Pub Date : 2025-12-26DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101700
Jules O. Yimga , Huubinh B. Le
This paper examines schedule padding as a strategic response to competitors' scheduling behavior in the U.S. domestic airline market. Using quarterly panel data at the airline–airport-pair level for 2023 and instrumental-variable estimation, we find strong evidence of strategic complementarity: 1-min increase in competitors’ padding induces nearly a 1-min increase by the focal carrier. This imitation persists across multiple benchmark definitions and market hauls, though the intensity is slightly weaker in highly competitive markets. The results suggest that the U.S. Department of Transportation on-time performance metrics may unintentionally promote a padding “arms race,” lengthening schedules, with implications for competition policy, scheduling efficiency, and consumer welfare.
{"title":"Airline schedule padding as a competitive strategy","authors":"Jules O. Yimga , Huubinh B. Le","doi":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101700","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101700","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper examines schedule padding as a strategic response to competitors' scheduling behavior in the U.S. domestic airline market. Using quarterly panel data at the airline–airport-pair level for 2023 and instrumental-variable estimation, we find strong evidence of strategic complementarity: 1-min increase in competitors’ padding induces nearly a 1-min increase by the focal carrier. This imitation persists across multiple benchmark definitions and market hauls, though the intensity is slightly weaker in highly competitive markets. The results suggest that the U.S. Department of Transportation on-time performance metrics may unintentionally promote a padding “arms race,” lengthening schedules, with implications for competition policy, scheduling efficiency, and consumer welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47810,"journal":{"name":"Research in Transportation Economics","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 101700"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101695
Mariangela Scorrano , Terje Andreas Mathisen , Romeo Danielis , Ozlem Simsekoglu , Giuseppe Marinelli
The study investigates whether the large difference in battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake between Norway and Italy could be explained by differences in car buyers' preference structures, either in terms of their evaluation of the vehicles' characteristics or in terms of their perceptionsattitudes towards BEVs. Based on stated preference data collected in the two countries, we find that car drivers evaluate vehicle attributes very similarly. Norwegians value BEV driving range slightly more and are more sensitive to fuelelectricity costs. Ceteris paribus, Italian respondents, in contrast to Norwegian ones, still prefer petrol cars to BEVs. The results of the integrated choice and latent variable (ICLV) model indicate that respondents’ perceptionsattitudes influence car choice in both countries. In Norway, BEVs are preferred by those who view them as economically, environmentally, technically, and morally superior. In Italy, the evidence is similar but for the environmental aspects, which are not decisive for BEV choice. Such perceptionsattitudes are correlated with age, sex, and BEV density.
{"title":"Stated car choices in Norway and Italy: a comparison based on the integrated choice and latent variable model","authors":"Mariangela Scorrano , Terje Andreas Mathisen , Romeo Danielis , Ozlem Simsekoglu , Giuseppe Marinelli","doi":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101695","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101695","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study investigates whether the large difference in battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake between Norway and Italy could be explained by differences in car buyers' preference structures, either in terms of their evaluation of the vehicles' characteristics or in terms of their perceptionsattitudes towards BEVs. Based on stated preference data collected in the two countries, we find that car drivers evaluate vehicle attributes very similarly. Norwegians value BEV driving range slightly more and are more sensitive to fuelelectricity costs. <em>Ceteris paribus</em>, Italian respondents, in contrast to Norwegian ones, still prefer petrol cars to BEVs. The results of the integrated choice and latent variable (ICLV) model indicate that respondents’ perceptionsattitudes influence car choice in both countries. In Norway, BEVs are preferred by those who view them as economically, environmentally, technically, and morally superior. In Italy, the evidence is similar but for the environmental aspects, which are not decisive for BEV choice. Such perceptionsattitudes are correlated with age, sex, and BEV density.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47810,"journal":{"name":"Research in Transportation Economics","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 101695"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ships are heavily traded assets and their prices fluctuate wildly in paralell with the underlying freight rates. This confronts investors with sizable market risks but also, for some, with attractive profit opportunities from sale and purchase (S&P) transactions. The paper explores the complex pricing dynamics in dry bulk shipping. We employ modern machine learning techniques, such as k-means clustering, to explore a range of investment behaviors, with the hope of offering investors, asset players and new investor archetypes novel insights on vessel pricing and investment decisions. Through cluster analysis, we classify investors in the S&P market, unveiling investor profiles and behaviours. Chinese shipping investors, for instance, focus on achieving vertical and horizontal integration within the global supply chains, whereas, Greek shipowners are reputed for investing in ship acquisitions even amid economic downturns, demonstrating an agile and adaptive business strategy (McKinsey & Company, 2024). Our results carry potent implications regarding tailored market strategies, risk management, policy formulation, market transparency, investor education, and technology adoption.
{"title":"Understanding the dynamics of vessel pricing and investor behavior in dry bulk shipping","authors":"Michael Tsatsaronis , Hercules Haralambides , Theodore Syriopoulos , Eftymios Roumpis","doi":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101699","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101699","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ships are heavily traded assets and their prices fluctuate wildly in paralell with the underlying freight rates. This confronts investors with sizable market risks but also, for some, with attractive profit opportunities from <em>sale and purchase</em> (S&P) transactions. The paper explores the complex pricing dynamics in dry bulk shipping. We employ modern machine learning techniques, such as k-means clustering, to explore a range of investment behaviors, with the hope of offering investors, asset players and new investor archetypes novel insights on vessel pricing and investment decisions. Through cluster analysis, we classify investors in the S&P market, unveiling investor profiles and behaviours. Chinese shipping investors, for instance, focus on achieving vertical and horizontal integration within the global supply chains, whereas, Greek shipowners are reputed for investing in ship acquisitions even amid economic downturns, demonstrating an agile and adaptive business strategy (McKinsey & Company, 2024). Our results carry potent implications regarding tailored market strategies, risk management, policy formulation, market transparency, investor education, and technology adoption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47810,"journal":{"name":"Research in Transportation Economics","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 101699"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840224","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-23DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101697
Gopal R. Patil, Vinayak Gaur
This study evaluates the productivity of nine metro systems in India that commenced operations before 2019, utilising a two-stage Total Factor Productivity (TFP) framework. The benchmarking framework integrates data from the metro's annual reports for the fiscal years 2015–2016 to 2022–2023. In the first stage, Gross Variable Input Productivity (GVIP) is computed using a multilateral index number method. The inputs are labour and soft input costs, and the outputs are passenger kilometres and other revenue. Based on GVIP, the Hyderabad Metro consistently ranks the most productive, securing the top position in four out of five years. Productivity is influenced by external factors such as network size, gross domestic product (GDP), and socioeconomic conditions; therefore, we computed Net Variable Input Productivity (NVIP) using regression analysis to retrieve the residual. The regression results indicate that track length and GDP have a significant impact on metro productivity. According to NVIP, there were some changes in the position of other metros, but Hyderabad Metro retained its top spot. Sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of the benchmarking framework. The study's policy recommendations emphasise the importance of expanding network capacity, enhancing multimodal integration, and increasing non-fare revenue streams.
{"title":"Productivity-based assessment of Indian metro systems: A two-stage total factor productivity approach","authors":"Gopal R. Patil, Vinayak Gaur","doi":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101697","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101697","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluates the productivity of nine metro systems in India that commenced operations before 2019, utilising a two-stage Total Factor Productivity (TFP) framework. The benchmarking framework integrates data from the metro's annual reports for the fiscal years 2015–2016 to 2022–2023. In the first stage, Gross Variable Input Productivity (GVIP) is computed using a multilateral index number method. The inputs are labour and soft input costs, and the outputs are passenger kilometres and other revenue. Based on GVIP, the Hyderabad Metro consistently ranks the most productive, securing the top position in four out of five years. Productivity is influenced by external factors such as network size, gross domestic product (GDP), and socioeconomic conditions; therefore, we computed Net Variable Input Productivity (NVIP) using regression analysis to retrieve the residual. The regression results indicate that track length and GDP have a significant impact on metro productivity. According to NVIP, there were some changes in the position of other metros, but Hyderabad Metro retained its top spot. Sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of the benchmarking framework. The study's policy recommendations emphasise the importance of expanding network capacity, enhancing multimodal integration, and increasing non-fare revenue streams.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47810,"journal":{"name":"Research in Transportation Economics","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 101697"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101696
Fei Wang, Jianyu Chen, Houlong Zhang, Ke Wang
The strategic location of shopping centers is crucial to the economic interests of commercial investors and significantly influences urban residents' welfare and the spatial configuration of urban commercial systems. This study applies an optimization model to the shopping center location problem by constructing a bi-objective set-covering location model for two-tier shopping centers based on two -level consumer demand. The model simultaneously considers the interests of both investors and consumers, aiming to trade-off facility construction costs and consumer travel costs with limited capacity constraints. To efficiently solve the problem, an improved NSGA-II algorithm incorporating a chromosome-archiving mechanism is proposed, and its performance is validated against a reference frontier generated by the -constraint method. Empirical analysis based on Xi'an's metro network (163 stations) demonstrates the cost ratio parameter () and service radius ratio parameter () exhibit high sensitivity, whereas the capacity ratio parameter () has a relatively minor effect on the optimization outcomes.
{"title":"Bi-objective set covering location model for two-tier shopping centers based on two-level consumer demand","authors":"Fei Wang, Jianyu Chen, Houlong Zhang, Ke Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101696","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101696","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The strategic location of shopping centers is crucial to the economic interests of commercial investors and significantly influences urban residents' welfare and the spatial configuration of urban commercial systems. This study applies an optimization model to the shopping center location problem by constructing a bi-objective set-covering location model for two-tier shopping centers based on two -level consumer demand. The model simultaneously considers the interests of both investors and consumers, aiming to trade-off facility construction costs and consumer travel costs with limited capacity constraints. To efficiently solve the problem, an improved <em>NSGA-II</em> algorithm incorporating a chromosome-archiving mechanism is proposed, and its performance is validated against a reference frontier generated by the <span><math><mrow><mi>ε</mi></mrow></math></span>-constraint method. Empirical analysis based on Xi'an's metro network (163 stations) demonstrates the cost ratio parameter (<span><math><mrow><mi>α</mi></mrow></math></span>) and service radius ratio parameter (<span><math><mrow><mi>γ</mi></mrow></math></span>) exhibit high sensitivity, whereas the capacity ratio parameter (<span><math><mrow><mi>β</mi></mrow></math></span>) has a relatively minor effect on the optimization outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47810,"journal":{"name":"Research in Transportation Economics","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 101696"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101694
Rimpi Baro, K.V. Krishna Rao, Nagendra R. Velaga
Metropolitan authorities have started developing metro systems to promote sustainable transportation in urban agglomerations, indicating a significant change in the modal share in the future. Previous research indicates that travel wellbeing (TWB) substantially impacts mode choice behavior. This study developed a novel TWB index from structural equation modeling of TWB and Quality of Life framework and examined the association of TWB alongside travel attributes with mode choice behavior using a combined revealed-stated preference (RP-SP) dataset of 1393 commuters in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India. A set of RP, SP, and two joint RP-SP mixed logit models (the latter with the decomposition of random coefficients) was developed to identify the role of TWB and travel attributes on mode choice behavior and to examine systematic preference heterogeneity for travel attributes across socio-economic groups. Results indicated that TWB positively influenced all the modes’ utilities, while travel time, cost, waiting time, transfers, and discomfort negatively influenced their utilities. Systematic heterogeneity results indicated that low-income and older commuters displayed higher sensitivity to travel costs, while males and younger commuters showed more sensitivity to transfers and waiting time, and low-income individuals were more sensitive to transfers. The implications for policy measures are discussed accordingly.
{"title":"Examining the role of travel wellbeing on mode choice behavior in a developing country context","authors":"Rimpi Baro, K.V. Krishna Rao, Nagendra R. Velaga","doi":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101694","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101694","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metropolitan authorities have started developing metro systems to promote sustainable transportation in urban agglomerations, indicating a significant change in the modal share in the future. Previous research indicates that travel wellbeing (TWB) substantially impacts mode choice behavior. This study developed a novel TWB index from structural equation modeling of TWB and Quality of Life framework and examined the association of TWB alongside travel attributes with mode choice behavior using a combined revealed-stated preference (RP-SP) dataset of 1393 commuters in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India. A set of RP, SP, and two joint RP-SP mixed logit models (the latter with the decomposition of random coefficients) was developed to identify the role of TWB and travel attributes on mode choice behavior and to examine systematic preference heterogeneity for travel attributes across socio-economic groups. Results indicated that TWB positively influenced all the modes’ utilities, while travel time, cost, waiting time, transfers, and discomfort negatively influenced their utilities. Systematic heterogeneity results indicated that low-income and older commuters displayed higher sensitivity to travel costs, while males and younger commuters showed more sensitivity to transfers and waiting time, and low-income individuals were more sensitive to transfers. The implications for policy measures are discussed accordingly.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47810,"journal":{"name":"Research in Transportation Economics","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 101694"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101679
Rui Cao , Wu Li , Fang Chen , Xiaoqing Zong , Xiaofeng Ji
Equitable expressway accessibility is critical for revitalizing rural industries, yet traditional accessibility metrics often fail to capture the unique logistical needs of enterprises in complex rural environments. The widely used Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (2SFCA) method is limited in rural applications due to its reliance on fixed catchment areas and population-based demand weighting, which misrepresent actual travel conditions and overlook industry-specific requirements. To address these gaps, we propose an improved Nearest-Neighbor 2SFCA (NN-2SFCA) method that incorporates three key innovations: (1) network-based travel time derived from web mapping API instead of Euclidean distance, (2) a data-driven dynamic nearest-neighbor search to adaptively determine service ranges, and (3) demand weighting based on enterprise registered capital to reflect industrial scale rather than population distribution. Applied in Yunnan Province, China, results reveal severe inequality: 73 % of expressway services concentrate in only 10 % of townships, showing a clear core-periphery pattern. Significant sectoral disparities exist, with tourism having the poorest accessibility. The study offers actionable insights for optimizing resource allocation under the Rural Revitalization Strategy and presents a transferable framework for accessibility research in similar contexts.
{"title":"Measuring expressway accessibility of enterprise based on an improved NN-2SFCA method in rural area","authors":"Rui Cao , Wu Li , Fang Chen , Xiaoqing Zong , Xiaofeng Ji","doi":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101679","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101679","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Equitable expressway accessibility is critical for revitalizing rural industries, yet traditional accessibility metrics often fail to capture the unique logistical needs of enterprises in complex rural environments. The widely used Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (2SFCA) method is limited in rural applications due to its reliance on fixed catchment areas and population-based demand weighting, which misrepresent actual travel conditions and overlook industry-specific requirements. To address these gaps, we propose an improved Nearest-Neighbor 2SFCA (NN-2SFCA) method that incorporates three key innovations: (1) network-based travel time derived from web mapping API instead of Euclidean distance, (2) a data-driven dynamic nearest-neighbor search to adaptively determine service ranges, and (3) demand weighting based on enterprise registered capital to reflect industrial scale rather than population distribution. Applied in Yunnan Province, China, results reveal severe inequality: 73 % of expressway services concentrate in only 10 % of townships, showing a clear core-periphery pattern. Significant sectoral disparities exist, with tourism having the poorest accessibility. The study offers actionable insights for optimizing resource allocation under the Rural Revitalization Strategy and presents a transferable framework for accessibility research in similar contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47810,"journal":{"name":"Research in Transportation Economics","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 101679"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper, based on a scoping review of selected studies, examines the status of land passenger transport governance research, training and practice in Africa. The findings of this paper are outlined as follows. Transport governance research in Africa is in a nascent stage with respect to theoretical, methodological and empirical advancements. While relevant theories and methods are utilised, the contextualised reformulation of these theories and methods, based on the African reality is, however, not evident. A sustained effort by prolific scholars who pursue an engaging research agenda or expand on initial transport governance research is not also evident. Hence, there is a tendency for one-off empirical studies and not a stream of related studies by the same researcher on a set of topics. An exploratory analysis of courses in 26 African universities shows that there was no course dedicated solely to transport governance as a standalone course. Several practices of transport governance like public participation, performance monitoring and accountability exist but the extent to which they are adhered to, need to be assessed.
{"title":"Where are we headed with research, training and practice in land passenger transport governance in Africa?","authors":"Lydia Akoth Midimo , Marianne Vanderschuren , Gladys Moraa Nyachieo","doi":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101673","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101673","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper, based on a scoping review of selected studies, examines the status of land passenger transport governance research, training and practice in Africa. The findings of this paper are outlined as follows. Transport governance research in Africa is in a nascent stage with respect to theoretical, methodological and empirical advancements. While relevant theories and methods are utilised, the contextualised reformulation of these theories and methods, based on the African reality is, however, not evident. A sustained effort by prolific scholars who pursue an engaging research agenda or expand on initial transport governance research is not also evident. Hence, there is a tendency for one-off empirical studies and not a stream of related studies by the same researcher on a set of topics. An exploratory analysis of courses in 26 African universities shows that there was no course dedicated solely to transport governance as a standalone course. Several practices of transport governance like public participation, performance monitoring and accountability exist but the extent to which they are adhered to, need to be assessed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47810,"journal":{"name":"Research in Transportation Economics","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 101673"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-05DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101693
Rafael Arevalo-Ascanio , Elena Prozorova , Annelies De Meyer , Roel Gevaers , Ruben Guisson , Wouter Dewulf
Although the discussions on the sustainability of transport and logistics have been a focus of research in recent years, the impacts of the choice of cooling systems within cold chains have not received the same attention. This paper assesses the environmental and social implications of cold-chain vaccine distribution in the last mile, in terms of CO2 emissions from cooling systems and transport, as well as the external costs of transport. The last-mile vaccine distribution is modelled using a strategic approach to perform multi-scenario analyses. An application within the Flemish immunisation programme in Belgium compares the performance of active (ACS) and passive (PCS) cooling systems during last-mile vaccine distribution. The CO2 emissions results indicate that PCS are the most efficient for multi-stop distribution, while ACS emissions rise sharply with more stops along the route. An illustrative example explores the potential environmental benefits of using cargo bikes and PCS for deliveries in the densest regions. Regarding social impacts, the urban distribution of vaccines presents the highest effects on the external costs categories of accidents, air pollution, and congestion. The findings are relevant to cold-chain planning for logistics operators, as the efficient implementation of cooling systems can enhance all dimensions of sustainability.
{"title":"Environmental and social assessment of transport and cooling systems in last-mile cold-chain vaccine distribution: A case study in Flanders, Belgium","authors":"Rafael Arevalo-Ascanio , Elena Prozorova , Annelies De Meyer , Roel Gevaers , Ruben Guisson , Wouter Dewulf","doi":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101693","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101693","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although the discussions on the sustainability of transport and logistics have been a focus of research in recent years, the impacts of the choice of cooling systems within cold chains have not received the same attention. This paper assesses the environmental and social implications of cold-chain vaccine distribution in the last mile, in terms of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions from cooling systems and transport, as well as the external costs of transport. The last-mile vaccine distribution is modelled using a strategic approach to perform multi-scenario analyses. An application within the Flemish immunisation programme in Belgium compares the performance of active (ACS) and passive (PCS) cooling systems during last-mile vaccine distribution. The CO<sub>2</sub> emissions results indicate that PCS are the most efficient for multi-stop distribution, while ACS emissions rise sharply with more stops along the route. An illustrative example explores the potential environmental benefits of using cargo bikes and PCS for deliveries in the densest regions. Regarding social impacts, the urban distribution of vaccines presents the highest effects on the external costs categories of accidents, air pollution, and congestion. The findings are relevant to cold-chain planning for logistics operators, as the efficient implementation of cooling systems can enhance all dimensions of sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47810,"journal":{"name":"Research in Transportation Economics","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 101693"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145685060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-03DOI: 10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101692
Roger Behrens , Pieter Onderwater , Kavita Shah
For over a century passenger rail services in South Africa have been provided by one or other form of national public monopoly. Over the past decade these services have been in steep decline, effectively collapsing when COVID-19 lockdown regulations were imposed. Current policy attention is focussed on reviving operations and installing an institutional structure capable of providing ‘safe, reliable, effective, efficient and fully integrated’ rail transport. Key to this is a commitment to devolve functions to capable lower spheres of government. The aim of this paper is to explore lessons from international experiences in institutional reforms centred around devolution. To qualify for inclusion, cases needed to have experienced a deliberate policy action to devolve passenger rail functions from a national to a lower sphere of government. A literature search revealed 11 such cases. Case reviews focussed on: the circumstances of the devolution; any associated vertical separation and privatisation; impacts; and any subsequent policy reversals. Key lessons included: devolved operations should be accompanied by financial resourcing; vertical separation requires independent institutions capable of adjudicating competing interests; private sector participation in operations is less risky than private infrastructure ownership; and the devolution of both train and bus services can enhance modal integration.
{"title":"Towards a revitalization of passenger rail services in South African cities: Lessons from international institutional reforms","authors":"Roger Behrens , Pieter Onderwater , Kavita Shah","doi":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101692","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.retrec.2025.101692","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>For over a century passenger rail services in South Africa have been provided by one or other form of national public monopoly. Over the past decade these services have been in steep decline, effectively collapsing when COVID-19 lockdown regulations were imposed. Current policy attention is focussed on reviving operations and installing an institutional structure capable of providing ‘safe, reliable, effective, efficient and fully integrated’ rail transport. Key to this is a commitment to devolve functions to capable lower spheres of government. The aim of this paper is to explore lessons from international experiences in institutional reforms centred around devolution. To qualify for inclusion, cases needed to have experienced a deliberate policy action to devolve passenger rail functions from a national to a lower sphere of government. A literature search revealed 11 such cases. Case reviews focussed on: the circumstances of the devolution; any associated vertical separation and privatisation; impacts; and any subsequent policy reversals. Key lessons included: devolved operations should be accompanied by financial resourcing; vertical separation requires independent institutions capable of adjudicating competing interests; private sector participation in operations is less risky than private infrastructure ownership; and the devolution of both train and bus services can enhance modal integration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47810,"journal":{"name":"Research in Transportation Economics","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 101692"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145685062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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