Urban form and last-mile goods movement: Factors affecting vehicle miles travelled and emissions

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 ◽  
pp. 217-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Wygonik ◽  
Anne V. Goodchild
Keyword(s):  
Urban Form ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Goods Movement ◽  
Last Mile

From the Last Mile to the Last 800 ft

2017 ◽  
Vol 2609 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Polina Butrina ◽  
Gabriela Del Carmen Girón-Valderrama ◽  
José Luis Machado-León ◽  
Anne Goodchild ◽  
Pramod C. Ayyalasomayajula
Keyword(s):  
Freight Transportation ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Pickup And Delivery ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Urban Freight ◽  
Customer Expectations ◽  
Goods Movement ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Urban Goods Movement

Pickup and delivery operations are an essential part of urban goods movements. However, rapid urban growth, increasing demand, and higher customer expectations have amplified the challenges of urban freight movement. In recent years, the industry has emphasized improving last-mile operations with the intent of focusing on what has been described as the last leg of the supply chain. In this paper, it is suggested that solving urban freight challenges requires an even more granular scale than the last mile, that is, the last 800 ft. The necessary operations in the last 800 ft require integration of diverse stakeholders, public and private infrastructure, and a diverse set of infrastructure users with multiple, varied objectives. That complexity has led to a gap in the needs of delivery operations and the characteristics of receiving facilities (i.e., unloading and loading facilities and pickup–drop-off locations). This paper focuses on accessibility for pickup and dropoff operations, taking a closer look at urban goods movement in the last 800 ft from the final customer. The paper presents and analyzes previously documented approaches and measures used to study the challenges at the proposed scale. Finally, it proposes a more holistic approach to address accessibility for urban pickup–delivery operations at the microscale to help develop more comprehensive urban freight transportation planning.

scholarly journals Travellers’ preferences towards existing and emerging means of first/last mile transport: a case study for the Almere centrum railway station in the Netherlands

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bas Stam ◽  
Niels van Oort ◽  
Hilke J. van Strijp-Harms ◽  
Stefan C. van der Spek ◽  
Serge P. Hoogendoorn
Keyword(s):  
Mode Choice ◽  
Main Stage ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Technology Advancement ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Policy Objectives ◽  
Demographic Shifts

AbstractFirst/last mile transport is essential for transit but is often found to be the weakest link in a trip. Moreover, as a result of multiple developments (e.g. demographic shifts, urbanization, climate change, technology advancement) first/last mile transport will likely change rapidly. The literature review of this study shows six different categories of factors affecting first/last mile mode choice: (1) traveller, (2) psychological, (3) first/last mile trip, (4) first/last mile modes, (5) built environment, and (6) main stage. We used this framework to understand and predict the complex process of mode choice, specifically given the emerge of new modes. The performed mode choice experiment shows varying results regarding the preferences of travellers for existing and new means of first/last mile transport. Four future scenarios (varying in level of sharing and flexibility of rides) are investigated. Traditional means of transport such as private vehicles and traditional ride services remain preferred over shared vehicles and on-demand ride services. For instance, 21% of the travellers chooses a private but no shared vehicle, and 12% chooses a traditional but no on-demand ride service. On the other hand, 21% of the travellers prefer a shared vehicle and 23% prefer an on-demand ride service whenever these vehicles/services are available. These results illustrate that when mode choice factors are absent and there are no restrictions taken into account (for example the possession of a car and driving license when choosing car), the actual chosen means of transport in the current situation differs from the preferred means of transport in the future. The results also show potential for new, emerging, means of first/last mile transport. According to the ‘preferred situation’ by travellers, transit nodes and first/last mile systems require a different design regarding first/last mile facilities, dependent on the scenario(s) that will develop. The challenge for decision makers and planners is to steer mode choice decisions in the direction according to their policy objectives, where our insights support the corresponding design choices and policy interventions.

Simulating Sustainable Urban Gateway Development

2012 ◽  
Vol 2269 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Ferguson ◽  
Hanna Maoh ◽  
Pavlos Kanaroglou
Keyword(s):  
Urban Form ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Light Rail ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Goods Movement ◽  
Transit Ridership ◽  
The Impact

The term “gateway” refers to a city, or to some transport and logistics-oriented area in a city, that is associated with goods movement in, out, and through the area. Although the definition of a gateway is typically focused on goods movement, a more holistic view is adopted with consideration of the movements of people and the environmental implications of all movements. The relevance of this view is based on the interdependence of commercial and persons mobility, because all moves are happening within the same transport network, and is based on considerations of quality of life in a gateway city. Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, was chosen to test these concepts. Hamilton had a suitable geographical location, a busy port, an international airport, good highway and railway access, and an educated labor force. The gateway prospects for Hamilton were given perspective through a study of other prominent gateways that distilled success factors. Analytical work focused on multiregional economic impact modeling to assess the direct and indirect effects of Hamilton's potential evolution as a gateway. Local-level analysis, through integrated urban modeling and simulation of scenarios, stressed the impact of gateway development on commercial goods movement, auto commuting levels, emission levels, and transit ridership. Increased emissions resulting from gateway economic development could be overcome with forward-thinking policy focused on the uncongested movement of goods and people, compact urban form, and enhanced public transit working in concert. The addition of light rail transit in Hamilton and the promotion of a compact urban form would be catalysts for sustainable local gateway development. Finally, gateway-oriented development in Hamilton will cause noticeable regional economic growth. The models that were developed can be calibrated for other cities, given appropriate data.

scholarly journals Encouraging the Sustainable Adoption of Autonomous Vehicles for Public Transport in Belgium: Citizen Acceptance, Business Models, and Policy Aspects

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 921
Author(s):  
Pol Camps-Aragó ◽  
Laura Temmerman ◽  
Wim Vanobberghen ◽  
Simon Delaere
Keyword(s):  
Public Transport ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Autonomous Vehicles ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Policy Goals ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

Several mobility-related issues persist in and around urban areas. Autonomous vehicles promise substantial environmental, safety, and economic benefits but may also cause unintended adverse effects that stem from single-passenger mobility becoming more affordable and accessible. While using them for public transport (i.e., autonomous shuttles) can help avoid such downsides, there are many challenges to their adoption, particularly ones that are related to citizen acceptance and economic aspects. Based on a novel survey of Brussels’ citizens, we provide insights from user opinions on last-mile autonomous shuttle services and analyze the effect of various attitudinal and socio-demographic factors affecting such acceptance. Our respondents exhibit an overall positive acceptance albeit with a limited willingness to pay for it. In addition, based on expert interviews, we provide a discussion on appropriate business models and policy recommendations to help ensure the timely adoption of AVs in Belgium that adapts to mobility needs and policy goals.

scholarly journals Innovative solutions to increase last-mile delivery efficiency in B2C e-commerce: a literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (9) ◽  
pp. 901-920 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Mangiaracina ◽  
Alessandro Perego ◽  
Arianna Seghezzi ◽  
Angela Tumino
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Pricing ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Last Mile Delivery

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to review and classify scientific publications dealing with those innovative solutions aimed at increasing the efficiency of last-mile delivery in business to consumer (B2C) e-commerce; and, second, to outline directions for future research in this field. Design/methodology/approach The review is based on 75 papers published between 2001 and 2019 in international peer-reviewed journals or proceedings of conferences, retrieved from bibliographic databases and science search engines. Findings Due to its importance in affecting the overall logistics costs and, as a consequence, the economic sustainability of a B2C e-commerce initiative, last-mile delivery process deserves particular attention in order to be optimised. The review highlights that, among the main factors affecting its cost, there are the probability to have failed deliveries, the customer density in the delivery areas and the degree of automation of the process. Innovative and viable last-mile delivery solutions – which may impact the mentioned drivers – include parcel lockers, crowdsourcing logistics, mapping the consumer presence at home and dynamic pricing policies. Eventually, some gaps and areas for further research activities have been identified (e.g. mapping customer behaviour, crowdsourcing logistics). Originality/value This review offers interesting insights to both academics and practitioners. On the academic side, it analyses and classifies relevant literature about innovative and efficiency-oriented last-mile delivery solutions, proposing directions for future research efforts. On the managerial side, it presents a holistic framework of the main factors affecting last-mile delivery cost and of viable innovative solutions that may be implemented to increase efficiency.

Improving Rural Sanitation in Challenging Contexts

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Will Tillett ◽  
Oliver Jones
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Basic Sanitation ◽  
Development Goals

Of the two billion people worldwide lacking access to at least basic sanitation, seven out of ten live in rural areas. Progress has been made on increasing rural sanitation and access levels are rising, but barriers remain in reaching the ‘last mile’ or some 10 to 20 per cent of the population who live in the most challenging contexts. The factors affecting the ability of households to construct and use toilets, as well as the challenges sanitation programmes face in reaching specific groups, are highly diverse. Applying one-size fits all approaches has been proven not to work; therefore, we need more nuanced, adapted, and targeted approaches to capture the universality element of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure that no one is left behind. However, we recognise that challenges can be persistent and there are limited documented examples of how to overcome these challenges at scale. The Sanitation Learning Hub, UNICEF, and WaterAid commissioned this study to map rural sanitation approaches in challenging contexts and the guidance currently being used, drawing out emerging experiences and lessons. It involved key informant interviews (KIIs) with 44 interviewees, and consulting over 180 documented resources. This Learning Brief provides an overview of the study findings.

Progress In The Practical Application Of Automated Image Analysis To Tem Negatives

1977 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 214-217
Author(s):  
F. A. Heckman ◽  
E. Redman ◽  
J.E. Connolly
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Image Quality ◽  
Exposure Time ◽  
Image Contrast ◽  
Automated Image Analysis ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
High Image Quality ◽  
Qualitative Evidence ◽  
Comprehensive Study

In our initial publication on this subject1) we reported results demonstrating that contrast is the most important factor in producing the high image quality required for reliable image analysis. We also listed the factors which enhance contrast in order of the experimentally determined magnitude of their effect. The two most powerful factors affecting image contrast attainable with sheet film are beam intensity and KV. At that time we had only qualitative evidence for the ranking of enhancing factors. Later we carried out the densitometric measurements which led to the results outlined below.Meaningful evaluations of the cause-effect relationships among the considerable number of variables in preparing EM negatives depend on doing things in a systematic way, varying only one parameter at a time. Unless otherwise noted, we adhered to the following procedure evolved during our comprehensive study:Philips EM-300; 30μ objective aperature; magnification 7000- 12000X, exposure time 1 second, anti-contamination device operating.

Factors affecting microstructural scale in liquid crystalline polymers

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 220-221
Author(s):  
Christine M. Dannels ◽  
Christopher Viney
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Crystalline ◽  
Liquid Crystalline Polymers ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Crystalline Polymers ◽  
Thermal Expansion Coefficients ◽  
Low Thermal Expansion ◽  
Lower Viscosity ◽  
Fine Microstructure ◽  
Planar Orientation ◽  
Strength And Stiffness

Processing polymers from the liquid crystalline state offers several advantages compared to processing from conventional fluids. These include: better axial strength and stiffness in fibers, better planar orientation in films, lower viscosity during processing, low solidification shrinkage of injection moldings (thermotropic processing), and low thermal expansion coefficients. However, the compressive strength of the solid is disappointing. Previous efforts to improve this property have focussed on synthesizing stiffer molecules. The effect of microstructural scale has been overlooked, even though its relevance to the mechanical and physical properties of more traditional materials is well established. By analogy with the behavior of metals and ceramics, one would expect a fine microstructure (i..e. a high density of orientational defects) to be desirable.Also, because much microstructural detail in liquid crystalline polymers occurs on a scale close to the wavelength of light, light is scattered on passing through these materials.

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