Integration of a Multilevel Transport System Model into Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning

TLDR

Cities plan transport by developing sustainable systems and reducing negative impacts, often using a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) to meet mobility demand while preserving quality of life, and this planning can be supported by transport models. The article aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Multilevel Model of Transport Systems (MST) for the SUMP process and to propose ways to use it at different planning levels. The authors propose using the MST at multiple planning levels, detailing how it can be integrated into the SUMP process. The MST, by representing transport behavior at varying detail levels, has been successfully integrated into Gdynia’s SUMP, demonstrating that its multilevel structure improves urban mobility planning effectiveness and is worth adopting by other cities.

Abstract

When planning their transport policy, cities usually focus on developing sustainable transport systems and reducing the negative consequences of transport. One way to deliver transport policies is to use the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), a strategic document designed to meet the demand for mobility whilst ensuring adequate quality of life for the residents. The process of Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP process) can be supported by using a transport model. The objective of this article is to analyse the efficacy of the Multilevel Model of Transport Systems—referred to by its acronym, MST—for the SUMP process. With its ability to represent the transport system’s behaviour depending on the level of detail, the MST can significantly benefit the SUMP process. The proposed concept of integration of the MST into the SUMP process has already been tested and applied in delivering Gdynia’s (Poland) SUMP. The paper suggests ways to use the MST at different levels of planning and modelling and describes the outcomes. Using the multilevel structure helps to fully realise the transport model’s potential to improve the effectiveness of urban mobility planning. The conclusions show that the methods proposed in the article are worthwhile and cities should consider them when planning the SUMP process.