Transport sustainability performance evaluation using a multi-stage multi-tool hybrid model

Abstract

This article proposes a multi-stage and multi-tool hybrid model (MMHM) for evaluating the performance of transportation systems. This model is based on pillars, classes, and indicators. The novelty of MMHM is that the indicators were weighted at three different levels using Principal Component Analysis, Fuzzy Logic, and method of equal weights. The output of the MMHM is an index called Sustainable Mobility Index (SMI). SMI gives the relative performance of transportation systems. MMHM was applied to four metropolitan cities of India. A total of 116 indicators were developed that were divided into ten classes, each corresponding to three sustainability pillars. The results demonstrated that MMHM is useful in ranking the study areas. It also demonstrated that it could be a valuable tool to recognize, track and evaluate the sustainability performance of transportation systems which would be beneficial to transportation evaluators, planners, decision-makers, and policymakers.