Transportmetrica B: Transport Dynamics

Toward inclusive, low-carbon, and efficient multimodal transport

Introduction

Transitioning to multimodal transport systems is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and improving mobility efficiency within the transport sector. By integrating multiple modes of transport such as road, rail, air, and maritime, we can enhance energy efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, and promote low-carbon mobility. This transition relies not only on transport and energy technology adoption but also on robust modeling and evaluation frameworks. Recent advances in artificial intelligence, complex network theories, and system dynamics provide new tools for understanding and managing dynamic interactions within multimodal systems. These methods enable more accurate modeling of system behavior, identification of critical nodes and paths, and optimization of flows across heterogeneous transport networks. In parallel, carbon accounting techniques tailored to multimodal systems are emerging, allowing for more precise evaluation of emissions across diverse transport activities.

Moreover, innovative business models are important for the effective implementation of multimodal transport solutions. For example, mobility-as-a-service platforms that aim at integrating public transport, ride-sharing, and bicycle rentals offer seamless, low-carbon travel options. Subscription-based services or carbon credit systems can incentivize users to adopt low-carbon transport modes. These models not only promote sustainable mobility behaviors but also open new avenues for operators and service providers in the inclusive, green transport market.

Scope

The special issue aims to explore innovative solutions in multimodal transport that foster low-carbon mobility, efficient system management, and equitable access to sustainable transport. It invites contributions that demonstrate technological, methodological, and policy innovations and that advance our understanding of dynamic multimodal systems from technical, social, and behavioral perspectives. Through this special issue, we hope to provide a platform for interdisciplinary knowledge exchange that supports the development of inclusive and carbon-neutral transport systems.

This special issue will publish original research and review papers, including but not limited to the following topics:

• Design and optimization of multimodal transport networks;
• Artificial intelligence for multimodal routing, scheduling, and demand forecasting;
• Transport equity and access in multimodal low-carbon systems;
• Sustainability performance metrics and evaluation frameworks;
• Integration of renewable energy into transport infrastructures;
• Carbon accounting methods for multimodal transport systems;
• Application of complex network theories in transport system analysis;
• Low-carbon solutions in electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel, electrofuel, and sustainable logistics;
• Recharging and refueling infrastructure, including vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-building;
• Innovative business models for low-carbon transport, such as mobility-as-a-service, carbon credit systems, and subscription-based green mobility;
• Policy and governance innovations to promote multimodal, low-carbon mobility behaviors.