In the heart of Europe, cities are grappling with a familiar challenge: the need to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution while maintaining economic vitality. Municipal authorities are increasingly turning to Park and Ride (P&R) systems as a solution, but selecting the most sustainable and effective P&R facilities can be complex. Enter Belén Muñoz-Medina, a researcher from the School of Civil Engineering at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, who has developed a groundbreaking methodology to streamline this process.
Muñoz-Medina’s approach, published in the Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, leverages a modified VIKOR multi-criteria decision method. This method takes into account a range of sustainability criteria, including environmental, economic, functional, and social factors. By incorporating the Mahalanobis distance, which considers the correlation between variables, the methodology provides a more nuanced and accurate assessment of P&R facilities.
“The traditional methods often fall short in capturing the interdependencies between different sustainability criteria,” Muñoz-Medina explains. “Our modified VIKOR method addresses this by providing a more holistic view, which is crucial for making informed decisions.”
The implications for urban mobility and the energy sector are significant. As cities strive to meet national and European regulations aimed at reducing traffic congestion and air pollution, the ability to prioritize sustainable P&R systems becomes paramount. This research offers a roadmap for local authorities to identify the most effective P&R solutions, thereby reducing the environmental impact of urban transportation.
“The ultimate goal is to achieve more sustainable urban mobility,” Muñoz-Medina says. “By providing a clear framework for selecting P&R facilities, we can help cities reduce their carbon footprint and improve the quality of life for their inhabitants.”
The methodology was applied to the P&R system designed for Madrid, demonstrating its practical applicability. The results highlight the potential for this approach to be adopted by other cities facing similar challenges. As urbanization continues to rise, the need for sustainable transportation solutions will only grow. Muñoz-Medina’s work paves the way for future developments in urban mobility, offering a comprehensive tool for decision-makers to navigate the complexities of sustainable transportation.
The research, published in the Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, titled “Achieving sustainable urban mobility with a modified VIKOR method to improve the selection of a park and ride system,” provides a robust framework for evaluating P&R systems. This could reshape how cities approach urban mobility, driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.
