MSc Thesis Title: Assessment of sustainable urban mobility measures in the Mediterranean integrating stakeholders' viewpoint through multi-criteria decision making
Friday 11 January 2019, at:12:00, Venue: Hall K2.A11
Examination Committee
- Professor Theocharis Tsoutsos (advisor)
- Assistant Professor Despina Dimelli
- Assistant Professor Tryfon Daras
Abstract:
Due to the identified environmental and health impacts of the current transport habits, a shift towards sustainable mobility is adopted by the European Commission and national and local authorities, that are actively establishing new policies. Numerous studies are exploring potential mobility solutions, taking into account the specific characteristics and needs of urban areas.
Aiming to address the complexity of prioritising the various mobility measures, this study performs an assessment of 11 sustainable urban mobility measures according to 10 criteria for European medium-sized touristic cities, through multi-criteria decision making, and more specifically, by using the PROMETHEE method. The study is also linked to the Horizon 2020 CIVITAS DESTINATIONS project, aiming to gap the link between tourism and mobility in 6 touristic insular areas with various mobility measures.
The study integrates the viewpoint of 6 European (EU) and 7 Greek (GR) stakeholder groups, identifying their interests and comparing their ranking on the selection of appropriate mobility policies. Moreover, tourism aspects are incorporated in the examined actions, the evaluation criteria selected and the stakeholders’ groups involved. The CIVITAS DESTINATIONS network was actively involved during the formation of stakeholders’ groups at European level.
Most EU and GR stakeholder groups presented very similar rankings, although Academic institutions and Mobility experts presented the most differences at EU and GR level. “Mobility management and travel plans” was ranked as the most suitable policy, for all EU and GR stakeholder groups, and was identified as a very stable option by a sensitivity analysis performed. In terms of interests, most EU and GR stakeholders give priority to the wellbeing of local communities and the quality of life, while tourism sector’s priorities were set on environmental criteria, acknowledging the links between tourism and transport-related pollution.
Overall, the study provides an assessment approach for decision-makers that manage mobility challenges in tourist destinations and suggests the incorporation of stakeholders’ view as a vital element for sustainable mobility planning.
