Development of an Eco-Efficiency Indicatior for Passenger Transport Modes Considering Travel Scene and Situation

Abstract

 This study aims at constructing a methodology for evaluating transport modes in terms of CO₂ emission and performance (e.g., speed, comfort, safety). The proposed indicator is "eco-efficiency" - the ratio of performance life-cycle CO₂ emission. The various performance factors of modes of transport are measured and integrated into a unit of travel speed. Four public transport modes (i.e., railway, subway, light rail transit (LRT), and bus rapid transit (BRT)) and 16 types of private vehicles are analyzed in selected transport scenes and traffic situations. The results indicate that life-cycle CO₂ emission from passenger cars is greater than that from public transport. However, the eco-efficiency of passenger cars exceeds that of public transport taking into account amenities and occupancy in lower volume traffic and leisurely use.