A services operations performance measurement framework for multimodal logistics gateways in emerging megaregions
Gateways in emerging megaregions have the available transport infrastructure that could support modal shift and sustainable development and more could be made of them. A gateway is not a defined administration area but rather a functional economic area. Typically it has some port, airport, rail hub and logistics clusters and is key to the regional economy. Existing policies try to achieve an optimisation of the performance of multimodal logistic chains and transport infrastructure, including making greater use of inherently more resource efficient modes, where other technological innovations may be insufficient (e.g. long-distance freight). Emerging megaregions rely heavily on global logistics operations to supply their population, the majority of which is living in metropolitan areas with a higher concentration of greenhouse gases and a heavy concentration of multiple-layer logistics and transport operations, and other urban functions. To address these issues, there is a need for more efficient traffic management solutions, a stronger shift away from road transportation towards more environmentally friendly modes both for freight and for passengers but most importantly the adoption of an integrated methodological approach when assessing existing and planned transport infrastructure by the decision makers with respect to sustainable development. This research provides a novel approach to the literature of performance evaluation of modal shift and transport infrastructure service quality by capturing the involved stakeholders’ perceptions and expectations. The application and combination of the importanceperformance analysis (IPA) and analytical hierarchical process (AHP) model in an intermodal transport infrastructure regional case study provides a straightforward methodology for the assessment of sustainable development as a result of an industrial survey. In addition added value is provided to the literature for long term scenarios’ planning for sustainable transport infrastructure.
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