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Methodology and Innovation in the Design of Shared Transportation Systems for Academic Environments

Author

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  • Roberto López-Chila

    (GITICEA AND GMOVINT Research Groups, Automotive Engineering Career, Politecnica Salesiana University, Guayaquil 090109, Ecuador)

  • Mario Dávila-Moreno

    (GITICEA AND GMOVINT Research Groups, Automotive Engineering Career, Politecnica Salesiana University, Guayaquil 090109, Ecuador)

  • Gustavo Muñoz-Franco

    (GITICEA AND GMOVINT Research Groups, Automotive Engineering Career, Politecnica Salesiana University, Guayaquil 090109, Ecuador)

  • Marcelo Estrella-Guayasamin

    (GITICEA AND GMOVINT Research Groups, Automotive Engineering Career, Politecnica Salesiana University, Guayaquil 090109, Ecuador)

Abstract

At the Politecnica Salesiana University (UPS) in Guayaquil, Ecuador, urban mobility challenges were addressed with the aim of improving students’ quality of life and promoting sustainability. This study evaluated the technical, economic, and social feasibility of implementing a shared transportation (carpooling) system using a quantitative-descriptive approach. Surveys were applied to a stratified sample of 256 students to analyze transportation habits. Route planning was performed using ArcGIS software, and costs were calculated with Microsoft Excel. Social impact assessment involved focus groups and analysis of variables such as changes in mobility patterns, system acceptance, and perceived safety, comfort, and accessibility. Key indicators included the percentage of students willing to participate in the pilot (82.7%), satisfaction with travel time savings (85.7% fully satisfied), and positive perceptions of safety and comfort. The results suggest that the proposed system is not only economically viable but also widely accepted by students, contributing to reduced stress, travel time, and single-occupancy vehicle use. This study demonstrates the feasibility of shared transport in urban universities and provides a replicable model to guide sustainable mobility policies that improve safety, comfort, and efficiency in student commuting.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto López-Chila & Mario Dávila-Moreno & Gustavo Muñoz-Franco & Marcelo Estrella-Guayasamin, 2025. "Methodology and Innovation in the Design of Shared Transportation Systems for Academic Environments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-22, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6946-:d:1713958
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Saad AlQuhtani, 2022. "Ridesharing as a Potential Sustainable Transportation Alternative in Suburban Universities: The Case of Najran University, Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-18, April.
    2. Roya Etminani-Ghasrodashti & Greg Hladik & Sharareh Kermanshachi & Jay Michael Rosenberger & Muhammad Arif Khan & Ann Foss, 2023. "Exploring shared travel behavior of university students," Transportation Planning and Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(1), pages 22-44, January.
    3. Eboli, Laura & Mazzulla, Gabriella, 2011. "A methodology for evaluating transit service quality based on subjective and objective measures from the passenger's point of view," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 18(1), pages 172-181, January.
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