Evaluating accessibility and transportation justice in urban freight transport: implementation, spatial dynamics, and policy implications

Abstract

The pursuit of sustainable urban development drives cities worldwide to improve their transportation systems, aiming to mitigate environmental and social impacts such as pollution and congestion, while promoting social interactions and quality of life. However, modern transportation systems often favour motorised transport, burdening more sustainable modes and creating an imbalance that demands a more equitable approach to urban planning. This thesis aims to evaluate accessibility and justice in urban freight transport (UFT), focusing on the implementation of the concept of accessibility, its spatial dynamics, and policy implications regarding the location of urban warehouses. The study is grounded in a systematic literature review, employing spatial analysis techniques, econometric modelling, and exploratory factor analysis to explore complex spatial dynamics. The literature review revealed a significant gap in the comprehensive evaluation of the concept of accessibility in the context of UFT. The results show that accessibility is a crucial factor in warehouse location decisions, directly impacting operational efficiency. The analysis revealed that areas with better accessibility attract more logistical developments. However, regions with high accessibility often have lower land values and lower Human Development Index (HDI) scores, suggesting that the location of warehouses can exacerbate socio-economic inequalities. The Moran’s I value for the spatial relationship between the proposed accessibility index and the HDI is -0.400, with a p-value of 0.000, indicating a significant negative spatial segregation between accessibility and HDI in zones designated for warehouse development. Despite guidelines aimed at sustainable and equitable development, neoliberal aspects dominate urban planning decisions. Additionally, the study identified a preference for areas near expressways and with temporal traffic restrictions, which directly impacts accessibility and warehouse location. The analysis of land use components showed that warehouse density is influenced by proximity to commercial establishments and employment density in the region, indicating the complexity of location decisions that consider multiple factors. The thesis advocates for a paradigm shift in urban freight transport planning, prioritising accessibility and transportation justice. The development of more inclusive and comprehensive planning methodologies can contribute to creating more sustainable, equitable, and resilient urban environments, benefiting all inhabitants. The implementation of public policies that consider transportation justice is crucial for mitigating socioeconomic inequalities and promoting truly sustainable urban development.