Determination of Attribute Weights for Evaluation of Active Transport Systems in Developing Countries

Abstract

Cities across continents are emphasizing the provision of active transportation as a part of sustainable transportation initiatives. In developing countries, along with walking and cycling, it includes nonmotorized intermediate public transport (NM–IPT). A periodic evaluation of the associated facilities ensures the continued use of these facilities and reduces the potential for hazardous interactions with motorized vehicles. This study lists the evaluation attributes for the three modes that are based on the literature and prevailing transportation environments in developing countries. The attributes are classified into two categories: (1) infrastructure; and (2) utility related. The importance of these attributes is examined using a conventional analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the opinions of experts from different domains. A web-based questionnaire was employed to gather expert opinions. The AHP could not control the subjectivity that was associated with the opinions. Therefore, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (F–AHP) is used with a triangular function. The results indicate that incorporating fuzziness mitigates the rank reversal that is inherent in pairwise comparisons and yields more reliable weights. The findings emphasize that providing basic infrastructure is essential when promoting active transport. Safety, security, and comfort follow in a priority order. The findings are unique and could be useful for practitioners that are involved in the development of active transport systems in developing countries.