Smart Cities

24 pages, 3578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Knowledge Graph-Enhanced Hidden Markov Model for Personalized Travel Routing: Integrating Spatial and Semantic Data in Urban Environments

by Zhixuan Zeng, Jianxin Qin and Tao Wu

Smart Cities 2025, 8(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities8030075 - 24 Apr 2025

Abstract

Personalized urban services are becoming increasingly significant in smart city systems. This shift from intelligent transportation to smart cities broadens the scope of personalized services, encompassing not just travel but a wide range of urban activities and needs. This study proposes a knowledge graph-based Hidden Markov Model (KHMM) to improve personalized route recommendations by incorporating both spatial and semantic relationships between Points of Interest (POIs) in a unified decision-making framework. The KHMM expands the state space of the traditional Hidden Markov Model using a knowledge graph, enabling the integration of multi-dimensional POI information and higher-order relationships. This approach reflects the spatial complexity of urban environments while addressing user-specific preferences. The model’s empirical evaluation, focused on Changsha, China, examined how temporal variations in public attention to POIs influence route selection. The results show that incorporating dynamic temporal and spatial data significantly enhances the model’s adaptability to changing user behaviors, supporting real-time, personalized route recommendations. By bridging individual preferences and road network structures, this research provides key insights into the factors shaping travel behavior and contributes to the development of adaptive and responsive urban transportation systems. These findings highlight the potential of the KHMM to advance intelligent travel services, offering improved spatial accuracy and personalized route planning. Full article

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20 pages, 863 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

On Smart Cities and Triple-Helix Intermediaries: A Critical-Realist Perspective

by Dimos Chatzinikolaou

Smart Cities 2025, 8(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities8030074 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

I conducted an integrative literature review by utilizing theoretical and methodological elements of critical realism (i.e., the distinction between ontology and epistemology) to evaluate the significance of triple-helix intermediaries. This review involved examining all published research on smart cities in “elite” ABS (Chartered Association of Business Schools) journals (4, 4*). My findings indicate that the philosophical foundations of the examined literature are predominantly grounded on “positivism”, “postmodernism”, “interpretivism”, and “pragmatism”, without delving into the ontological reinforcement of capitalist institutions through innovation creation and diffusion—a central concern of critical realism. I argue that this oversight stems from the prevailing “paradigm” within these “elite” journals, which often excludes historical and critical perspectives. In response, I propose a reoriented intermediary, the Triple-Helix Business Clinic, grounded in critical-realist assumptions. This new theoretical framework can guide practical policy development aimed at reinforcing business innovation and driving broader socioeconomic progress. Full article

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29 pages, 6913 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intersection Sight Distance in Mixed Automated and Conventional Vehicle Environments with Yield Control on Minor Roads

by Sean Sarran and Yasser Hassan

Smart Cities 2025, 8(3), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities8030073 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

Intersection sight distance (ISD) requirements, currently designed for driver-operated vehicles (DVs), will be affected once automated vehicles (AVs) enter the driving environment. This paper examines the ISD for intersections with a yield control on a minor road in a mixed DV-AV environment. Five potential conflict types with different ISD requirements are modeled as a minor-road vehicle proceeds to cross the intersection, turns right, or turns left. Furthermore, different models are developed for each conflict type depending on the vehicle types on the minor and major roads. These models, along with the intersection geometry, establish the system demand and supply models for ISD reliability analysis. A surrogate safety measure is developed and used to measure ISD non-compliance and is denoted by the probability of unresolved conflicts (PUC). The models are applied to a case study intersection, where PUC values are estimated using Monte Carlo Simulation and compared to an established target value relating to the DV-only traffic of 0.00674. The results show that AV-related traffic has higher overall PUC values than those of DV-only traffic. A corrective measure, reducing the AV speed limit on the minor-road approaches by 3 to 4 km/h, decreases the overall PUC to values below those of the target PUC. Full article

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35 pages, 3860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Public Perception of Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) in Rural Towns: Insights from South-East Queensland

by Shenura Jayatilleke, Ashish Bhaskar and Jonathan M. Bunker

Smart Cities 2025, 8(3), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities8030072 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

Rural public transport networks face significant challenges, often characterised by suboptimal service quality. With advancements in technology, various applications have been explored to address these issues. Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) represent a promising solution that has been investigated over recent years. Their potential to enhance the overall quality of transport systems and promote sustainable transportation is well-recognised. In our research study, we evaluated the viability of ADRTs for rural networks. Our methodology focused on two primary areas: the suitability of ADRTs (considering vehicle type, service offerings, trip purposes, demographic groups, and land use) and the broader impacts of ADRTs (including passenger performance, social impacts, and environmental impacts). Perceptions of ADRT suitability peaked for university precincts and 24/7 operations. However, they were less favoured by mobility-disadvantaged groups (disabled, seniors, and school children). We also examined demographic heterogeneity and assessed the influence of demographic factors (age, gender, education, occupation, household income level, and disability status) on the implementation of ADRTs in rural settings. The findings delineate the varied perceptions across these socio-demographic strata, underscoring the necessity for demographic-specific trials. Consequently, we advocate for the implementation of ADRT services tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of these demographic cohorts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cost-Effective Transportation Planning for Smart Cities)

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Smart Cities, Volume 8, Issue 3 (June 2025) – 4 articles

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