2013 Session: 685

• Optimal Sustainable Road Plans Using Multiobjective Optimization Approach
  Abstract: In order to construct sustainable road network system, the three dimensions of sustainability, which are economic efficiency, environmental impact and social equity perspectives, should be significantly and simultaneously taken into account in planning stage. Since these dimensions have trade-off relationships among them, we developed a multi-objective optimization model for planning of optimal road capacity improvement strategy. The three indicators for measuring each dimension of sustainability were employed as the objectives of the proposed model. The total travel cost which consists of monetized value of travel time and operating cost was adopted as economic indicator. The total emission cost and the GINI coefficient based on the zonal accessibility were adopted as environmental indicator and equity indicator, respectively. An experimental test was performed with the three model scenarios which were investigated to compare the single- and multi-objective approach methods and different objective functions. We obtained the Pareto optimal solutions by using the elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. The results show that the proposed model which is based on multi-objective approach and considered all of the three dimensions of sustainability is more suitable to plan sustainable road network design. In addition, we suggested that the frequency rate of a link within Pareto solutions can be utilized for planning priority of capacity improvement strategy for maximizing sustainability on road network.
  Authors: Kim, Jin Hee; Bae, YunKyung; Chung, Jin-Hyuk
  Authors: Kim, Jin Hee; Bae, YunKyung; Chung, Jin-Hyuk
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Energy; Environment; Public Transportation
  Session: 685
  Paper Number: 13-4636
• Indicators in the Governance of Sustainable Transport Policies in Japan
  Abstract: The paper addresses the role of indicators to promote transitions towards a more sustainable transportation future in Japan. Existing international literature suggests a potential key role for performance measurement and indicator systems to strengthen such policies. The research explores to what extent governance frameworks associated with ‘new public management’ reforms in Japan also provide an enhanced basis to promote sustainability within transportation. A framework is derived based on the assumption that the effectiveness of such frameworks in this regard depends on the way sustainability is represented, as well as how the framework is integrated with decision making processes. Japan is used as a case, because Japanese transport seems to perform well in certain aspects of ‘sustainability’, while Japanese transportation policy also faces significant management challenges. A range of governance measures have been adopted to assist in managing transport policy challenges, including the application of experimentation, monitoring and evaluation of plans, policies and institutions. The paper looks at two cases of policy management within Japanese transportation: The first is the performance evaluation framework for the road sector used by the Japanese Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The second is the so-called ‘Eco-model’ cities program, also undertaken by the MLIT, using the case of Toyama City for illustration. In each case the approach to performance measurement is outlined, the actual application is presented, and the results in terms of how the indicators contribute to promote sustainable transport will be reviewed. A finding is that indicators in both programs seem to have limited positive influence on sustainability, with the most and visible effects in the latter one. The institutional context seems important for the strength of influence.
  Authors: Gudmundsson, Henrik; Fukuda, Daisuke
  Authors: Gudmundsson, Henrik; Fukuda, Daisuke
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Energy; Environment; Public Transportation
  Session: 685
  Paper Number: 13-5154
• Blueprint for Sustainability: One Department of Transportation’s Pursuit of Performance-Based Accountability
  Abstract: An increasing number of transportation agencies in the United States are using sustainability as a framing device for transportation decision making and to demonstrate performance-based accountability. Despite interest in sustainability as an organizing concept for transportation decision making, the practice of using sustainability to frame formal policy development at state departments of transportation is still in its formative stages. This paper presents the approach that has been taken by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to adopt sustainability as an agency value. Currently in the implementation phase, the Department’s “Blueprint for Sustainability” is not a standalone plan, but rather a set of principles, objectives, performance measures, and strategies that has been integrated into NCDOT’s overall strategic direction and policy framework. The process used to create this product has relied on a combination of internal and external outreach, agency introspection, and conversations with senior leadership to conceptualize sustainability in a way that resonates within the agency’s culture and context. A variety of lessons can be derived from this process, including the importance of flexibility, integration, and strategic coordination with related agency initiatives. Through presentation and evaluation of the NCDOT process, this paper provides transportation practitioners with useful insights for how to integrate sustainability as an agency value and a decision-making framework.
  Authors: Maurer, Lindsay K; Mansfield, Theodore; Lane, Leigh Blackmon; Hunkins, Julie
  Authors: Maurer, Lindsay K; Mansfield, Theodore; Lane, Leigh Blackmon; Hunkins, Julie
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Energy; Environment; Public Transportation
  Session: 685
  Paper Number: 13-4113
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• Application and Findings: SWOT-Based Framework for Evaluating Transportation Agencies’ Sustainability Approaches
  Abstract: A national survey of State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) indicated that such agencies are engaged in a variety of activities to address sustainability issues associated with transportation planning, design, and operations. These activities range from piecemeal environmental practices like roadside mowing policies to comprehensive planning frameworks. However, state DOTs in general do not have sufficient policies or practices in place to evaluate and prioritize investment options that will promote environmental sustainability and sustainable development. For this research, a mixed-methods design employing an expert panel and case studies of individual State DOTs was used to develop, test, and evaluate a strategic planning tool that can help DOTs evolve more sustainable practices. The self-assessment tool was designed to guide agencies through identifying internal strengths and weaknesses in their planning frameworks and organizational structure and culture, characterizing features of the external environment as opportunities or threats, prioritizing areas for strategy development, and developing strategies that link the internal and external environments. Such a tool can also be used to monitor progress over time. The tool was tested by seven state DOTs, and three prominent themes were revealed: the importance of process in addition to content, integration between sustainability policies and implementation, and internal communication of the need and nature of change. The results of this study and of previous research suggest that DOTs’ sustainability approaches are at various levels of maturity, and the siloing of sustainability within the organizations is characteristic of earlier maturity levels.
  Authors: Barrella, Elise; Amekudzi, Adjo A.; Meyer, Michael
  Authors: Barrella, Elise; Amekudzi, Adjo A.; Meyer, Michael
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Energy; Environment; Public Transportation
  Session: 685
  Paper Number: 13-3385
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• Application and Findings: SWOT-Based Framework for Evaluating Transportation Agencies' Sustainability Approaches
  Authors: Barrella, Elise
  Authors: Barrella, Elise
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Energy; Environment; Public Transportation
  Session: 685
  Paper Number: 13-3385
• Blueprint for Sustainability: One Department of Transportation's Pursuit of Performance-Based Accountability
  Authors: Maurer, Lindsay
  Authors: Maurer, Lindsay
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Energy; Environment; Public Transportation
  Session: 685
  Paper Number: 13-4113
• Indicators in the Governance of Sustainable Transport Policies in Japan
  Authors: Gudmundsson, Henrik
  Authors: Gudmundsson, Henrik
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Energy; Environment; Public Transportation
  Session: 685
  Paper Number: 13-5154
• Optimal Sustainable Road Plans Using Multiobjective Optimization Approach
  Authors: Kim, Jin Hee
  Authors: Kim, Jin Hee
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Subject: Energy; Environment; Public Transportation
  Session: 685
  Paper Number: 13-4636