Sharing of trips before electrification of fleet: a costeffective solution for reducing the environmental impact of urban freight transport in developing countries

Various research efforts are undertaken to reduce the ill-effects of urban freight transport on the city’s environment. Replacing conventional freight vehicles with electric commercial vehicles (ECVs) is considered as the most effective solution; however, this transition is facing several technological and infrastructural challenges. In developing countries, where cities are already struggling to manage with their present infrastructure, they would find it even more difficult. This paper highlights the opportunity for sharing of in-use freight vehicles as an immediate solution to reduce vehicular emissions. Case study of Surat city, India is taken to assess the use of small-sized commercial vehicles for urban freight transport. A detailed study has been carried out to determine the extent of under-utilized or unutilized capacities of these vehicles. Reductions in emissions due to the sharing of trips are estimated. Propositions are made to strategize and develop policies that promote sharing of urban freight trips.