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Article

An Integrated Model of Park-And-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility

1
Department of Transport Technology and Economics, Faculty of Transportation Engineering and Vehicle Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
2
Department of Control for Transportation and Vehicle Systems, Faculty of Transportation Engineering and Vehicle Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2020, 12(11), 4631; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12114631
Submission received: 1 May 2020 / Revised: 25 May 2020 / Accepted: 3 June 2020 / Published: 5 June 2020
(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Transport Economics, Behaviour and Policy)

Abstract

:
The Park and Ride (P&R) System is part of a set of parking policies provided by Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) that have been used in developing efficient, safe and environmentally friendly solutions to reduce the undesirable effects of private vehicles in Central Business District (CBD). In fact, the P&Rs are allocated near public transportation stations to ease transfer from a private vehicle to a public transportation mode. Therefore, the P&R system is considered as an alternative transport mode in which the location and potential demand of each facility are fundamental components to be evaluated within sustainable urban planning. The paper proposes an integrated model of P&R facilities based on estimate the potential demand through a mathematical model of the seven park-and-ride (P&R) facilities (designated A to G) in Cuenca city, Ecuador. The developed integrated model includes two cost functions: one is the P&R mode, and the second is the private car mode. Additionally, a SUMP is integrated into the model as a data collection source in order to find the required parameters for the cost functions and origin–destination (O-D) matrix of private vehicles. The results showed that three out of the seven P&R facilities (P&R C, P&R G, and P&R A) had the highest demand (70% of the overall demand). Consequently, these three P&R facilities were studied separately using the same developed model, and the demand proved to be the highest for P&R facility “C” (39% out of 70%). In conclusion, SUMPs, as a methodology for data collection and a mathematical model, proved to be an effective integrated method for evaluating the most attractive P&R location based on the potential demand.

1. Introduction

The Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) is one of the most essential methods that has been used as a tool by government authorities and transport planners for urban strategic development. In addition, it is considered a guide to promote a shift towards more sustainable modes of transport, supporting the integration of all modes of transport and providing efficient, safe and environmentally friendly solutions [1]. SUMPs can be used as a data collection method whereby information regarding transport modes, policies, and origin–destination (O–D) trips can be gathered to develop transport planning [2,3]. One of the most widely used parking policies to solve the undesirable effects of private vehicles on urban centers is the P&R system. This system allows private vehicle users travelling to a Central Business District (CBD) to leave their vehicles there and transfer to public transport modes to complete their journeys [4]. In addition, the P&R system is considered as a transport mode that promotes the intermodal shift towards a more sustainable transport mode inside of the urban area [5].
The location of each facility is a variable that determines how attractive the P&R system is to potential users. Thus, one of the most widely used approaches to determine the location of a P&R facility is placing them near public transportation stations to facilitate the transfer between a private vehicle and public transportation (e.g., light rail transit (LRT), metro, urban bus), potentially leading the P&R system to have a facility at every station. In addition, a novel method has emerged in recent years regarding the facilities’ location, where the parking policies established in the SUMPs provide the allocation and other metrics for the P&R system. Using the methods mentioned above for the problem of location of the facilities, can lead to understanding which facility could be more attractive; in order to solve this doubt, the potential demand is estimated. Further analysis to estimate the potential demand may permit the allocation to be determined based on the users’ preferences. To determine the potential demand and to define the most attractive facility, a set of equations is used, which is denominated as a mathematical model. This model is developed based on variables, constraints and an objective function [6]. The purpose is to maximize user preference when selecting the P&R mode. To achieve this goal, the data provided by the SUMP are entered into the mathematical model. Therefore, the combination of a SUMP as a data collection method and the use of a mathematical model results in an Integrated Model of Park-and-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility. This Integrated Model is solved by using an open-source programming language with extensive support modules.
The case study is Cuenca in Ecuador, where local authorities developed a mobility plan in 2014 that established a set of policies to make the city more sustainable for the environment. In accordance with the transport policies, a P&R system was established. In addition, data are provided about the components of the transport modes that have been established, and factors such as the origin–destination matrix, and modal split.
In order to develop such an analysis, in this article, the necessary data are gathered from the SUMP to formulate a mathematical model that calculates the potential demand for each P&R facility. Thus, the result is the development of an Integrated Model of Park-and-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility. In addition, two scenarios are applied. Scenario I is based on the location given in the SUMP, and Scenario II is based on the location of the three facilities with the highest demand identified in Scenario I. Hence, we will be able to determine which facility or set of facilities are the most attractive according to the potential demand.
To the best of the author’s knowledge, there are no articles in the literature that develop an Integrated Model of Park-and-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility that uses the SUMP as a data collection method and consequently applies it in a mathematical model to find the potential demand for the P&R system and determine which facility or facilities are the most attractive. The contributions of this study are summarized in the following points: (1) We use SUMP to collect data regarding transport modes, policies, and origin-destination (O–D). SUMPs provide useful static data when developing transport studies and transport planning. (2) A mathematical model is applied and further verified through a numerical example that allows the evaluation of the P&R location proposed in the SUMP and determination of the most attractive facility according to the potential demand. (3) Finally, the combination of a SUMP as a data collection method and the use of a mathematical model results in an Integrated Model of Park-and-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility.
The rest of the study is organized as follows: Section 2 describes the most relevant literature review concerning the P&R system and the SUMPs. Section 3 explains the methodology for the Integrated Model of Park-and-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility. Section 4 provides a numerical example that uses a hypothetical city’s data and verifies that the methodology works. In Section 5, the methodology is applied in a real case study (Cuenca-Ecuador). Section 6 contains the results of the case study, and Section 7 discusses the results obtained. Finally, in the conclusions section, the authors describe the contribution of this study, the limitations, and recommendations for future research.

2. Literature Review

Traffic congestion and pollution in urban areas that are generated by private vehicles have become an undesirable problem. To alleviate these problems, a set of studies have suggested transport alternatives (e.g., bicycle, pedestrian, public transport, P&R) [7,8,9,10,11,12,13]. The P&R system as a transport alternative provides the possibility for private vehicle users to use a facility to change to a more friendly transport mode such as the public transport system. A parameter to determine whether the change intermodal has been made to a more friendly transport mode is to use efficiency in the travel time. An interesting study has been carried out in which several nodes have been identified, and these correspond to the transport modes in an urban area, in order to determine the travel time and accessibility between these nodes [14,15]. Thus, the main attribute of the P&R system to be studied is its location and how this may affect the potential demand. Therefore, the following literature review covers location and mathematical models to calculate the potential demand of the P&R system.
Regarding the mathematical models to determine the location of P&R facilities close to public transport stops, Song et al. [16] proposed an integrated planning framework to locate Park and Ride (P&R) facilities and optimize their capacities; the author formulated a mathematical program that is solved by an algorithm which calculates the shift of the private vehicle users to the P&R system. In addition, one of the most interesting investigations proposed a combined model including public transport associated with P&R services and autonomous vehicle systems [17,18]. Thus, Chen and Kim [19] worked on creating a scheme for P&R system called rail-based Park-And-Ride (RPR), which consists of promoting the use of public transport through developing an environmental constrained that combined modal split and traffic assignment, the result is to evaluate the effectiveness of P&R system in the environmental. Moreover, an analytical model was integrated to support the decision-making for the selection of a public transport service provision between a P&R service and on-demand public bus [20,21].
The research developed to estimate the demand for the P&R system has been carried out by several authors, for instance, Ortega et al. [22] suggested a linear regression model to calculate the capacity at each P&R facility of determining the most suitable location. Honer and Grubesic [23] designed a Geographic Information System (GIS) project to determine a catchment area for each P&R facility where the potential demand is calculated. However, one of the limitations of the model is that the demand outside the catchment area is not accounted for. Farhan and Murray [24] proposed a mathematical optimization model that determines the set of optimal facilities in an existing P&R system. The authors recommended the development of a mathematical optimization model to estimate the potential number of users for each P&R facility considering the following aspects:
  • Covering as many potential users as possible;
  • Establishing new P&R facilities to an existing system; and
  • Locating P&R facilities near major public transport stations.
Concerning the optimization of potential-user-coverage and placing P&R facilities near public transport stations, Wang et al. [8] investigated an optimal P&R facility in a linear city through two objective functions—the profit-maximizing and social cost-minimizing of P&R locations—proposing a set of Deterministic Mode Choice Equilibrium equations that were based on the potential demand of users of each facility.
For the establishment of new P&R facilities into an existing system, Du [25], and Ni [26] investigated the optimization of existing P&R locations through Modal Choice formulation to estimate the user-equilibrium based on three types of transport mode. The results of their analysis included the P&R facilities’ optimal number, location, and capacity according to a lower-cost route. Farhan and Murray [27] contributed significantly to the development of a mathematical optimization model by considering the aspects mentioned above to find the optimal location for P&R facilities. The authors proposed a Multi-Objective Spatial Optimization model to maximize the demand for P&R facilities, taking into account the existing P&R facilities. As a result, the potential demand was determined and used to allocate the new P&R facilities. Additionally, Cavadas and Antunes [28] extended Farhan and Aros-Veras’s study, introducing a Discrete-Choice Model to consider transport alternatives such as a private vehicle, P&R, and buses. For future research, the authors recommended their model to be used, which includes a Light Railway Transit (LRT) transport system.
One of the equations that determine whether users leave their vehicle in a P&R facility to complete their journey is the Logit Discrete Choice Model [29]. The Logit Discrete Choice Model and its extended application in transport research was promoted by Sillano and Ortúzar [30]. This model established the probability of selecting alternative transport modes based on socioeconomic characteristics and transport parameters [31,32]. However, the Logit Discrete Choice Model is a non-linear model within the mathematical model. The Non-Linear Logit Discrete Choice Model was linearized by Aros-Veras et al. [6], and the author Cavadas [28] confirmed that the linearization of the Logit Choice Model was efficient.
In the context of the literature review, a novel approach involves the development of an Integrated Model of Park-and-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility, in which the P&R information given for the SUMP is used as data to be further applied in a mathematical model that maximizes the potential demand. Finally, it determines which facility or set of facilities is the most attractive to users.

3. Methodology

This section explains the development of the Integrated Model of Park-and-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility and also explains sequentially the process made in this research. In the following sections, the SUMP is described as a method for data collection, followed by a detailed explanation of the mathematical model (Figure 1).
For the first part of the Integrated Model of Park-and-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility, the SUMPs method is introduced to gather the necessary data (e.g., origin–destination (O-D) trips, existing P&R facilities, city zones, parking policies, transport parameters).
For the second part of the Integrated Model of Park-and-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility, the mathematical model is explained. For this purpose, the following steps are taken:
  • Firstly, a spatial distribution model by Campbell [33], Gao [34], Aros-Vera [6] and Sadeghi et al. [35] was used for p-hub networks, where each origin/destination point is allocated to a single hub;
  • Secondly, the addition of cost functions with transport parameters (e.g., travel time and cost fees) was used in the Logit Choice Model developed by Ortúzar [36,37]. In addition, the linearization of the discrete choice model by Aros-Vera and Cavadas [6,38] was conducted.
An open-source programming language is used with extensive support modules to solve the mathematical model and input the data that is provided by the SUMP. In our case: Python with the following modules numpy, matplotlib, docplex, math, and Cplex.

3.1. SUMP Method

The policies and regulations defined in SUMP cover transport modes such as public transport, private transport (motorized and non-motorized), and freight transport. SUMPs address transports issues in urban zones efficiently. Additionally, within the SUMPs, there are a number of transport policies regarding the reduction of air pollution and traffic congestion caused by private vehicle traffic. One of them is the Park and Ride (P&R) system. P&R systems within the SUMPs have short-term and long-term goals: to reduce the number of private vehicles in a CBD and increase the number of public transport users. SUMPs act as guides for planners, authorities, and researchers. In addition, it is used as a method to collect information in order to develop transport planning studies.
The SUMP methodology is used in the first part of the case study as a data collection method and will be further discussed in this study. The following data were gathered to develop the mathematical model:
  • Matrix origin–destination trips between the outskirt areas and central business district;
  • Cost functions;
  • Park and Ride system; and
  • Public transport parameters.

3.2. Mathematical Formulation

In this section, the development of the mathematical model and the linearization process to obtain the desired results is explained. For this purpose, a spatial distribution model by Campbell [33], Gao [34], Aros-Vera [6], and Sadeghi et al. [35] was used for p-hub networks, where each origin/destination point is allocated to a single hub. In addition, the cost functions are developed (e.g., private car and P&R mode), and a sensitive parameter is used, which has been studied in the research by Aros-Vera and Cavadas [6,38]; this parameter assumes a value close to zero and one. The value close to one represents that potential users choose the lower-cost route. Subsequently, the Logit choice model developed by Ortúzar [36,37] is used, and its linearization [6,38] is carried out. Finally, the result is that the model maximizes the number of potential users for each facility.
The theoretical trip of the model is considered to be from the outskirt areas of the city, O , to the Central Business District (CBD), D . All possible trips, i , belong to the outskirt areas, O ; therefore, i O . For all trips completed, j , their destination, D , belongs to the area CBD; therefore, j D . Each P&R facility k belongs to the set of all possible facilities of a P&R system K that can be determined; therefore, k K , as shown in Figure 2.
The number of trips by a private vehicle within the defined origin O and CBD D is noted in a matrix, m ( i j ) .
The trips of private vehicles, m ( i j ) , are divided into two routes to analyze the number of trips performed through P&R:
  • Route ( i j ) represents trips made by private vehicles from the outskirt of the city, O , to the destination, D without using the P&R system (See Figure 2);
  • Route ( i k j ) represent trips made by private vehicles from the outskirt of the city, O , to the destination D using the facility k from the P&R system, K . (See Figure 2).
The Logit Choice Model LCMC is introduced to determine whether the potential users want to reach their destination by changing their transport mode to complete the remaining part of the journey. This means that of all trips made in a private vehicle, a percentage of potential users would take the P&R mode. The aim is to determine which percentage of the P&R trips are attributed to each facility. The LCMC estimates the distribution of trips using cost functions as constraints, and the implementation of a parameter commonly identified as sensitive, θ , is able to regulate the percentage of users who are willing to pay the route’s cost. This means that the users would prefer the lower-cost route.
The trip-choice depends mainly on 1. travel time, 2. travel distance, and 3. travel costs, where any of these elements, or a combination of them, are usually referred to as cost functions, where C ( i j )   ( 1 ) , C ( i k j )   ( 2 ) are the constraints expressed as cost functions that represent the use of private vehicles route and P&R mode, respectively
C ( i j ) = β 1 T 1 + β 2 T 2 + β 3 T 3 + β 4 T 4
C ( i k j ) = γ 1 T 1 + γ 2 T 2 + γ 3 T 3 + γ 4 T 4
where:
  • T 1 —travel cost;
  • T 2 —waiting time;
  • T 3 —parking time;
  • T 4 —transfer time;
  • β ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) —represents the positive constant of the cost functions; and
  • γ ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) —represents the positive constant of the cost functions.
User sensitivity is designated by, θ , this metric refers to the users’ sensitivity who choose a route from an origin to a destination according to its cost. In fact, it is the user’s willingness to use private vehicle or P&R route. As mentioned previously, the P&R route is the lower-cost because a part of this route is made by public transportation. Therefore, this reduces the traveling cost by private vehicle: C ( i k j ) C ( i j ) . Making a more efficient analysis, is one whether the users select the lower-cost route, and the value is closest to zero otherwise. A similar approach has been used in various studies to determine a sensitive value between close to zero and one. For this reason, two sensitive values are tested in the mathematical model for the hypothetical city: a sensitive value close to zero and a sensitive value of one. The sensitive value, which is the most accurate at estimating the potential demand in the P&R system, is used in a real case study.
The LCMC x ( i k j ) considers the elements mentioned above and further expressed in Equation (3), where C ( i j )   ( 1 ) , C ( i k j )   ( 2 ) are the constraints expressed as cost functions that represent the use of private vehicles route and P&R mode, respectively, and the sensitive value θ . Equation (3) additionally includes location variables: l k represents a binary value, which is one whether the facility k is part of the P&R system K, otherwise zero. x a is a binary value that represents the use of private vehicle, therefore, one if users use private vehicle or zero otherwise. In other words, when the value is zero, the percentage of users that would use P&R x ( i k j ) is zero as well.
x ( i k j ) = l k e θ C ( i k j ) k K x a e θ C ( i j ) ,     k K
The literature review of the Logit Choice Model describes the LCMC as a non-linear model due to its variable, x a , that represents a binary value; when this value is zero, the model is non-linear.
Having a non-linear model increases the degree of difficulty of finding an optimal solution. Therefore, the transformation to a linear model is recommended. The linearization approach utilized for this study is the proposed method by Aros-Vera and Cavadas [6], where Equation (3) is substituted by the equivalent of three constraints, (4) to (6), that transform it into a linear model.
x ( i k j ) l k ,    i O ,   j D ,   k K
k K x ( i k j ) = 1 ,    i O ,   j D
x ( i k j ) e θ C ( i k j ) e θ C ( i j ) x ( i j ) + ( 1 x a ) ,    i O ,   j D ,   k K
Equation (4) describes if the P&R facility is not located in the P&R system, the value is zero, and hence there is no demand for P&R. Thus, Equation (5) estimates the proportion of using P&R being the equivalent of 1. Hence, Equation (8) provides the percentage of the trips by the P&R mode. In order to develop the trip-choice analysis, the binary variable, l k , is introduced to represent the user’s choice of a P&R facility from the set of all facilities, as shown by Equation (7).
l k { 0 , 1 } ,      k K
Each location of the facilities or the number of facilities, z , is within the set of all possible facilities, k . This means that the number of facilities is represented by z. Equation (8)
k K l k = z
therefore, the maximization of the potential trip-users, D ( k ) , who would use a facility k of the P&R K system K, is given by the number of trips by private vehicle m ( i j ) , that choose P&R ( i k j ) route Equation (9)
Finally, the set of variables, constraints, and the objective function are integrated in Equations (9)–(14). The equations described above and the set of variables, constraints and the goal of maximization of the users who choose P&R and ride are grouped for a better understanding.
Mathematical model
The objective function is
M a x   D ( k ) = i O j D m ( i j ) · x ( i k j )
subject to
x ( i k j ) l k ,    i O ,   j D ,   k K
k K x ( i k j ) = 1 ,    i O ,   j D
x ( i k j ) e θ C ( i k j ) e θ C ( i j ) x ( i j ) + ( 1 x a ) ,    i O ,   j D ,   k K
k K l k = z
The decision variable
l k { 0 , 1 } ,      k K
The mathematical model maximizes the number of potential users that choose the P&R system to complete their journey. The demand is distributed through the P&R facilities, allowing us to identify the most attractive facilities of the system. The number of trips by private vehicles can choose two routes: the first route is by private vehicle, and the second route is through the P&R system. The LCMC gives the percentage of users who choose a route, and a binary variable determines the decision. Hence, the potential users choose the lower-route based on cost functions, and a sensitive value modifies those cost functions.

4. Numerical Example

The Integrated Model of Park-and-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility is applied in a hypothetical city.

4.1. Explanation of Hypothetical City

In this section, we provide a hypothetical example of a hypothetical city to support the mathematical model according to applicated Equations (9)–(14).
Figure 3 shows 10 origin locations, 10 P&R facilities, 10 destinations, and 10 daily trips between each O–D pair. We use the spatial distribution model developed by Campbell [33], Gao [34], Aros-Vera [6] and Sadeghi et al. [35]
In the hypothetical scenario, the value of the cost functions is based on the SUMPs of Cuenca, Ecuador and previous studies. The distance is determined using the Euclidean Distance Command to calculate the shortest distance between two points. Additionally, the command Random Uniform Point Distribution, is utilized to generate the coordinates of the origin, destination and P&R facilities.
The sensitivity, θ , of the trip-user that selects the P&R system is one whether they select the lower-cost route, making a more efficient analysis, and the value is closest to zero otherwise. In this analysis, two sensitivity values are tested in order to identify which value to use accordingly in a real case study.
  • θ = 0.1
  • θ = 1.0

4.2. Results of Hypothetical City

4.2.1. Sensitive θ = 0.1

The result is that 12% of trips include a private car changing to the P&R system. Table 1 shows the distribution from the highest to the lowest demand in a P&R facility, using θ = 0.1 as the sensitivity value.
P&R C and P&R I facilities obtained the highest and lowest demand, respectively. Table 2 shows the distribution of the number of trips performed per route from the outskirt areas of the city to the Central Business District (CBD) using a P&R facility.
The trips through route P&R C that start their trip from point 6 to endpoint 8 have the highest demand. On the contrary, users that start the trip from points 8 and 3 to endpoint 1 represent the lowest demand.

4.2.2. Sensitivity θ = 1.0

Table 3 shows the distribution of demand, using θ = 1.0 as the sensitivity value. The results are that 16% of trips include a private car changing to the P&R system
P&R F is the facility with the highest demand and P&R I, J, and A represent the facilities with the lowest demand.
The trips through Route P&R F that start their trip from point 9 to endpoint 8 have the highest demand with 9% (Table 4). On the other hand, users that start the trip from points 9 to endpoint 7 represent the lowest demand with 3.7%.
According to Cavadas and Antunes [38], the sensitivity value is 1, and the authors consider potential users that select the lower-cost route to make a more efficient analysis. With our numerical example, this condition was verified. Therefore, in the next section, we consider only the sensitivity value of 1 for our real case study.

5. Case Study

The case study of this article pertains to the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. The city is the third-largest city in Ecuador, with 505.585 inhabitants: 66% are concentrated in the urban area, and the remaining 34% are distributed in the outskirts area. The distribution of economic activity is the following: 46% commercial sector, 31% industrial sector, 14% electricity sector, and 9% multiple economic activities. Its historic center is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the city’s principal landmarks. The historic center has an internal 10 km long Light Railway Train (LRT) line that offers local residents and tourists transportation. The city belongs to an intermediate typology that consists of the demarcation of neighborhoods that are separated by local roads [39]. Moreover, the Cuenca central business district maintains the typical characteristics of Latin American medium-sized cities in which the city center constitutes the historical and central business district, in contrast to European cities, where the historical center and the central business district are different. The local transport authorities developed a SUMP with innovative strategies such as traffic solutions and parking policies. The SUMP’s established zones classifications (designated 1 to 15) within the city where the Central Business District (CBD) are represented by Zones 5, 6, and 7 (see Figure 4). Additionally, the SUMP and previous studies provided seven P&R facilities near the LRT stations. These trips can be made through various types of transportation, but for the P&R study, the trips through private vehicle are used. The public transport cost: 0.30 dollars per trip by buses, 0.35 dollars per trip by LRT, and private vehicle cost varies according to the type of vehicle and kilometers traveled. The data collected for this case study were extracted from Cuenca’s SUMP [40]:
  • The origin–destination (O–D) matrix of the number of private vehicle trips;
  • Four cost functions based on 7032 surveys, that considered the bus, private vehicles, LRT, and P&R systems;
  • The location of seven P&R (designated A to G) facilities along the LRT line as shown in Figure 4;
  • The location of the LRT stations and the length of the railway.

6. Results

The mathematical model is evaluated according to two scenarios. For the first scenario, the potential demand of seven established P&R facilities from Cuenca’s SUMP was calculated. To further optimize the results, a second scenario was introduced where the three most in-demand facilities were chosen to be re-evaluated, identifying the most attractive P&R facility. For the first scenario, the mathematical model was performed with the existing data, extracted from the city’s SUMP (Figure 4), to evaluate the existing P&R system facilities. The results are presented in the following tables. The potential demand of the seven P&R facilities, A–G, is shown in Table 5. The distribution of trips from the outskirt areas to CBD through the P&R system is given in Table 6.
For the second scenario, the mathematical model was used to find the most attractive P&R facility (see Figure 5), evaluating the P&R facilities with higher demand, A, C, and G, as shown in Table 5. The potential demand for the P&R facilities A, C, and G is shown in Table 7. The distribution of trips from the outskirt areas to CBD through P&R is shown in Table 8.

7. Discussion

In the results presented above, through the use of the mathematical model, Scenario I considers seven P&R facilities. Scenario II takes the facilities that represent the greatest demand from Scenario I and re-calculates the potential demand. In both cases, Park and Ride facility “C” (P&R C) maintains consistency as it captures the highest demand in both scenarios.
The estimation through an Integrated Model to find the most demanded facility in both scenarios is effective and can be replicated in any city that has developed a SUMP and wishes to implement a P&R system as a parking policy. This method can act as a tool in transportation planning to calculate the number of P&R facilities needed. According to the concept of the location of the P&R facilities, which stipulates that they should be near to public transport stops, this approach would give the result that the number of facilities is equal to the number of public transport stops. Thus, this model can provide an order to implement the P&R system according to the demand of potential users. In addition, pre-established P&R systems can be evaluated to determine which need to be expanded on or relocated. Therefore, it is possible to propose a variety of scenarios with the methodology proposed to find the most attractive facilities.
The results obtained in Scenario I. Out of the seven P&R facilities, three facilities have less than 10% demand, which leads to a more detailed analysis. Based on our model, users would choose the lowest cost route, which is the route through the P&R mode. Thus, P&R C is the facility with the highest demand. In addition, some additional studies are needed to maintain its functionality, such as the capacity of the P&R C. A public transport system could be planned based on the facilities with the highest user demand. As mentioned before, the location of the facilities should be close to public transport stops. Thus, exclusive public transport lines could be designed to capture all the potential demand. In addition, based on the results of our model, the P&R systems that have been identified in the SUMPs can be classified according to their potential demand for their implementation.
In accordance with the result obtained from Scenario II. The three facilities in Scenario I that showed the highest demand are used. This re-calculation is carried out with the goal to evaluate how much the demand for the facilities in Scenario I would change. The result is that P&R C continues to be the most demanded facility. Thus, a relevant strategy of the transport planners who use this model is to implement the P&R system progressively in accordance with the demand, thus conserving resources and optimizing the P&R system.

8. Conclusions

In this study, an Integrated Model of Park-and-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility is developed. This model uses the data that the SUMPs provides, such as the number of trips of private vehicles that are represented in an O-D matrix and the P&R location. Subsequently, the data are used in a mathematical model that determines the percentage of users that chose the Park and Ride system. Thus, the potential demand of each facility is found and, therefore, is the most attractive facility for potential users. Such choice is based on the use of the Logit Choice Model and its linearization process. In addition, a sensitivity parameter that modifies the cost functions is used; the sensitive value of one is used in our case study, which gives a greater consistency in the use of the mathematical model.
In our case study, Cuenca developed a SUMP in 2014 in which a set of policies and guidelines to reduce the undesirable effects of private vehicles is determined, one of them being the P&R system. Thus, the first contribution of our study is achieved because the use of SUMP became an effective instrument for data collection. The second contribution corresponds to the use of the mathematical model to determine the potential demand of the P&R facilities and, consequently, the most attractive of the seven P&R facilities. In the results presented above, through the use of the mathematical model, Scenario I considers seven P&R facilities, and Scenario II takes the facilities that represent the greatest demand from Scenario I and re-calculates the potential demand. In both cases, the Park and Ride facility “C” (P&R C) maintains consistency as it captures the highest demand.
The third contribution, which is the development of an Integrated Model for Sustainable Urban Mobility, becomes a tool for transport authorities and planners. The model provides a data collection model for use in transport studies that can be gathered directly from SUMPs, which means that no additional studies are needed to develop a P&R system. These data are input into a mathematical model. In addition, this model validates existing P&R facilities with regard to their location, and it identifies the most attractive facility in terms of potential demand. An interesting contribution of the model is that a public transport system can be planned based on the location of the P&R facilities. The model is able to identify the origin of the demand (initial trips) through the zone-P&R-CBD route. Finally, the Integrated Model for Sustainable Urban Mobility is a methodological contribution that can be used in multiple case studies.
In future research, the mathematical model could be extended to consider a large range of P&R system characteristics such as the capacity of each facility. In addition, a line of research that is being conducted in this area is a comprehensive model that links the interaction of the P&R with transport modes and involves the replacement of conventional vehicles with electric and autonomous vehicles.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, J.O., J.T. and T.P.; Formal analysis, J.O. and S.M.; Investigation, J.O.; Methodology, J.O., J.T. and P.T.; Resources, J.O.; Supervision, J.T. and T.P.; Writing—original draft, J.O., J.T. and T.P.; Editing & Review, all authors participated. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Acknowledgments

We thank the Cuenca Municipality, which providing sources such as digital cartography, data, and layers through the Sustainable Mobility Plan.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Figure 1. The main steps for the Integrated Model of the Park and Ride (P&R) (Source: own).
Figure 1. The main steps for the Integrated Model of the Park and Ride (P&R) (Source: own).
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Figure 2. Theoretical trip model.
Figure 2. Theoretical trip model.
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Figure 3. P-hub networks, where each origin/destination point is allocated to a single hub.
Figure 3. P-hub networks, where each origin/destination point is allocated to a single hub.
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Figure 4. Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) P&R system.
Figure 4. Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) P&R system.
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Figure 5. Optimization of the P&R system.
Figure 5. Optimization of the P&R system.
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Table 1. Percentage of potential users of Park and Ride (P&R) facilities θ = 0.1 .
Table 1. Percentage of potential users of Park and Ride (P&R) facilities θ = 0.1 .
P&R A20%P&R F5.6%
P&R B4%P&R G4.6%
P&R C32%P&R H11%
P&R D10.1%P&R I1%
P&R E7%P&R J4.7%
Table 2. Percentage of trips using P&R C.
Table 2. Percentage of trips using P&R C.
0-P&R C-10.02%6-P&R C-55.18%
0-P&R C-20.02%6-P&R C-65%
0-P&R C-60.02%6-P&R C-75.78%
0-P&R C-70.03%6-P&R C-85.96%
3-P&R C-10.01%6-P&R C-95.48%
4-P&R C-24.67%8-P&R C-10.01%
Table 3. Percentage of potential users of P&R facilities.
Table 3. Percentage of potential users of P&R facilities.
P&R A0.13%P&R F60.8%
P&R B0.21%P&R G2.3%
P&R C18.55%P&R H8.97%
P&R D6%P&R I0.01%
P&R E3%P&R J0.03%
Table 4. Percentage of trips using P&R F.
Table 4. Percentage of trips using P&R F.
9-P&R F-08%9-P&R F-55.2%
9-P&R F-17.6%9-P&R F-66.3%
9-P&R F-25.4%9-P&R F-73.7%
9-P&R F-36%9-P&R F-89%
9-P&R F-46%9-P&R F-93.6%
Table 5. Percentage of demand for each P&R in Scenario I.
Table 5. Percentage of demand for each P&R in Scenario I.
P&R A18%
P&R B11%
P&R C28%
P&R D7%
P&R E8%
P&R F7%
P&R G21%
Table 6. Percentage of potential demand from zones to the Central Business District (CBD) by P&R in Scenario I.
Table 6. Percentage of potential demand from zones to the Central Business District (CBD) by P&R in Scenario I.
By P&R to CBD%
FROM/TOABCDEFG
1--0.819--------
21.10.47--------
3169.6----------
4----2--------
8------4------
90.9--------
10--0.2----------
11----------63
12--------61--
13------11----
14----21----
15------------18
Total18%11%28%7%8%7%21%
Table 7. Percentage of demand for each P&R in Scenario II.
Table 7. Percentage of demand for each P&R in Scenario II.
P&R A29%
P&R C39%
P&R G32%
Table 8. Percentage of potential demand from zones to Central Business District (CBD) by the P&R in Scenario II.
Table 8. Percentage of potential demand from zones to Central Business District (CBD) by the P&R in Scenario II.
By P&R to CBD
FROM/TOA%B%C%
1--26.4--
228.6--
324.4----
4--1.7--
8--0.3--
912--
101.6----
11----5.9
12----1.3
13----4.6
14----6.4
15----13.8
Total29%39%32%

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Ortega, J.; Tóth, J.; Péter, T.; Moslem, S. An Integrated Model of Park-And-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility. Sustainability 2020, 12, 4631. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12114631

AMA Style

Ortega J, Tóth J, Péter T, Moslem S. An Integrated Model of Park-And-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility. Sustainability. 2020; 12(11):4631. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12114631

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ortega, Jairo, János Tóth, Tamás Péter, and Sarbast Moslem. 2020. "An Integrated Model of Park-And-Ride Facilities for Sustainable Urban Mobility" Sustainability 12, no. 11: 4631. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12114631

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