Does Sustainable Transport Deliver Societal Value? Exploring Concepts, Methods, and Impacts with Case Studies

Abstract

Transportation is one of the main enablers of development. It connects communities, allows the trade of goods among territories, and provides equitable access to public services. However, it is also one of the main causes of climate change, impacting directly and indirectly on human health. This raises the need for transportation infrastructure to be more sustainable so that it can enable more sustainable development. This paper investigates how sustainability in the transport sector can be conceptualized, assessed, and implemented. Definitions are proposed, indicators identified, existing methods reviewed, and three case studies presented. The Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) method and resulting integrated simulation models are used to assess the multidimensional outcomes of conventional and sustainable transport investments. The cases of roads, public bicycle-sharing and bus rapid transport systems are discussed. These investments are assessed using an integrated cost–benefit analysis that goes beyond traditional assessments, considering the benefits and avoided costs of the externalities of a project in the social, environmental, and economic dimensions. The use of the method led to the conclusion that including externalities in a cost–benefit analysis is meaningful and can be relevant for assessing the economic viability of transport infrastructure projects.

Commercial Corridor Development Strategy through the Application of the Walkable Commercial Strip Concept in Urban Area of Jember City

“…Although the modernization of transport has contributed significantly to the development of human life, it also left negative impacts. The transport sector has become one of the major contributors to Earth's climate change, which impacts the environment, health, and economy (Bassi et al, 2022;UN-DESA, 2021). Even so, the improvement and expansion of the transport system cannot be stopped as the demand for it grows with the increasing population each year.…”

“…To that extent, we face a situation where we also need to address the unwanted consequences of the current transport system. With all that in mind, the planning and betterment of the transport system need to be done with sustainability in mind (Bassi et al, 2022;Kurniawati & Ananta, 2020). This is why urban planning and design centered on pedestrians, walking, and walkability has increasingly become a hot topic amongst scholars and decision-makers involved in discussions about sustainability (Baobeid et al, 2021;Blečić et al, 2020).…”

Public Transport Usage and Perceived Service Quality in a Large Metropolitan Area: The Case of Porto

“…Efficient and reliable mass transit services, coupled with access to light transport modes, have the potential to create an inclusive and accessible urban transport system, while reducing the financial burden of transport costs on individuals [69]. De Vos et al (2022) [3] highlighted the significance of passenger satisfaction with the quality of public transport services, as it encourages ridership retention.…”

Electric Vehicles Selection Based on Brčko District Taxi Service Demands, a Multi-Criteria Approach

“…The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development [2], which was endorsed by all UN Member States in 2015, presents a shared framework for peace and prosperity for individuals and the planet, both now and in the future. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are at the core of this initiative, directly and indirectly influenced by the performance of the transport sector [2,3], and represent an urgent demand for action by all economies, both advanced and developing, in a genuine partnership [3,4]. The 2030 Agenda defines 17 SDGs, among which zero hunger (SDG2), good health and well-being (SDG3), affordable and clean energy (SDG7), decent work and economic growth (SDG8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG9), sustainable cities and communities (SDG11), responsible consumption and production (SDG12), and climate action (SDG13), with 169 different targets, are the most dependent on sustainable transport.…”