Performance Analysis and Optimization in Transportation Systems

A special issue of Systems (ISSN 2079-8954). This special issue belongs to the section "Systems Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 18015

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Transport Systems, Faculty Transport and Aviation Engineering, Traffic Engineering and Logistic, Silesian University of Technology, 40-019 Katowice, Poland
Interests: traffic engineering; travel demand modeling and forecasting; analyses of public transport; mathematical modeling of transport processes; estimation of the capacity and assessment of traffic conditions at intersections; optimization of traffic networks; comprehensive traffic studies; multi-criteria decision support; sustainable mobility; route choice and assignment models; work zones and temporary traffic organization
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Guest Editor
Department of Transport Systems, Traffic Engineering and Logistics, Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Krasińskiego 8 Street, 40-019 Katowice, Poland
Interests: civil engineering; GIS analysis; ITS; mobility; QGIS; transportation; urban planning; travel behavior; traffic safety; transport planning and safety management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

One of the problems of modern transportation systems is the proper adaptation of the elements of these systems to the planned and implemented transport needs. This applies both to elements of infrastructure and transport technologies and organizational, technical, or legal issues. Due to the complexity of the processes in transportation systems, finding the optimal solution is particularly difficult. The multifaceted nature of the issue results, on the one hand, from technical, financial, and ecological limitations and conditions, and on the other hand, from the multiplicity of criteria followed by the participants of the transportation process, each of whom tries to obtain the most significant possible benefits. In this context, there is a need to conduct various analyses of system performance from different points of view.

In transport activities, it is important not only to produce the best technical systems with a specific value in use, but also to the economic side of these activities. Currently, often single-criteria methods in optimizing systems are no longer sufficient, and multi-criteria methods are sought to assist in making the right decision in the modernization and expansion of transportation infrastructure, taking into account various user goals.

The systemic approach to optimization requires a formal description of the structures of transportation systems, the characteristics of traffic flows, and the related information streams. An important issue is the development of an optimal organization of the functioning of transportation systems, ensuring the performance of transport services at the assumed level and appropriate costs.

We invite all theoretician scientists and practitioners to submit articles related to modern solutions used both in performance analyses and in the optimization of transportation systems. Ensuring the appropriate quality of modern transportation systems is a big challenge, which often requires a multi-criteria approach, taking into account the principles of sustainable development. We hope that this special issue on systems will be an opportunity to present the results of research and exchange experiences.

Both original research and review works are welcome for submission. Research topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Optimization in fleet management;
  • Optimal development of public transport;
  • Sustainable mobility shaping and planning;
  • Information technologies in a transportation system;
  • Optimal development strategies in transportation systems;
  • Safety analyses in transportation systems;
  • Optimization of intelligent transport systems;
  • Optimization of public transport systems;
  • Spatial analyses in transportation systems;
  • Optimal planning strategies in transportation systems;
  • Multi-criteria optimization of transportation systems;
  • Modeling of transportation systems;
  • Modeling of transportation systems.

Prof. Dr. Renata Żochowska
Prof. Dr. Grzegorz Karoń
Dr. Marcin Kłos
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Systems is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 2158 KiB  
Article
Influence of Social Context and Gender Gap Awareness on Women’s Mobility on Public Transportation
by Margarita Martínez-Díaz and Nàtalia Badia
Systems 2024, 12(12), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12120530 - 27 Nov 2024
Viewed by 636
Abstract
A gender gap in mobility, although with different levels, exists everywhere. Several factors are linked to this gap, such as females’ daily schedules and duties, economic aspects, or preferences. Women’s personal risk perception and its counterpart, i.e., actual (in)security in the transportation system, [...] Read more.
A gender gap in mobility, although with different levels, exists everywhere. Several factors are linked to this gap, such as females’ daily schedules and duties, economic aspects, or preferences. Women’s personal risk perception and its counterpart, i.e., actual (in)security in the transportation system, are related aspects as well. This research focuses on these last factors and adds a novel perspective: the influence of the social context and its awareness of the gender gap. To this end, a twofold methodological approach was applied to the cities of Barcelona and Budapest. It included the comprehensive evaluation of local policies aimed at closing gender gap in mobility as well as the distribution and analysis of an ad hoc developed survey. The main research findings indicate that harassment on public transportation is associated with general societal gender dynamics and behaviors. Actions taken by local administrations in the pursuit of gender equality in mobility become effective in the medium term, leading to a decrease in severe aggressions. Among these actions, awareness-raising plays a key role. First, women gain self-confidence and increase their own commitment to the cause; second, a snowball effect takes place, causing the rejection of harassment and the fight against it to spread across different social spheres. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Optimization in Transportation Systems)
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16 pages, 5556 KiB  
Article
Analyzing Rear-End Crash Counts on Ohio Interstate Freeways Using Advanced Multilevel Modeling
by Omar Almutairi
Systems 2024, 12(10), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12100438 - 16 Oct 2024
Viewed by 671
Abstract
This study presents a new modeling approach for rear-end crash counts on Ohio’s interstate freeways based on a dataset for 2021 that contains 2745 rear-end crashes. The analysis encompasses 20 interstate freeways, comprising 1833 homogeneous segments and extending over approximately 1313 miles. These [...] Read more.
This study presents a new modeling approach for rear-end crash counts on Ohio’s interstate freeways based on a dataset for 2021 that contains 2745 rear-end crashes. The analysis encompasses 20 interstate freeways, comprising 1833 homogeneous segments and extending over approximately 1313 miles. These interstate freeways exhibit varying safety performances, indicating a significant degree of heterogeneity. A unique rear-end crash risk rate was devised for each interstate, capturing diverse risk profiles. Three distinct models were developed: a standard negative binomial model, an uncorrelated two-level negative binomial model, and a correlated two-level negative binomial model. The correlated two-level negative binomial model demonstrated superior fit, as evidenced by the likelihood ratio test, Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion. The correlated two-level negative binomial model exhibited enhanced forecasting precision, as measured by the Root Mean Square Error. A significant finding is that the rear-end crash risk rate significantly improves the fit of the models. The study also reveals that rear-end crashes are expected to occur more frequently in urban segments of interstate freeways with high rear-end risk rates. However, rural segments experience no such significant variations in the rear-end crash risk rate. However, an increase in the inner shoulder width is associated with a decrease in expected rear-end crashes. This research offers a valuable methodology for modeling rear-end crashes on interstate freeways, providing insights into the contributing variables that could inform targeted safety improvements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Optimization in Transportation Systems)
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14 pages, 2797 KiB  
Article
Robustness Assessment of the Metro System: A Case Study of Bucharest, Romania
by Roozbeh Ebrahimi Golshanabadi and Mihaela Popa
Systems 2024, 12(7), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12070237 - 1 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1119
Abstract
Metro network systems play an important role in urban transportation but they are vulnerable to various risks and disruptions. Having a comprehensive understanding of these risks is essential for their operation. In this paper, we aimed to assess the operational robustness of the [...] Read more.
Metro network systems play an important role in urban transportation but they are vulnerable to various risks and disruptions. Having a comprehensive understanding of these risks is essential for their operation. In this paper, we aimed to assess the operational robustness of the Bucharest metro system. We employed graph theory and concepts. Using available data specific to the Bucharest metro system operation, we analyzed the type of disruptions across metro lines and stations. As expected, the two subway lines that sub-cross the city center experienced the greatest number of disruptions. Several stations on Line M1, that sub-cross the central urban area, were found to be particularly vulnerable. In our analysis, the results are as follows: the robustness indicator for the metro network, rT, is 0.1538, and the effective graph conductance (CG) is 0.1. These reveal that the Bucharest metro network can withstand up to 45% of node failures before collapsing. This indicates moderate robustness, suggesting that while the network can handle specific disruptions, targeted improvements are necessary to enhance overall resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Optimization in Transportation Systems)
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19 pages, 8686 KiB  
Article
Framework for Assessing the Sustainability Impacts of Truck Routing Strategies
by Haluk Laman, Marc Gregory and Amr Oloufa
Systems 2024, 12(5), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12050169 - 9 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1403
Abstract
The impact of freight on the transportation system is accentuated by the fact that trucks consume a greater roadway capacity than other vehicles and therefore cause more significant problems including traffic congestion, traffic delays, crashes, and pavement damage. Evaluating the actual repercussions of [...] Read more.
The impact of freight on the transportation system is accentuated by the fact that trucks consume a greater roadway capacity than other vehicles and therefore cause more significant problems including traffic congestion, traffic delays, crashes, and pavement damage. Evaluating the actual repercussions of truck traffic becomes paramount in locales where roadway expansion is unfeasible. Trucks are vital to the economy, providing essential services to commerce and industry, and yet it is crucial that their operation does not contribute to the deterioration of infrastructural quality or compromise public safety. Currently, we lack methodologies in practice for the real-time management of traffic, specifically for truck routing, to minimize travel times and prevent delays due to non-recurrent congestion, such as traffic incidents. Accordingly, this study aimed to devise a truck routing strategy utilizing a traffic micro-simulation model (VISSIM) and to assess its effects on reducing travel delays. This involved the development of real-time truck re-routing simulation models that take into account non-recurrent congestion and the resulting travel delays and fuel consumption. The VISSIM model was applied to the I-75 corridor in Marion County, Florida, focusing on non-recurrent congestion effects on travel delays and fuel consumption. The initial findings suggest that the implementation of a dynamic truck re-routing system can significantly alleviate traffic congestion, resulting in a marked decrease in travel delays and fuel usage, demonstrating the potential for such strategies to enhance the overall efficiency of the transportation system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Optimization in Transportation Systems)
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18 pages, 3649 KiB  
Article
Research on Dynamic Scheduling and Route Optimization Strategy of Flex-Route Transit Considering Travel Choice Preference of Passenger
by Jin Zhang, Rongrong Guo and Wenquan Li
Systems 2024, 12(4), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040138 - 19 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2213
Abstract
In this paper, to improve the operational service capability and attractiveness of the flex-route transit system, the real dynamic interaction scenario between passenger travel choice preference and system operation scheme in the post-pandemic era is described and quantified. The key technologies, operation mode, [...] Read more.
In this paper, to improve the operational service capability and attractiveness of the flex-route transit system, the real dynamic interaction scenario between passenger travel choice preference and system operation scheme in the post-pandemic era is described and quantified. The key technologies, operation mode, system framework, and interactive events required for dynamic interactive scheduling and route planning of flex-route transit are summarized. According to different choice preferences, the corresponding dynamic interaction scheduling strategies and route mixed integer programming model are proposed. An optimization scheme to improve the service capability of the system is introduced and analyzed. The computational results based on real-world cases show that the proposed strategy can better handle the relationship between requirements of transit system operation and requests of passengers without increasing operating costs, significantly improving the service performance of flex-route transit and the choice rate of passengers. We also find that the introduction of optimization schemes and the adjustment of passenger fares constitute a win-win strategy that benefits both passengers and transit operators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Optimization in Transportation Systems)
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Review

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32 pages, 2573 KiB  
Review
Towards ‘Vision-Zero’ in Road Traffic Fatalities: The Need for Reasonable Degrees of Automation to Complement Human Efforts in Driving Operation
by Adekunle Mofolasayo
Systems 2024, 12(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12020040 - 25 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2924
Abstract
Human factors play a huge role in road traffic safety. Research has found that a huge proportion of traffic crashes occur due to some form of human error. Improving road user behavior has been the major strategy that has been emphasized for improving [...] Read more.
Human factors play a huge role in road traffic safety. Research has found that a huge proportion of traffic crashes occur due to some form of human error. Improving road user behavior has been the major strategy that has been emphasized for improving road traffic safety. Meanwhile, despite the training efforts, and testing for drivers, the global status of road traffic safety is alarming. This research highlights the seriousness of human factors on road traffic safety and provides actionable strategies to greatly reduce the negative impact of human factors on road traffic safety. Motor vehicle safety data that were made available online by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics were reviewed to evaluate the severity of traffic collisions. To evaluate the extent of human factors in motor vehicle traffic fatalities, data for Canadian motor vehicle traffic collision statistics were reviewed. The study confirms that human factors (such as driver distraction, fatigue, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol etc.) play a huge role in road traffic fatalities. The need for a reasonable degree of automation to help reduce the impacts of human factors on road safety and recommendations aimed at providing widespread support for a reasonable degree of automation systems in driving tasks are presented. Actionable strategies that can be implemented by policymakers to reduce global road traffic fatalities are also presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Optimization in Transportation Systems)
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28 pages, 3739 KiB  
Review
Evolution, Challenges, and Opportunities of Transportation Methods in the Last-Mile Delivery Process
by Xiaonan Zhu, Lanhui Cai, Po-Lin Lai, Xueqin Wang and Fei Ma
Systems 2023, 11(10), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11100509 - 11 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7719
Abstract
The rapid development of modern logistics and e-commerce highlights the importance of exploring various modes of transportation in the last-mile delivery (LMD) process. However, no comprehensive studies exist in the literature exploring all modes of LMD transportation, the changes in these transportation modes, [...] Read more.
The rapid development of modern logistics and e-commerce highlights the importance of exploring various modes of transportation in the last-mile delivery (LMD) process. However, no comprehensive studies exist in the literature exploring all modes of LMD transportation, the changes in these transportation modes, and the commonalities between them. In this study, we address this gap by conducting a systematic review of 150 academic journal articles utilizing a combination of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) content analysis and text mining analysis. Nine primary transportation methods (parcel lockers, autonomous drones, trucks, bicycles, crowd logistics, electric vehicles, tricycles, autonomous robots, and autonomous vehicles) are identified in this research. Additionally, we provide an analysis of the historical changes in these transportation modes in LMD. Using a bottom-up induction method, we identify the three major clusters of scholarly focus in the LMD literature: emphasis on value co-creation between consumers and logistics providers, practical delivery performance (path optimization or algorithms), and environmental friendliness. Further, we analyze the main themes under each cluster, leading to the identification of opportunities, challenges, and future research agendas. Our findings have implications for scholars, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in LMD transportation modes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Optimization in Transportation Systems)
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