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A Framework for the Sustainability Assessment of (Micro)transit Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Reinhart Buenk

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa)

  • Sara S (Saartjie) Grobbelaar

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
    DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Scientometrics and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (SciSTIP), Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa)

  • Isabel Meyer

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa)

Abstract

The increasing global focus on sustainability is bringing the question of the sustainability of transport systems—which are still exhibiting numerous negative effects as evidence of their unsustainability—to the fore. While sustainability is an often-discussed concept, tools to guide the practical implementation thereof are limited. This paper presents a framework for an inventory of indicators against which to measure the sustainability of transport systems. While the framework is validated for urban transport systems for increased mobility (here referenced as microtransit systems), the concept is investigated in the context of transport systems in general. A systematic review of the literature was used to develop a framework of 12 areas and 50 indicators of sustainability. Expert reviews, an Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP), and an Equally Weighted Average (EWA) method were employed to allocate weights to the indicators and to validate the framework for microtransit systems. The framework contributes to the literature by identifying, categorizing, and integrating concepts related to sustainability in transport systems. It is intended to aid short-term decision-making in the design of urban transport systems, to continuously monitor the long-term progress of transport systems against sustainability goals, and to guide policy development. Future work would include enhanced empirical validation of the framework in the context of other types of transport systems, beyond microtransit.

Suggested Citation

  • Reinhart Buenk & Sara S (Saartjie) Grobbelaar & Isabel Meyer, 2019. "A Framework for the Sustainability Assessment of (Micro)transit Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-24, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:21:p:5929-:d:280078
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