Forecasting the number of vehicle kilometers by applying the autoregression model, using Warsaw trams as an example

One of the biggest challenges of the 21st century is ecological responsibility. It also concerns the sustainable development of transport and the reduction of threats related to the negative impact of this phenomenon on the environment. A constant increase in transport congestion, atmospheric air pollution, and noise promotes the search for new solutions, especially in urban areas. One of the systematically implemented and improved ideas in this area is the development of urban transport systems. Their effectiveness and efficiency are evidenced by the level of meeting the transport needs of residents, with the optimal utilization of vehicles. The article analyses urban transport in Warsaw, focusing only on trams as the second most popular means of transport after wheeled vehicles. Two objectives of the study were adopted. The first was evaluating the current state and characteristics of the available options and indicating potential development directions, considering factors that determine it. The second goal was to select the appropriate model describing the number of vehicle kilometers accumulated by Warsaw trams in the years 2017-2019 and parametric identification of this model. The study allowed us to estimate and make a short-term forecast of transport services carried out by trams. The research has shown that the current situation regarding the performance of transport work by trams in Warsaw does not fit into the paradigm of sustainable transport development. This is due to the loss of vehicles from the records in the absence of new vehicle purchases. Additionally, the developed tool indicates a decrease in the number of vehicles-km performed in the following months and, thus, a reduction in the share of trams in transport in the Warsaw communication system. The identified problem (i.e., a downward trend in transport performance) is essential from the point of view of the quality of the system's operation and the ability to meet passengers' expectations. It also informs decision-makers about the need to implement changes leading to an increase in the share of tram transport, mainly in capacity and operating costs.