Smart and Sustainable Public Transportation - A Ne
Smart and Sustainable Public Transportation - A Ne
https://doi.org/10.1007/s44227-024-00023-2
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Abstract
A sustainable transport system is one which offers economical solutions and causes no/little damage to the environ-
ment. We usually categorize transport into three sections - roads, airways and water. Such systems need to be set up in
order to have a transportation medium or ecosystem with minimum environmental impact. Public buses are an excellent
example of sustainable road transportation. They can accommodate a large number of people economically and help ease
the financial burden on individuals. Unfortunately, the majority of public buses are powered by non-renewable energy
sources such as diesel. This results in the release of hazardous pollutants, leading to a degraded environment. Although the
cost of using this form of transportation is relatively affordable, it nonetheless has an adverse effect on the environment.
Therefore, it cannot be considered sustainable in that regard. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation by
introducing new technologies such as IoT, AI, Blockchain and 5G into our smart and sustainable transportation system.
This way we can ensure its sustainability from all angles. The impact of transportation on our society is undeniable- both
in terms of economic, social and environmental implications. To ensure a better quality of life for all, we must shift to
smart and sustainable transport solutions. This research seeks to present a clever and eco-friendly transport system that
brings economic and social advantages for developing countries.
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International Journal of Networked and Distributed Computing
distances and helps in building good relations between the smart transportation. The sensor system observes the vehi-
people living in the same country or different countries. cle’s features and the driver’s behaviors. The processor can
Intelligent transportation makes city transit simpler, more then evaluate this data and send orders to the system that
lucrative, and safer by utilizing new and upcoming technol- will cause it to take corrective action when it malfunctions.
ogy. Intelligent transportation is not a futuristic notion; it is The likelihood of an accident can be decreased by about
actively being implemented in multiple cities, and its tri- 90% if the driver is capable of handling the situation [8].
umphs and failures are being used to develop systems in The demands of ITSs combined with 5G mobile communi-
other areas. It attempts to make smart transportation easier cation technologies and software-defined networking were
to manage. The internet, cloud computing, wireless com- discussed in [9]. A demand for 5G mobile communications,
munication, location-based services, and electronic gadgets cloud computing, and SDN technologies for vehicular net-
work together to make travel more sustainable and efficient. works has arisen with the advent of pilotless cars.
Blockchain technology has the potential to transform Numerous studies on sustainable transportation systems
centralized ITS (intelligent transportation systems) by have been published in recent decades. The goal of this
establishing a decentralized environment that provides research is to identify ideas, thoughts, opinions, proposals,
security and trust, leverages existing resources, allows or recommendations in current research publications linked
autonomous ITS to thrive and infrastructure, and effec- to the issue that will be relevant in drawing up a design
tively uses crowdsourcing [1]. There are various aspects to propose a smart and sustainable transportation system
of blockchain technology that make it suitable for creating in the following days. To conduct this study, we searched
intelligent solutions for an ecosystem of smart things (i.e., Google Scholar and other journal websites for twenty cur-
sensors, actuators, and processors) [2] and consequently, rent research publications on the following topics: models
it’s perfect for the newest wave of smart transportation used in sustainable transport, policies used in sustainable
systems. Decentralization, open data, and data authenticity transport, sustainable transport planning, advantages of sus-
are three crucial features that make Blockchain a platform tainable transport, and e-transport. In addition, we discov-
for a range of transportation applications, including smart ered several knowledge gaps over the previous few decades,
contracts, quick payments, information sharing, track and such as the usage of IoT, hurdles to smart and sustainable
trace, and supply chain financing, according to [3]. In order transportation, economic advantages, career prospects, and
to make wise judgments for the safety of end users and user happiness. Academics, researchers, project developers,
drivers, numerous technologies are coupled with the data, industrialists, and economists will benefit from this research.
photos, and real-time videos collected in this environment
to fulfil the aforementioned smart transportation systems
aims [4]. With the aid of these cutting-edge technology, the 2 Literature Review
Intelligent Transportation System with IoT offers a solution
for transportation businesses to plan and monitor opulent Throughout the last few decades, the literature on sus-
vehicles [5, 6]. The monitoring system then uses the infor- tainable transportation systems has grown. We addressed
mation to tell the drivers of the device’s location and other several noteworthy studies on Smart and Sustainable Trans-
pertinent information. The system [7] employs the sensors portation Systems in this part. Figure 1 depicts the database
to monitor the surroundings. As a result, the information structure, keywords, literature surveys, and recent research
is presented to the passengers as the current bus route for
Fig. 1 Steps involved in literature
review
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International Journal of Networked and Distributed Computing
publications in the targeted field of smart and sustainable and fuel utilization for metropolitan city eco-driving is an
transportation. action that can be embraced for generally minimal price and
An UITP database Millennium Cities Database for Sus- produce aftereffects of regular 10% decrease for the private
tainable Mobility (MCDST) is studied by [10]. First, they vehicles. An eco-driving measure has the potential to reduce
have selected sustainable indicators by reviewing previous up to 16% fuel consumption and 12% carbon radiation so
research. Out of them some indicators were edited or rede- it brings many environmental advantages. An analysis of
fined by the authors. As a result, nine sustainable indicators sustainability of metropolitan traveller transport frame-
(STIs) were developed in a manner such that three indica- works dependent on accessible indicators in many urban
tors were proposed in every three groups, i.e., Environ- communities is proposed by [16]. This approach is applied
mental, Economic and Social. By combining nine STIs, a to 23 European urban communities. This work includes the
composite index also suggested by the authors and based on production of composite indicators (CI) to quantify the sus-
this composite index many cities were compared. In the last, tainability of metropolitan traveller transport frameworks.
the factors influencing the sustainability of urban transport This will measure the acts of various urban areas and deal
were determined by correlation analysis between the com- with their transport frameworks. The urban communities are
posite index and the characteristics of cities. grouped by the qualities acquired from the CIs, and in this
[11] examines the economic and environmental advan- way as indicated by the shortcomings and qualities of their
tages of electric-hybrid vehicles over conventional vehicles. transport frameworks. The CI empowered us to recognize
In addition, the impact of tax breaks on consumer afford- which attributes have the best impact on the manageability
ability over the next five to ten years is examined. This of a city’s transport framework, and to build up transport
study focuses on the economic prospects for electric vehi- arrangements that might actually further develop its defi-
cles over the next five to ten years, as well as the environ- ciencies. Finally, it is concluded that the larger and richer
mental advantages of green automobiles. cities tend to have more sustainable transportation systems,
[12] discusses the many types of scenarios in judging the cities having highest global CIs are the most globally
future transportation potentials, including concerns of fea- sustainable, and the small, scattered, and not rich cities are
sibility, plausibility, and appropriateness, with examples of the least sustainable.
each. The significance of making the economy carbon-free, A focus on the triple-get access systems of spatial proxim-
as well as the need for sustained work on mitigation and ity (Land use system), physical mobility (transport system)
adaptation at all levels in a genuinely participatory process, and digital connectivity (telecommunications system) as a
were also emphasized. structure for strategy and speculation choices that can bridle
[13] proposes an ambient and real paradigm for evaluat- adaptability and flexibility is encouraged by [17]. This paper
ing cities based on intelligence in their transportation net- summarizes two types of policy making pathways, one is
works. The proposed method was shown by employing a regime-compliant and other is regime-testing pathway. The
large amount of information acquired from 26 cities across authors have suggested these directions for transport plan-
the world via internet surfing and contact with automotive ning and policy making in the future uncertainty. A stronger
specialists and offices. direction towards regime- testing is favoured to help in han-
According to the statistics, London, Seattle, and Sydney dling future uncertainty. The strategic-based frameworks,
are among the world’s best smart car metropolitan areas cause chains, and reason networks are combined by [18] to
[14]. investigates sustainable transportation strategies that present a strategic approach to select sustainable mobility
are accountable for lowering Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emis- indicators for Indian cities. The authors have distinguished
sions from the transportation sector. The author focuses 20 important variables from an initial list of 31 factors for
on two themes in this paper: the difficulty in reaching and which 35 markers are shortlisted. Markers should be cre-
maintaining global environmental agreements, and the ated for speed limitations, road lighting and openness for
spatial and intertemporal spillovers. They determined that distraught.
owing to GHG emissions in the atmosphere, the world’s Research conducted by [19] has exhibited the utilization
climate will be influenced over the next 100–300 years, of the Delphi technique to evoke from transport specialists
and that contemporary sustainable transportation measures a scope of conceivable intercessions to accomplish a more
are ineffectual and should be reconsidered. The eco-driv- sustainable vehicle framework future for New Zealand.
ing style of road transport to save energy and improve the The paper presumes that the change away from automobil-
quality of the environment has been focused by [15]. The ity and towards sustainable mobility requires coordinated
author analysed the advantages of eco-driving for e.g., sav- responsibility at all degrees of administration and across all
ings of fuel and reduction of carbon radiation in eco-driving parts of the transportation framework. The issues that need
programmes in Singapore. To reduce both carbon radiation to be addressed for the sake of implementation of Bus Rapid
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International Journal of Networked and Distributed Computing
Transit (BRT) have been identified by [20]. Countries like and sustainable cities, the requirements of CAVs, the infra-
Africa, Asia and Latin America all recommend that BRT structure of CAVs, and introducing the latest technologies
offers huge advantages to groups having lower income, in in CAVs.
terms of movement time and expenditures, access facili- The efficient control and evaluation of the transport
ties, and security and medical advantages. The authors frameworks by concentrating on the effect of environmental
explained that the equity impacts of BRT are Travel time change, human attitude towards multiple modes of trans-
impact, Travel cost impacts, Road user safety impacts, port is studied by [23]. Ideas from Human Machine Systems
Distribution of ridership as proxy for user benefits, Acces- and from green, ecological, supportable, and brilliant urban
sibility changes, Property and housing impact, Impacts on communities, added to the versatile city ideas, ought to be a
employment, Health impact and Distributional cost-benefit motivation to foster models for metropolitan vehicle control
analysis. The authors concluded that BRT is especially fit to frameworks.
arrangement in non-industrial nations because of its lower Some significant discoveries in 23 wards of Tokyo of car
development costs, more limited development lead-times, ownership using structural equation modelling are studied
and lower innovative obstacles. by [24]. The outcomes showed that the strength of the emo-
A broad definition of sustainable transport is discussed tional factor as a utility of possessing a vehicle was over two
by [21]. The author has applied content analysis techniques times that of the comfort factor. This structure can be ade-
in this paper and focused much on cycling and the role of quately utilized for strategy plan and alternative mobility
women in sustainable transportation mainly in Europe and service planning to recreate the metropolitan transportation
African countries. The author finds that the women in the framework. A long short-term memory (LSTM) networks
Netherlands cycle more than men. The author concludes for predicting the spread of congestion of smart and sus-
that the Netherlands and Germany have better infrastructure tainable cities via IoT and machine learning methods has
for both men and women in cycling than Uganda and Kenya been presented by [25]. This model predicts the blockage
(because in East African countries there are social contrasts within 5 min via sensors. The models show an exactness
that keep on restricting women from cycling, and there is as of 84–95% relying upon the street design. This exactness
yet a helpless framework for safe cycling). shows that LSTM networks are well suited for forecasting
The advantages of Connected and Automated Vehicles the spread of congestion on street organisations.
(CAVs) and their effect on various levels: client, frame- The author [26] have discussed about the role of smart
work, and economical urban areas and society are intro- city technologies, importance of data and transition of new
duced by [22]. Also analysed the different advancements normal like remote works etc. to sort the COVID-19 crisis
behind CAVs. Finally, the authors have highlighted the and climate change in both the near and long terms.
following issues related to Connected and Automated
Vehicles (CAVs): challenges in introducing CAVs in smart
3 Technologies Used for Smart and
Sustainable Transport
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International Journal of Networked and Distributed Computing
only enhances smart connectivity but also improves urban to their environment, allowing for better management and
mobility and public transport by providing more options control. The emergence of Industry 4.0 based IoT innova-
for people to get around. From connected cars to smart city tion is a revolutionary step towards minimizing street traffic
initiatives, 5G is revolutionizing urban transportation and and mishaps. By enabling the use of sensors, cameras and
making cities smarter, safer and more efficient. other devices connected to the internet, this technology has
made it easier to monitor traffic in real-time. Through the
IoT The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the intelligent analysis of data collected from these connected
way we interact with the world around us. By connecting devices, it is possible to detect potential hazards and enable
objects, sensors, actuators and other devices to the Internet, preventative measures for a safer driving experience. This,
it allows us to collect and transmit real time data that can be in turn, helps us reduce the amount of street traffic and mini-
used to enhance customer experience and improve safety. mize the chances of accidents occurring due to human error
IoT has opened up a whole new realm of possibilities, from or negligence.
smart homes to connected vehicles, it has changed the way
we live our lives for the better.
4 Smart and Sustainable Transport
Blockchain Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the
way vehicles communicate with each other and manage Transportation is a critical part of almost every person’s
traffic. It provides reliable, secure and transparent commu- daily life. A well-managed public transportation framework
nication between vehicles, allowing for improved safety, delivers less air pollution, improves fuel efficiency per pas-
convenience and efficiency on our roads. With blockchain senger, and decreases traffic congestion so public transpor-
technology, drivers can be alerted to potential hazards ahead tation plays an important role. To provide safe transport,
of time and be provided real-time information about the traf- gaining citizens’ trust in public transport is a priority. The
fic situation around them. This can help reduce the risk of pandemic has changed the manners in which we right now
accidents and improve overall traffic flow. travel and could likewise influence transportation behav-
iour in the future. So, many organisations are working to
With the dawn of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) revolu- ensure the implementation of social distance by counting
tion, many new possibilities have opened up for improv- travellers, computerized queueing, mask and temperature
ing our day-to-day lives. An innovative example of this is detection, real-time data on transport arrivals and capac-
the proposed Intelligent Real Time Smart Parking System ity, automated cleaning, and contactless connections. And
(iERS), which uses IoT technology to make parking easier also, implementation of contactless payments and account-
and more efficient. This system is designed to help drivers based fare collection are probably going to assume a greater
find their closest parking hubs, as well as provide directions part in transport, as they reduce the number of traveller
to other accessible parking hubs in real time. By utilizing touchpoints.
iERS, drivers will be able to save both time and energy
when it comes to parking their vehicles [27]. This proposal 4.1 Concept of Smart Transport Systems
system offers a revolutionary solution to the problems of
traffic congestion and environmental pollution. It utilizes Data and communication technologies are used in smart
advanced AI technology to reduce users’ effort, minimize transportation, also known as Intelligent Transport Sys-
traffic jams and reduce carbon footprints. By utilizing this tems (ITS), to digitalize the transport infrastructure. As an
system, authors are able to explore all potential choices to illustration, data exchange between vehicles, drivers, pas-
travel with minimal effort while also reducing their envi- sengers, and transfer hubs could be accomplished remotely.
ronmental impact. This proposed system offers a win-win In order to construct multimodal journey planners, calcu-
situation for both the environment and commuters, making late pollution impact, recommend greener solutions where
it an attractive option for all. The Internet of Things (IoT) appropriate, and develop incentives to promote positive
has revolutionized the way modern transport systems and change, real-time data collaboration is essential. Addition-
vehicle-to-vehicle frameworks are operated and utilized. In ally, the information (shown in Fig. 3) is used for traffic sig-
a recent study [28], the potential of IoT for proper execution nal control, climate change monitoring, battery vehicle life
of transport systems and communication of vehicle-to-vehi- monitoring, and road surveillance. Data trading is essential
cle frameworks was explored in detail. This paper high- to smart transportation. This data helps to detect traffic acci-
lighted how IoT can be used to improve efficiency, safety, dents more easily and within time appropriate assistance
and performance within these networks. By leveraging this can be sent. And also, able to identify unfavorable climate
technology, transport systems can become more adaptive
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change so all vehicles in a particular area are advised and Satellite transmissions to check the distinctive ecological
GPS could redirect them to the safe and secure route. conditions.
Vehicle to Vehicle Vehicles are connected to exchange ITS is a progressive cutting-edge innovation that will
information such as safety warnings, traffic information and accomplish traffic productivity by limiting traffic issues,
improve the safety of roads. prompting proficient framework utilization, giving informa-
tion to users about traffic and many more things, So, Smart
Vehicle to Pedestrians The Vehicle to Pedestrian network transportation makes our journey safer. The network repre-
establishes direct communication between a vehicle and the sentation of smart transportation includes the communica-
pedestrian. This centers around setting up a transmission tion between the vehicles and the other connected elements,
framework that alerts drivers on the pedestrians’ where- as shown in Fig. 4.
abouts. It ensures traffic lights, sensors, cameras and get Cloud storage availability assists in progressively data
real time information etc. a stable Vehicle to Pedestrians sharing, storage and handling. Also, user get benefitted from
connection. real time data for data analytics, provide solutions and much
more.
Vehicle to Infrastructure It’s a wireless and bidirectional For achieving sustainability, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are
communication framework that enables vehicles to exchange a better option as they pollute less and reduce individual
information such as surveillance of roadways, traffic lights, carbon footprints. EVs have numerous environmental
road signs, cameras, street lights, parking meters, and get advantages as they can help to minimize noise pollution, air
real time information etc. pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. It will also reduce
smog. For launching EVs, it is necessary that there should
Vehicle to Sensor These are interwoven with transmis- be a sufficient number of EVs charging hubs from place to
sion frameworks for example, WIFI, GSM, Bluetooth and place. It will create job opportunities if vehicle charging
hubs are established as well as it will improve the economy
of the particular area/city/state. Implementing Mobile Apps
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5 Challenges and Issues Funding The authors haven’t received any type of fund or grant in
conducting this research.
The current transportation system is faced with significant
difficulties as a result of the expanding demand for trans- Data Availability The data used to support the findings of this study
portation. Controlling environmental contamination is one are included in this research article. For simulation, we have used data
from other research papers which are properly cited.
of the biggest difficulties of an inefficient transportation
system. In order to create ecologically friendly transporta-
tion networks, this study encourages the development of
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International Journal of Networked and Distributed Computing
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