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A review on multi-criteria decision-making in passenger transportation: Trends, methods, and future directions

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  • Kamber, Eren
  • Yücel, Buse
  • Gümüş, Mehmet

Abstract

This study provides a systematic review of the application of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods in passenger transportation. Analyzing 74 studies published between 2009 and 2025, the review classifies research based on transportation modes, methodological approaches, and sustainability dimensions. The findings reveal an increasing preference for fuzzy-based MCDM methods such as Fuzzy-AHP, TOPSIS, VIKOR, and DEMATEL to manage uncertainties in complex decision problems. Although sustainability principles are included in many studies, only a minority treat sustainability as the primary focus. The literature emphasizes service quality evaluation, passenger satisfaction, and system efficiency, with notable gaps in comprehensive sustainability-focused models and underexplored domains like maritime passenger safety. Keyword and research area analyses confirm the interdisciplinary nature of the field, linking transportation with engineering, computer science, environmental sciences, and economics. The study concludes with specific future research directions, including user-friendly hybrid MCDM frameworks, real-time data integration, and expanded focus on social and environmental sustainability. These recommendations aim to guide researchers and practitioners toward more inclusive, practical, and sustainable transportation decision-making models.

Suggested Citation

  • Kamber, Eren & Yücel, Buse & Gümüş, Mehmet, 2026. "A review on multi-criteria decision-making in passenger transportation: Trends, methods, and future directions," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceps:v:103:y:2026:i:c:s0038012125002332
    DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2025.102384
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