Pub Date : 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101721
Ziyi Qin , Mayo Mieno , Eri Nakamura , Kiyohito Utsunomiya
This study employs a case study approach to explore the link between public transport and social capital with a specific focus on a type of micro-transit system known as ‘green slow mobility’ (GSM) in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted before and after the introduction of the GSM in an urban residential area of Chiba City to examine whether its implementation of GSM contributed to social capital building. GSM users reported higher scores than non-users regarding sense of community, mutual help, trust, and close neighbourhood relations, indicating a positive correlation between GSM and social capital building. Additionally, we found that residents engaged in GSM management, operations, and promotion also reported higher social capital indicator scores than non-participants. These results suggest that GSM can foster social capital by encouraging resident engagement and facilitating communication. The findings provide policy implications not only for addressing the diverse transport mobility needs arising from an aging society but also for developing practical approaches towards an inclusive society by enhancing social capital accumulation.
{"title":"Small-scale public transport for social capital building – The case of ‘green slow mobility’ in Japan","authors":"Ziyi Qin , Mayo Mieno , Eri Nakamura , Kiyohito Utsunomiya","doi":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101721","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101721","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study employs a case study approach to explore the link between public transport and social capital with a specific focus on a type of micro-transit system known as ‘green slow mobility’ (GSM) in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted before and after the introduction of the GSM in an urban residential area of Chiba City to examine whether its implementation of GSM contributed to social capital building. GSM users reported higher scores than non-users regarding sense of community, mutual help, trust, and close neighbourhood relations, indicating a positive correlation between GSM and social capital building. Additionally, we found that residents engaged in GSM management, operations, and promotion also reported higher social capital indicator scores than non-participants. These results suggest that GSM can foster social capital by encouraging resident engagement and facilitating communication. The findings provide policy implications not only for addressing the diverse transport mobility needs arising from an aging society but also for developing practical approaches towards an inclusive society by enhancing social capital accumulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46989,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies on Transport Policy","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101721"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and European Union policy goals, including the Green Deal, this study examines the integration of low-emission zones (LEZs) with rail logistics to enhance sustainable urban freight transport. While existing research focuses on standalone LEZs policies for passenger vehicles, the role of rail in freight decarbonization has been underexplored. The study develops a dynamic simulation model to compare the policies of only LEZs, LEZs + Rail, and LEZs + Multimodal, to assess their impact on emissions and logistics efficiency, focusing on achieving the SDGs. A case study from the European logistics sector was conducted in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. To ensure robustness of the simulation, the freight data and emission factors for validating the model were adopted from the Covenant-Zero-Emission-City-Logistics-Rotterdam and STREAM report for freight transport (CE Delft). This study is structured into four phases. The first phase involves data collection, system characterization, input of the simulation model, and assumption validation. The second phase is emission estimation using the Groot-Rijnmond model. The third phase includes the formulation of the dynamic simulation model. Finally, the fourth phase involves the development of scenarios and the testing of policies. The results highlight the potential of the LEZs–rail synergy to enhance the efficiency of the last mile logistics and significantly reduce transportation-related emissions in dense urban settings. The findings indicate that dynamic access pricing and multimodal logistics hubs facilitate a 55 percent shift toward rail freight, improving economic efficiency and resilience to supply chains. Furthermore, while a fixed congestion charge reduces freight emissions approximately 20 percent by 2030, a fully optimized dynamic pricing + rail strategy achieves a 50–55 percent reduction. Sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of the results, demonstrating the applicability of the model to complex and dynamic decision-making contexts. This study offers theoretical contributions and practical insights for decision makers looking to improve the sustainability of urban logistics while ensuring economic viability and operational efficiency.
{"title":"Simulation-based evaluation of low emission zone-rail impacts on emissions and logistics efficiency: Case study of Rotterdam, The Netherlands","authors":"Dominic Kwakye Ampong, Libor Švadlenka, Molková Tatiana, Libor Bauer","doi":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101720","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101720","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and European Union policy goals, including the Green Deal, this study examines the integration of low-emission zones (LEZs) with rail logistics to enhance sustainable urban freight transport. While existing research focuses on standalone LEZs policies for passenger vehicles, the role of rail in freight decarbonization has been underexplored. The study develops a dynamic simulation model to compare the policies of only LEZs, LEZs + Rail, and LEZs + Multimodal, to assess their impact on emissions and logistics efficiency, focusing on achieving the SDGs. A case study from the European logistics sector was conducted in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. To ensure robustness of the simulation, the freight data and emission factors for validating the model were adopted from the Covenant-Zero-Emission-City-Logistics-Rotterdam and STREAM report for freight transport (CE Delft). This study is structured into four phases. The first phase involves data collection, system characterization, input of the simulation model, and assumption validation. The second phase is emission estimation using the Groot-Rijnmond model. The third phase includes the formulation of the dynamic simulation model. Finally, the fourth phase involves the development of scenarios and the testing of policies. The results highlight the potential of the LEZs–rail synergy to enhance the efficiency of the last mile logistics and significantly reduce transportation-related emissions in dense urban settings. The findings indicate that dynamic access pricing and multimodal logistics hubs facilitate a 55 percent shift toward rail freight, improving economic efficiency and resilience to supply chains. Furthermore, while a fixed congestion charge reduces freight emissions approximately 20 percent by 2030, a fully optimized dynamic pricing + rail strategy achieves a 50–55 percent reduction. Sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of the results, demonstrating the applicability of the model to complex and dynamic decision-making contexts. This study offers theoretical contributions and practical insights for decision makers looking to improve the sustainability of urban logistics while ensuring economic viability and operational efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46989,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies on Transport Policy","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101720"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101716
Atul Subedi, Patrick A. Singleton
This study addressed key knowledge gaps by forecasting electric air taxi (EAT) demand for airport access—one of the earliest and most promising use cases for EAT deployment. Unlike prior EAT studies focused on short urban trips, this research analyzed a long-distance corridor in northern Utah, United States, where the substantial travel time savings make it a highly feasible setting for early adoption. Methods combined a revealed preference–stated preference (RP–SP) mixed logit model with observed origin–destination travel data. The first objective assessed mode shifts following the introduction of EAT service for airport trips. Results show EAT could divert approximately one-third of trips from private vehicles and ride-hailing, reducing corridor traffic by over 160 vehicles daily. This shift could reduce airport parking demand and tailpipe emissions, improving air quality. Forecasts also predict a modest decline in public transportation ridership from approximately 6% to 3%, potentially undermining bus service revenue and disproportionately impacting lower-income travelers. The second objective conducted sensitivity analyses to evaluate the robustness of EAT demand to various factors. Findings revealed that in-vehicle travel time, travel cost, service frequency, autonomy, and the number of parking days significantly influenced mode shifts. EAT market share was projected to increase from 17% at a higher EAT travel cost of $4.50/mile (near-term) to 63% at a lower EAT travel cost of $0.50/mile (long-term). Vertiport expansion in the study area showed diminishing returns beyond one site, suggesting locations for priority deployment. These findings support evidence-based planning and equitable implementation of EAT services.
{"title":"Forecasting electric air taxi demand and modal shift for airport travel: a case study of northern Utah","authors":"Atul Subedi, Patrick A. Singleton","doi":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101716","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101716","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study addressed key knowledge gaps by forecasting electric air taxi (EAT) demand for airport access—one of the earliest and most promising use cases for EAT deployment. Unlike prior EAT studies focused on short urban trips, this research analyzed a long-distance corridor in northern Utah, United States, where the substantial travel time savings make it a highly feasible setting for early adoption. Methods combined a revealed preference–stated preference (RP–SP) mixed logit model with observed origin–destination travel data. The first objective assessed mode shifts following the introduction of EAT service for airport trips. Results show EAT could divert approximately one-third of trips from private vehicles and ride-hailing, reducing corridor traffic by over 160 vehicles daily. This shift could reduce airport parking demand and tailpipe emissions, improving air quality. Forecasts also predict a modest decline in public transportation ridership from approximately 6% to 3%, potentially undermining bus service revenue and disproportionately impacting lower-income travelers. The second objective conducted sensitivity analyses to evaluate the robustness of EAT demand to various factors. Findings revealed that in-vehicle travel time, travel cost, service frequency, autonomy, and the number of parking days significantly influenced mode shifts. EAT market share was projected to increase from 17% at a higher EAT travel cost of $4.50/mile (near-term) to 63% at a lower EAT travel cost of $0.50/mile (long-term). Vertiport expansion in the study area showed diminishing returns beyond one site, suggesting locations for priority deployment. These findings support evidence-based planning and equitable implementation of EAT services.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46989,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies on Transport Policy","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101716"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study examines the impact of integrating backhaul operations into outbound distribution routes in the Brazilian retail sector, utilizing real operational data from a large home improvement retailer. Building on the Vehicle Routing Problem with Backhauls (VRPB), the research incorporates operational constraints highly relevant to transport policy and logistics management, such as last-in/first-out loading, heterogeneous vehicle capacities, warehouse handling times, and driver working-time regulations. A directed network model was developed and evaluated in Coupa Supply Chain Guru® X, enabling the simulation and comparison of alternative routing strategies. Results show that coordinated outbound–inbound planning can reduce transportation costs by nearly 30%, increase vehicle utilization, and decrease CO2 emissions by approximately 10 tons annually. The case provides evidence of how backhaul-based routing can enhance efficiency and environmental performance in emerging-economy retail networks. The findings provide practical guidance for companies and policymakers seeking to reduce empty-haul movements, promote sustainable freight transport, and support circular economy initiatives within regional distribution systems.
{"title":"Vehicle routing with Backhauls in retail: a case study","authors":"Marcelo Koiti Fugihara, Marcel Heimar Ribeiro Utyama, Mauro Sampaio","doi":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101715","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101715","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines the impact of integrating backhaul operations into outbound distribution routes in the Brazilian retail sector, utilizing real operational data from a large home improvement retailer. Building on the Vehicle Routing Problem with Backhauls (VRPB), the research incorporates operational constraints highly relevant to transport policy and logistics management, such as last-in/first-out loading, heterogeneous vehicle capacities, warehouse handling times, and driver working-time regulations. A directed network model was developed and evaluated in Coupa Supply Chain Guru® X, enabling the simulation and comparison of alternative routing strategies. Results show that coordinated outbound–inbound planning can reduce transportation costs by nearly 30%, increase vehicle utilization, and decrease CO<sub>2</sub> emissions by approximately 10 tons annually. The case provides evidence of how backhaul-based routing can enhance efficiency and environmental performance in emerging-economy retail networks. The findings provide practical guidance for companies and policymakers seeking to reduce empty-haul movements, promote sustainable freight transport, and support circular economy initiatives within regional distribution systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46989,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies on Transport Policy","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101715"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study explored public opinions on the expansion and safety of autonomous shuttles using data from the Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation (CASSI) pilot program in Cary and Charlotte, North Carolina. The objective is to understand the factors influencing public support or opposition to autonomous shuttle expansion, investigate perceptions of safety, and uncover reasons for reluctance to re-ride. For this purpose, the study employed ranked cross-correlation analysis, association rule mining, mediation analysis, and thematic analysis. Key mediators, such as post-ride safety perception and the intention to re-ride, were identified, and the findings reveal that they significantly influence public support for shuttle expansion. In addition, the importance of positive initial experience, timely service, and enhanced operational performance in fostering public acceptance was also highlighted. Overall, the findings underscore the need to address safety concerns, ensure accessibility, and improve shuttle operations to promote large-scale adoption. This study provides valuable insights into the intersection of public opinion on safety and autonomous shuttle operation, guiding policymakers and service providers to better integrate these vehicles into urban transportation systems.
{"title":"Autonomous shuttles in the public eye: mediators on the path to successful expansion","authors":"Panick Kalambay , Norris Novat , Boniphace Kutela , Abimbola Ogungbire , Angela Kitali , Emmanuel Kidando","doi":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101719","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101719","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explored public opinions on the expansion and safety of autonomous shuttles using data from the Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation (CASSI) pilot program in Cary and Charlotte, North Carolina. The objective is to understand the factors influencing public support or opposition to autonomous shuttle expansion, investigate perceptions of safety, and uncover reasons for reluctance to re-ride. For this purpose, the study employed ranked cross-correlation analysis, association rule mining, mediation analysis, and thematic analysis. Key mediators, such as post-ride safety perception and the intention to re-ride, were identified, and the findings reveal that they significantly influence public support for shuttle expansion. In addition, the importance of positive initial experience, timely service, and enhanced operational performance in fostering public acceptance was also highlighted. Overall, the findings underscore the need to address safety concerns, ensure accessibility, and improve shuttle operations to promote large-scale adoption. This study provides valuable insights into the intersection of public opinion on safety and autonomous shuttle operation, guiding policymakers and service providers to better integrate these vehicles into urban transportation systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46989,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies on Transport Policy","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101719"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101718
Tianqi Gu , Inhi Kim , Long Cheng
Digital ride-hailing platforms are transforming urban mobility and labor systems, challenging governments to integrate traditional and algorithmic workforces. This study investigates how taxi and ride-hailing drivers adapt to hybrid mobility systems, using a four-year longitudinal dataset from Suzhou, China covering both pre- and post-pandemic periods. We identify three behavioral strategies—Lion (ethics-driven), Fox (risk-calculative), and Horse (income-driven)—that describe how driver groups balance risk, income, and professional identity under different institutional and regulatory settings. The COVID-19 crisis served as a natural stress test, revealing contrasts in labor resilience: regulated taxi drivers maintained stability, while freelance and rental-based drivers experienced high withdrawal rates due to weak protections. These results highlight how institutional design and platform governance jointly shape operational behavior and labor adaptation. The findings provide actionable insights for designing inclusive, equitable, and crisis-resilient transport governance, and the proposed typology offers a transferable framework for understanding platform labor resilience beyond the Suzhou case.
{"title":"Managing coexistence between taxis and ride-hailing services: A longitudinal case study of operational strategies and policy implications","authors":"Tianqi Gu , Inhi Kim , Long Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101718","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101718","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Digital ride-hailing platforms are transforming urban mobility and labor systems, challenging governments to integrate traditional and algorithmic workforces. This study investigates how taxi and ride-hailing drivers adapt to hybrid mobility systems, using a four-year longitudinal dataset from Suzhou, China covering both pre- and post-pandemic periods. We identify three behavioral strategies—Lion (ethics-driven), Fox (risk-calculative), and Horse (income-driven)—that describe how driver groups balance risk, income, and professional identity under different institutional and regulatory settings. The COVID-19 crisis served as a natural stress test, revealing contrasts in labor resilience: regulated taxi drivers maintained stability, while freelance and rental-based drivers experienced high withdrawal rates due to weak protections. These results highlight how institutional design and platform governance jointly shape operational behavior and labor adaptation. The findings provide actionable insights for designing inclusive, equitable, and crisis-resilient transport governance, and the proposed typology offers a transferable framework for understanding platform labor resilience beyond the Suzhou case.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46989,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies on Transport Policy","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101718"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101717
Igor Davydenko , Gijsbert van Eck , Marco Kouwenhoven , Hans Hilbers
This paper presents a long-term forecast for the Dutch aviation sector up to 2060, analyzing the impacts of scenarios involving international demographic and economic development, European and global climate policy, and local airport capacity constraints. The availability of sustainable fuels is assessed for the global market. Using four distinct scenarios, combining two dimensions of high/low economic and demographic growth and fast / delayed climate transitions, the study models future air travel demand, aircraft movements at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, energy requirements, and resulting CO2 emissions. The modeling is conducted using the AEOLUS model, which relies on population and economic growth, alongside the costs of flying, to determine travel demand using, among other, income and price elasticities. The analysis reveals that in high-growth scenarios, unconstrained demand could lead to a doubling of aircraft movements to approximately 1 million per year at Schiphol by 2060. However, the current flight cap of 500,000 movements at Schiphol represents the most significant limiting factor, which would be reached before 2030 in these scenarios. This scarcity incentivizes airlines to deploy larger aircraft, allowing passenger numbers to increase even after the flight limit is met. All scenarios project a sharp decline in CO2 emissions after 2030, driven by mandated blending of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and efficiency gains. Consequently, a decades-long trend of falling airfares is expected to reverse, with ticket prices projected to rise across all scenarios due to higher fuel and carbon costs, compounded by capacity scarcity in high-growth scenarios.
{"title":"The end of cheap flying? Decarbonization and capacity limits reshaping air travel growth in a mature market","authors":"Igor Davydenko , Gijsbert van Eck , Marco Kouwenhoven , Hans Hilbers","doi":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101717","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101717","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents a long-term forecast for the Dutch aviation sector up to 2060, analyzing the impacts of scenarios involving international demographic and economic development, European and global climate policy, and local airport capacity constraints. The availability of sustainable fuels is assessed for the global market. Using four distinct scenarios, combining two dimensions of high/low economic and demographic growth and fast / delayed climate transitions, the study models future air travel demand, aircraft movements at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, energy requirements, and resulting CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. The modeling is conducted using the AEOLUS model, which relies on population and economic growth, alongside the costs of flying, to determine travel demand using, among other, income and price elasticities. The analysis reveals that in high-growth scenarios, unconstrained demand could lead to a doubling of aircraft movements to approximately 1 million per year at Schiphol by 2060. However, the current flight cap of 500,000 movements at Schiphol represents the most significant limiting factor, which would be reached before 2030 in these scenarios. This scarcity incentivizes airlines to deploy larger aircraft, allowing passenger numbers to increase even after the flight limit is met. All scenarios project a sharp decline in CO<sub>2</sub> emissions after 2030, driven by mandated blending of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and efficiency gains. Consequently, a decades-long trend of falling airfares is expected to reverse, with ticket prices projected to rise across all scenarios due to higher fuel and carbon costs, compounded by capacity scarcity in high-growth scenarios.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46989,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies on Transport Policy","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101717"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-15DOI: 10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101714
Caizhi Sun, Jing Gao, Zhenan Yang
As a key driver of high-quality marine economic development, the maritime transport sector depends heavily on the role of local governments in policy design and implementation. This study examines maritime transport policies issued by local governments in China. Using analyses of policy quantity and intensity, LDA topic modeling, and policy instrument classification, we systematically analyze 1,685 policy documents from 11 coastal provincial-level regions. The study aims to identify the dynamic evolution and spatial differentiation of local maritime transport policies. The results reveal clear dynamic evolution patterns. First, over time, policy quantity and intensity follow a stepwise trajectory, progressing through four stages: embryonic, exploratory development, rapid development, and quality-optimization. Second, policy themes have shifted from an early focus on cargo transport and channel navigation toward safety supervision and pollution control, indicating a transition from extensive growth to sustainable governance. Third, although the use of policy instruments has increased, their structure remains imbalanced, characterized by strong environment-oriented, moderate supply-side support, and weak demand-side measures, with limited coordination and innovation. Distinct spatial differentiation patterns are also observed. Policy quantity and intensity show an uneven distribution, with strong concentration along the southeastern coast and weaker activity in northern and southern regions; the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta have emerged as major sources of policy innovation. Regional differences in economic development and resource endowments lead to divergent policy theme preferences. Across regions, policy instrument structures display a clear hierarchy—environment-oriented instruments dominate, followed by supply-side tools and then demand-side tools—suggesting that local governments prioritize regulatory frameworks and supervision in maritime transport governance. This study provides a methodological contribution to understanding the evolution of local maritime transport policies in China and offers practical insights for improving regional maritime transport governance.
{"title":"Transportation as the Vanguard—Dynamic evolution and spatial differentiation of local marine transportation policies in China","authors":"Caizhi Sun, Jing Gao, Zhenan Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101714","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101714","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As a key driver of high-quality marine economic development, the maritime transport sector depends heavily on the role of local governments in policy design and implementation. This study examines maritime transport policies issued by local governments in China. Using analyses of policy quantity and intensity, LDA topic modeling, and policy instrument classification, we systematically analyze 1,685 policy documents from 11 coastal provincial-level regions. The study aims to identify the dynamic evolution and spatial differentiation of local maritime transport policies. The results reveal clear dynamic evolution patterns. First, over time, policy quantity and intensity follow a stepwise trajectory, progressing through four stages: embryonic, exploratory development, rapid development, and quality-optimization. Second, policy themes have shifted from an early focus on cargo transport and channel navigation toward safety supervision and pollution control, indicating a transition from extensive growth to sustainable governance. Third, although the use of policy instruments has increased, their structure remains imbalanced, characterized by strong environment-oriented, moderate supply-side support, and weak demand-side measures, with limited coordination and innovation. Distinct spatial differentiation patterns are also observed. Policy quantity and intensity show an uneven distribution, with strong concentration along the southeastern coast and weaker activity in northern and southern regions; the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta have emerged as major sources of policy innovation. Regional differences in economic development and resource endowments lead to divergent policy theme preferences. Across regions, policy instrument structures display a clear hierarchy—environment-oriented instruments dominate, followed by supply-side tools and then demand-side tools—suggesting that local governments prioritize regulatory frameworks and supervision in maritime transport governance. This study provides a methodological contribution to understanding the evolution of local maritime transport policies in China and offers practical insights for improving regional maritime transport governance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46989,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies on Transport Policy","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101714"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037375","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101713
Wen-Ning Chang
Taiwan’s pilotage system plays a critical role in ensuring maritime safety, yet its regulatory framework contains significant institutional deficiencies. Although the Pilotage Law and the Regulations for Administering Pilots assign operational responsibilities to pilot offices, they lack clear provisions regarding the legal status, authority, and accountability of these entities. This ambiguity has resulted in weak oversight, reduced professional accountability, and barriers to effective regulatory reform. The undefined nature of pilot offices raises practical and legal concerns, particularly in areas such as performance supervision, internal governance, and legal liability. This article examines the structural and legal shortcomings of Taiwan’s pilotage governance by analyzing relevant legislation and administrative practices. It also draws comparative insights from five foreign pilotage systems (the United States, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and China) and three domestic professional associations (attorneys, CPAs, and physicians) to highlight viable institutional models. This research demonstrates the need for a statutory framework that clearly defines the legal identity and responsibilities of pilot offices. The article concludes by offering recommendations for reform that would strengthen institutional legitimacy, improve transparency, and align Taiwan’s pilotage system with contemporary standards in maritime governance.
{"title":"Taiwan’s pilot organization and the path to reform","authors":"Wen-Ning Chang","doi":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101713","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101713","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Taiwan’s pilotage system plays a critical role in ensuring maritime safety, yet its regulatory framework contains significant institutional deficiencies. Although the Pilotage Law and the Regulations for Administering Pilots assign operational responsibilities to pilot offices, they lack clear provisions regarding the legal status, authority, and accountability of these entities. This ambiguity has resulted in weak oversight, reduced professional accountability, and barriers to effective regulatory reform. The undefined nature of pilot offices raises practical and legal concerns, particularly in areas such as performance supervision, internal governance, and legal liability. This article examines the structural and legal shortcomings of Taiwan’s pilotage governance by analyzing relevant legislation and administrative practices. It also draws comparative insights from five foreign pilotage systems (the United States, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and China) and three domestic professional associations (attorneys, CPAs, and physicians) to highlight viable institutional models. This research demonstrates the need for a statutory framework that clearly defines the legal identity and responsibilities of pilot offices. The article concludes by offering recommendations for reform that would strengthen institutional legitimacy, improve transparency, and align Taiwan’s pilotage system with contemporary standards in maritime governance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46989,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies on Transport Policy","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101713"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-11DOI: 10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101710
Marek Vokoun , František Stellner , Tomáš Nigrin , Jan Neugebauer
This study evaluates the scale efficiency (SE) of passenger railway operators in Austria and Czechia between 2015 and 2019, aiming to understand the impact of liberalization on sectoral performance. Using an input-oriented Slack-Based Measure (SBM) Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model under Variable Returns to Scale (VRS), the research analyzed financial and operational data from ORBIS and MagnusWeb databases for both incumbent and non-incumbent companies. Results reveal a consistent pattern: national incumbents, ÖBB Personenverkehr AG (Austria) and České dráhy, a.s. (Czechia), exhibited significant and persistent scale inefficiencies, averaging 35.39% and 51.54% SE respectively. This indicates they operate below their optimal scale, likely due to decreasing returns to scale. In stark contrast, several private and regional operators in both countries consistently achieved perfect or near-perfect SE, demonstrating optimal alignment with the Most Productive Scale Size (MPSS). For example, CityRail, RegioJet (Czechia), Montafonerbahn AG, and WESTbahn Management GmbH (Austria) maintained 100% SE. While Austria’s overall sector showed higher average efficiency and resilience due to a broader base of well-performing non-incumbents, the Czech sector exhibited greater volatility among smaller operators, though it showed an improving trend by 2019. The findings suggest that railway liberalization, while fostering efficiency among new entrants, has not uniformly resolved the deep-seated inefficiencies of incumbents. Achieving true sectoral efficiency requires structural reforms beyond mere market access, addressing issues such as governance, subsidies, and regulatory oversight.
{"title":"Railway liberalization and efficiency: Incumbents vs. Entrants in Austria and Czechia","authors":"Marek Vokoun , František Stellner , Tomáš Nigrin , Jan Neugebauer","doi":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101710","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cstp.2026.101710","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluates the scale efficiency (SE) of passenger railway operators in Austria and Czechia between 2015 and 2019, aiming to understand the impact of liberalization on sectoral performance. Using an input-oriented Slack-Based Measure (SBM) Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model under Variable Returns to Scale (VRS), the research analyzed financial and operational data from ORBIS and MagnusWeb databases for both incumbent and non-incumbent companies. Results reveal a consistent pattern: national incumbents, ÖBB Personenverkehr AG (Austria) and České dráhy, a.s. (Czechia), exhibited significant and persistent scale inefficiencies, averaging 35.39% and 51.54% SE respectively. This indicates they operate below their optimal scale, likely due to decreasing returns to scale. In stark contrast, several private and regional operators in both countries consistently achieved perfect or near-perfect SE, demonstrating optimal alignment with the Most Productive Scale Size (MPSS). For example, CityRail, RegioJet (Czechia), Montafonerbahn AG, and WESTbahn Management GmbH (Austria) maintained 100% SE. While Austria’s overall sector showed higher average efficiency and resilience due to a broader base of well-performing non-incumbents, the Czech sector exhibited greater volatility among smaller operators, though it showed an improving trend by 2019. The findings suggest that railway liberalization, while fostering efficiency among new entrants, has not uniformly resolved the deep-seated inefficiencies of incumbents. Achieving true sectoral efficiency requires structural reforms beyond mere market access, addressing issues such as governance, subsidies, and regulatory oversight.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46989,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies on Transport Policy","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article 101710"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号