Integrating freight and passenger mobility : a comprehensive study in the Brazilian context

Abstract

Much has been discussed the future of sustainable urban mobility, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and providing equity and social justice for communities. In this sense, since the beginning of the 21st century, some European countries have been rethinking their urban mobility systems, and the transportation system being planned and operated as one for both, people and goods. This paradigm shift has only been possible to be successfully implemented in pilot projects thanks to technological advancements and societal behavioural changes, including their integration into platform economies. In this regard, this thesis seeks to understand how to integrate the transportation of people with the transportation of goods in the urban context for Brazil. Brazil is in a unique position to explore such integration, as planners face challenges in attracting users to public transport while the number of ecommerce deliveries rise. It is within this context that this thesis explores the Brazilian context to (i) identify elements that may facilitate or hinder the implementation of integrated transportation systems for people and goods, in a general and Brazilian context; (ii) define integration between people and cargo, using the concept of Cargo and People Mobility (CPM); and (iii) assess potential solutions for the Brazilian context. Brazilian experts perceived as CPM advantages: improvement in overall transportation system efficiency, reduction in transportation costs, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and reduction in congestion. However, they understand that the number of actors involved, the concern to maintain service quality, as well as the need for investments in both vehicle adaptation and infrastructure are issues that must be considered when planning the system, as they can jeopardize the success of the solution. Consequently, it was realized that integrated solutions for people and goods are highly customized depending on their locality and consist of a combination of ten elements, namely: (i) transportation system; (ii) transportation system elements; (iii) urban infrastructure; (iv) desired level of integration; (v) stakeholders; (vi) available transportation modes; (vii) types of items/people to be transported; (viii) horizontal integration of services; (ix) vertical integration of services; and (x) technology. Finally, this work also evaluated the possibility of installing lockers in public transportation terminals and operating them as logistics hubs. Such a solution proved to be viable and sustainable, especially in small and medium-sized municipalities. Therefore, this thesis delved into concepts regarding the integration of people and goods in urban environments and provided practical solutions for the Brazilian context.