Key factors for developing freight and passenger integrated transportation systems in Brazil

Abstract

The intensification of e-commerce increases freight movements in urban areas, which negatively contributes to promoting sustainable cities. Conversely, the spare capacity of the public transport system could reduce the externalities of urban freight transport and then promote sustainable cities. This article identifies and evaluates key factors for developing integrated freight and public transport systems. Key factors were identified with a literature review and then classified into benefits and barriers related to the urban environment, and challenges and strengths related to the transport operation. Subsequently, these factors were evaluated by experts and classified by estimating a Luce model. The results indicate that benefits are related to the fight against climate change by optimising urban space and reducing the movements of freight vehicles. Barriers are associated with the lack of a collaborative culture and the need to change consumer behaviour, which helps to promote collaboration and reduce just-in-time demand. For the transport operation, the integration of people and freight systems can reduce operational costs, increase the efficiency of the transport system, and improve the accessibility for people and goods, while promoting economic development by decentralising economic activity. To achieve these benefits, the main challenges concern the logistic activity and the cooperation of stakeholders.