In Memoriam is written by Peter Nijkamp, chairman of the EAB. As EAB member, Piet has contributed to EJTIR right from the journal’s inception. He did so in the form of providing highly valued advice on strategic issues – such as our transformation towards an open-access e-journal in 2005; and also as a dedicated referee of papers submitted to EJTIR. As a referee, Piet showed a very clear eye for the (lack of) quality and relevance of papers, and always delivered his review reports well before the deadline.