Modal choice in freight transport: combining multi-criteria decision analysis and geographic information systems

Abstract

To tackle the modal choice decision problem in container transport, a decision support model for comparing intermodal and unimodal road transport is developed, using a combined multi-criteria decision analysis - geographic information system approach. Multi-criteria decision analysis allows to simultaneously analyse many, possibly conflicting, modal choice criteria. First, a geographic information system-based model calculates the size or the score of the considered criteria, for each alternative route. Next, the multi-criteria decision analysis makes trade-offs among the relevant criteria and selects the most suitable transport option for a given transport. The model is tested for transport problems within Belgium, but can be applied to other cases. The comprehensive model can be used to make more consistent modal choice decisions to meet the specific preferences of users.