Policy challenges of increasing automation in driving

The convergence of information and communication technologies (ICT) with automotive technologies has already resulted in automation features in road vehicles and this trend is expected to continue in the future owing to consumer demand, dropping costs of components, and improved reliability. While the automation features that have taken place so far are mainly in the form of information and driver warning technologies (classified as level I pre-2010), future developments in the medium term (level II 2010–2025) are expected to exhibit connected cognitive vehicle features and encompass increasing degree of automation in the form of advanced driver assistance systems. Although autonomous vehicles have been developed for research purposes and are being tested in controlled driving missions, the autonomous driving case is only a long term (level III 2025 +) scenario. This paper contributes knowledge on technological forecasts regarding automation, policy challenges for each level of technology development and application context, and the essential instrument of cost-effectiveness for policy analysis which enables policy decisions on the automation systems to be assessed in a consistent and balanced manner. The cost of a system per vehicle is viewed against its effectiveness in meeting policy objectives of improving safety, efficiency, mobility, convenience and reducing environmental effects. Example applications are provided that illustrate the contribution of the methodology in providing information for supporting policy decisions. Given the uncertainties in system costs as well as effectiveness, the tool for assessing policies for future generation features probabilistic and utility-theoretic analysis capability. The policy issues defined and the assessment framework enable the resolution of policy challenges while allowing worthy innovative automation in driving to enhance future road transportation.     

Investigating effects of asphalt pavement conditions on traffic accidents in Tennessee based on the pavement management system (PMS)

Pavement maintenance is essential for ensuring good riding quality and avoiding traffic congestion, air pollution, and accidents. Improving road safety is one of the most important objectives for pavement management systems. This study utilized the Tennessee Pavement Management System (PMS) and Accident History Database (AHD) to investigate the relationship between accident frequency and pavement distress variables. Focusing on four urban interstates with asphalt pavements, divided median types, and 55 mph speed limits, 21 Negative Binomial Regression models were developed for predicting various types of traffic accident frequencies based on different pavement condition variables, including rut depth (RD), International Roughness Index (IRI), and Present Serviceability Index (PSI). The modeling results indicated that the RD models did not perform well, except for predicting accidents at night and accidents under rain weather conditions; whereas, IRI and PSI were always significant prediction variables in all types of accident models. Comparing the models goodness‐of‐fit results, it was found that the PSI models had a better performance in crash frequency prediction than the RD models and IRI models. This study suggests that the PSI accident prediction models should be considered as a comprehensive approach to integrate the highway safety factors into the pavement management system. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Strategic intent: Guiding port authorities to their new world?

Following the financial tsunami many organisations are facing greater risks to their sustainability. Strategic collaborations in logistics networks, of which ports are a significant node, reduce risks for all organisations in the network, increase an organisation's ability to access efficiencies such as economies of scale and create opportunities for learning. The knowledge learnt from collaborators is enhanced by managing the key relationships and forming a strategic intent to learn for mutual benefit. Mutual benefits may include market information or innovation. As Awad and Ghaziri (2004, p. 17) comment ‘Beyond efficiency and productivity, the real benefit of collaboration is innovation.’ The more central the port authority is in this network, the greater are the opportunities for learning. Three key factors are critical for port authorities to integrate knowledge from networks; firstly, there are levels of common knowledge that enable effective communication, including concepts, behavioural norms, language and experience. Secondly integrative efficiency requires organisational routines which foster knowledge sharing through frequent, coordinated activities that are repetitive. Thirdly efficient structures within the port authority help maintain effective and efficient communication to minimise the knowledge loss on integration. Strategising provides opportunities for port authorities to steer the critical path between maintaining their current sources of competitive advantage and developing future resilience through innovation opportunities provided by learning from their trading networks. Port authorities, by developing skills in reading the collective mind and interpreting information available in trading networks, can foster resilience into the future. Given the current risky prognosis for the short-medium term following the financial tsunami, instigating strategies that may lessen those risks may be an option for port authorities.     

Testing the Effects of Constraints on Climate Change–Friendly Behavior among Groups of Australian Residents

This study explores the relationship between Australian's attitudes toward climate change impacts on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and environmentally responsible behavior (ERB). We hypothesize that general attitudes toward climate change, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control predict intended and reported behavior, and that attitude negatively influences constraints on adopting ERB. The moderating effect of residential condition (urban vs. rural contexts) was tested across these hypothesized relationships. We randomly selected 200 individuals from eight regions: Five within 50 km of the GBR Coastline and three from the Statistical Metropolitan Areas in Australia. We yielded 1,623 surveys by telephone interviews. Findings confirm our hypotheses and suggest the most important predictor of intentions is perceived behavioral control. The two groups of respondents (urban vs. rural) illustrate different relationships. This study offers insight on how managers of the GBR can effectively shape residents' behavioral tendencies that minimize human impacts on the natural environment.     

Determining strategies to increase response rates in transport surveys of small shop-based businesses

Increasing representation of small business perspectives in policy research would benefit from identifying strategies to increase response rates. Despite the significance of the issue, there is inconsistent reporting amongst small business research about issues such as sampling, recruitment and survey design. Reporting on such issues may help address the under-representation of small business respondents and help reduce wasting research resources on less effective strategies. For policy matters that have the potential to disrupt how small business owners run their business, this is of particular importance. This paper reports on a survey of small businesses about changes to the transport accessibility features of a town centre that have the potential to affect the supply of car parking. Based on a review of the available literature, strategies were adopted to reduce respondent burden and maximise engagement. The paper presents an analysis of recruitment approaches in the first wave of the survey and demonstrates how the refinements to the recruitment approach were successful in achieving an increase in response rate from 40% to 47%.     

Refining light rapid transit typology: a UK perspective

Abstract

Recent developments in the light rapid transit sector have introduced transit modes that are attempting to imitate the performance of others, e.g. buses with tram-like characteristics. The boundaries between existing definitions of what is a bus, tram or train are becoming blurred. For transport studies and practice this requires a review of how we define modes. This is not just a matter of semantics, but has safety and competition regulation implications for system operators. This paper proposes a structure to produce rail- and bus-based transit mode definitions and typology that are appropriate for modern use. A decision tree is used to classify and define the transit modes as guided-bus, trolley-bus, light rail and tram-train and is provided with example systems. The paper provides a robust definitional framework that allows transit system promoters, operators and other interested parties to have a consistent basis of reference when specifying and comparing rapid transit systems.     

新能源汽车消费者购买意愿调查

<正>虽然政府频频出台新能源利好政策,希望刺激消费者购买欲望,但研究显示,仅靠政策单方面刺激很难完成到2020年累计销售500万辆新能源车的目标,需要地方政府、汽车OEM和电网公司共同致力于推动新能源汽车的成功发展,解决充电等难题,从根本上消除消费者的顾虑。"中国消费者对新能源汽车(NEV)的兴趣及购买意愿仍不足以实现中国政府新能源汽车销量的目标。"中国是全球最大的汽车市场,而汽车业如火如荼的发展也同时造成了大城市的严重交通拥堵和空气污染。随着城镇化进程的不断推进(城镇人口有望从2014年     

The relationship between coastal-zone management and off-shore economic development

‘Coastal-zone management is ideally founded on a consideration of the full range of bio-physical and socio-economic elements integrated through problem perception, decision making and remedial strategy planning. Specification of the framework indicates a variety of potential links between the coastal zone and continental shelf development.’     

The slippery slope of lot consolidation in the Santa Monica Mountains: A program assessment

Abstract

The authors present an assessment of the Coastal Conservancy's efforts to consolidate small, substandard lots in the Santa Monica Mountains. Emphasis is placed on the ‘ ‘lessons learned’ ‘ by the Conservancy in its project experience as those lessons may be applicable to related efforts elsewhere. Finally, alternative means of lot consolidation are suggested. This assessment should be of relevance to other programs nationwide to address the problem of antiquated subdivisions.