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Integrating Participatory Approaches and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) for Barrier Analysis and Ranking in Urban Mobility Planning

Author

Listed:
  • Uroš Kramar

    (Faculty of Logistics, University of Maribor, 3000 Celje, Slovenia)

  • Marjan Sternad

    (Faculty of Logistics, University of Maribor, 3000 Celje, Slovenia)

Abstract

This study examines the barriers to implementing sustainable mobility strategies in small municipalities by integrating participatory and multi-criteria decision-making methods. A triangulated approach combines the nominal group technique (NGT), focus groups (FGs), and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to systematically identify, refine, and rank key barriers. The NGT enables stakeholders to list and prioritize barriers individually, ensuring balanced participation. FG discussions then refine and contextualize these barriers, addressing qualitative depth. Finally, the FAHP quantitatively ranks the barriers while accounting for uncertainty in stakeholder judgments. The results highlight systemic constraints, such as financial limitations and regulatory inefficiencies, alongside local challenges like inadequate infrastructure and public resistance. Integrating the NGT, FGs, and the FAHP enhances the analytical rigor by merging structured decision-making with participatory engagement. This methodological innovation strengthens the reliability of barrier assessment and offers a replicable framework for urban mobility planning. The findings underscore the need for locally tailored strategies that balance stakeholder inclusion with structured prioritization, contributing to improved governance in sustainable transport planning.

Suggested Citation

  • Uroš Kramar & Marjan Sternad, 2025. "Integrating Participatory Approaches and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) for Barrier Analysis and Ranking in Urban Mobility Planning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-29, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1558-:d:1590660
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Uroš Kramar & Dejan Dragan & Darja Topolšek, 2019. "The Holistic Approach to Urban Mobility Planning with a Modified Focus Group, SWOT, and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-29, November.
    2. Jianjun Xu & Lijie Yu & Rakesh Gupta, 2020. "Evaluating the Performance of the Government Venture Capital Guiding Fund Using the Intuitionistic Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-24, August.
    3. Salvador Garcia-Ayllon & Eloy Hontoria & Nolberto Munier, 2021. "The Contribution of MCDM to SUMP: The Case of Spanish Cities during 2006–2021," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-21, December.
    4. Matija Kovačić & Maja Mutavdžija & Krešimir Buntak, 2022. "New Paradigm of Sustainable Urban Mobility: Electric and Autonomous Vehicles—A Review and Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-23, August.
    5. Peter Loukopoulos & Roland W Scholz, 2004. "Sustainable Future Urban Mobility: Using ‘Area Development Negotiations’ for Scenario Assessment and Participatory Strategic Planning," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 36(12), pages 2203-2226, December.
    6. Federica Cisilino & Alessandro Monteleone, 2020. "Designing Rural Policies for Sustainable Innovations through a Participatory Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-17, November.
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    1. Afsaneh Dehghanpour-Farashah & Faezeh Behnamifard & Mostafa Behzadfar & Mehran Alalhesabi & Saeed Mojtabazadeh-Hasanlouei, 2025. "Mobile Participatory Urban Governance in a Developing Country: Women’s Acceptance of City Reporting Apps in Karaj, Iran," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-14, June.

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