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A Metro-Based System as Sustainable Alternative for Urban Logistics in the Era of E-Commerce

Author

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  • Rafael Villa

    (School of Technology and Science, Camilo José Cela University, 28692 Madrid, Spain)

  • Andrés Monzón

    (Transport Research Centre (TRANSyT), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

Business to consumer e-commerce (B2C) has increased sharply in recent years driven by a growing online population and changes in consumer behavior. In metropolitan areas, the “Amazon effect” (online retailers’ vast selection, fast shipping, free returns, and low prices) has led to an increased use of light goods vehicles. This is affecting the rational functioning of the transport system, including a high degree of fragmentation, low load optimization, and, among other externalities, higher traffic congestion. This paper investigates the potential of a metro system, in a big city like Madrid, to provide delivery services by leveraging its existing carrying capacity and using the metro stations to collect parcels in lockers. It would be a new mixed distribution model for last-mile deliveries associated with e-commerce. To that end, the paper evaluates the cost and impacts of two alternative scenarios for managing the unused space in rolling stock (shared trains) or specific full train services (dedicated trains) on existing lines. The external costs of the proposed scenarios are compared with current e-commerce delivery scenario (parcel delivery by road). The results show that underground transport of parcels could significantly reduce congestion costs, accidents, noise, GHG emissions, and air pollution.

Suggested Citation

  • Rafael Villa & Andrés Monzón, 2021. "A Metro-Based System as Sustainable Alternative for Urban Logistics in the Era of E-Commerce," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:4479-:d:537805
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Leonor Teixeira & Ana Luísa Ramos & Carolina Costa & Dulce Pedrosa & César Faria & Carina Pimentel, 2023. "SOLFI: An Integrated Platform for Sustainable Urban Last-Mile Logistics’ Operations—Study, Design and Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-23, February.
    2. Han Zhang & Yongbo Lv & Jianwei Guo, 2022. "New Development Direction of Underground Logistics from the Perspective of Public Transport: A Systematic Review Based on Scientometrics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-31, March.
    3. Jose Alejandro Cano & Abraham Londoño-Pineda & Carolina Rodas, 2022. "Sustainable Logistics for E-Commerce: A Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-24, September.
    4. Vasco Silva & António Amaral & Tânia Fontes, 2023. "Sustainable Urban Last-Mile Logistics: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-27, January.
    5. Paulo Rita & Ricardo F. Ramos, 2022. "Global Research Trends in Consumer Behavior and Sustainability in E-Commerce: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Knowledge Structure," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-20, August.
    6. Garola, Giovanni & Seghezzi, Arianna & Siragusa, Chiara & Mangiaracina, Riccardo, 2022. "Sustainability in urban logistics: A literature review," Chapters from the Proceedings of the Hamburg International Conference of Logistics (HICL), in: Kersten, Wolfgang & Jahn, Carlos & Blecker, Thorsten & Ringle, Christian M. (ed.), Changing Tides: The New Role of Resilience and Sustainability in Logistics and Supply Chain Management – Innovative Approaches for the Shift to a New , volume 33, pages 709-730, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute of Business Logistics and General Management.

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