Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making Tool for Local Governments to Evaluate the Global and Local Sustainability of Transportation Systems in Urban Areas: Case Study

Abstract

Efficient management of urban transportation systems is a challenge for any local government that wishes to improve public wellbeing and comfort. With that end in mind, this paper proposes a tool for decision making and policy guidance based on multiple-criteria decision-making methods for the sustainability evaluation of urban transportation. The mathematical model is applied to certain metropolitan areas of Donostia-San Sebastian and validated in a practical case study. It is used to assess the overall urban transportation system of the area and is applied in further detail to various subzones, yielding a global sustainability index for the urban transportation network and identifying areas for improvement. It is also applied within the urban area to detect the weaknesses of various subzones and to evaluate specific objectives for their resolution.