As autonomous vehicles (AVs) revolutionize the global transportation landscape, their implications for emerging economies like Malaysia remain a subject of significant interest. This study delves into the multifaceted world of AV technology, focusing on Malaysia’s unique transportation challenges and opportunities. Through interviews with key stakeholders and experts, the research uncovers valuable insights into AV technology’s awareness, regulatory landscape, integration hurdles, potential benefits, and inclusivity impact in the Malaysian context. The study finds that while AVs hold the promise of improved road safety, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced environmental sustainability, addressing challenges related to regulation, infrastructure, and public acceptance is imperative for successful integration. Additionally, AV technology has the potential to significantly enhance inclusivity in transportation, benefiting individuals with disabilities. The study underscores the need for holistic policy and infrastructure development to leverage the benefits of AV technology and pave the way for a sustainable and inclusive transportation future in Malaysia.

This study aims to analyze connectivity or accessibility between regions in Wakatobi islands, both within and between islands, to understand the available transportation network. Based on an understanding of the dynamics of connectivity, it is expected to provide a solid foundation for the development of more efficient and sustainable transportation infrastructure in the future. A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches is used to explore data more comprehensively and accurately. The two primary airports and several ports are still insufficient in enhancing connectivity for both the residents and tourists within the archipelago. Improving road, sea, and air transportation networks is a necessity and expectation to improve connectivity between regions. An analysis of accessibility potential provides an overview of transportation costs and expensive and long travel fares. There are several needs that need to be met in the form of the revitalization of local ports, the development of the concept of Air Buses between crossing ports, optimizing routes between airports, and the implementation of Bus/BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) on each island with feeder lines. Furthermore, the development of connectivity in Wakatobi must consider various alternative modes of transportation, increasing service frequencies, and developing supporting infrastructure. This conclusion is the basis for the preparation of a holistic and sustainable connectivity development plan in the Wakatobi archipelago.

This study investigates the optimization of ride-sharing services (RSS) on the ride-hailing service (RHS) providers in Bangladesh. This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed method research design- a qualitative study followed by a quantitative one. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with twenty (20) riders and drivers in Bangladesh, and quantitative data were collected from 300 respondents consisting of riders and drivers using a convenience sampling technique. Factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied to the data analysis. The qualitative analysis reveals several significant factors associated with RSS and RHS, including cost efficiency, fare, fuel consumption, traffic congestion, carbon emissions, environmental pollution, employment opportunities, business growth, and security. The quantitative results indicate that using RSS is associated with more significant benefits than RHS in various aspects, including cost efficiency, fare, fuel consumption, traffic congestion, carbon emissions, environmental pollution, employment opportunities, and expansion of the automobile industry. The findings may assist policymakers in understanding how RSS can yield more incredible economic, environmental, and social benefits than RHS by analyzing fare sharing among passengers, carbon emissions, fuel consumption, and the expansion of the vehicle markets etc. Therefore, the government can formulate distinct policies for RSS holders due to their contributions to economic, social, and environmental concerns. While RHS services are available in many cities in Bangladesh, this study considered only Dhaka and Sylhet cities. Thus, future studies can consider more respondents from other cities for a holistic understanding.

Historically, transportation projects and urban mobility policies overlook the dimension of social sustainability, mainly focusing on economic and environmental criteria. This neglect, seen enhanced in the Global South, leads to long travel times, growing congestion, reliance on motorcycles, high traffic accident rates, and limited access to public transport, jobs, and urban facilities, especially for the more vulnerable population. In light of these issues, this paper proposes the Social Sustainability of Urban Mobility (SSUM) approach as an analytical framework that assesses the state of social sustainability in urban mobility by applying a Systematic Literature Review where three gaps were found. First, by tailoring the SSUM approach to the context of the Global South, it is possible to address the population-focused gap in urban mobility. Second, in the literature review, a theoretical gap defining social sustainability in urban mobility and its three primary categories has yet to reach a consensus among practitioners and academics. Finally, more empirical research should be conducted to discuss methodological aspects of operationalizing the SSUM approach through the three main categories: accessibility, the sustainability of the community, and institutionality. The SSUM approach promotes implementing a sustainable urban agenda that builds inclusive, equitable, and just cities in urban mobility.

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Purple Line project is part of the Thai government’s energy- and transportation-related greenhouse gas reduction plan. The number of passengers estimated during the feasibility study period was used to calculate the greenhouse gas reduction effect of project implementation. Most of the estimated numbers exceed the actual number of passengers, resulting in errors in estimating greenhouse gas emissions. This study employed a direct demand ridership model (DDRM) to accurately predict MRT Purple Line ridership. The variables affecting the number of passengers were the population in the vicinity of stations, offices, and shopping malls, the number of bus lines that serve the area, and the length of the road. The DDRM accurately predicted the number of passengers within 10% of the observed change and, therefore, the project can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1289 tCO₂ in 2023 and 2059 tCO₂ in 2030.

The concept of sustainable urban mobility has gained increasing attention in recent years due to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and environmental degradation. The objective of this study is to explore the role of on-demand transportation in promoting sustainable urban mobility, incorporating insights from customer interests and demands through survey analysis. To fulfill this objective, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a systematic literature review with survey analysis of customer interests and demands regarding on-demand transportation services. This study combines a systematic literature review and a targeted survey to provide a comprehensive analysis of sustainable urban mobility, addressing gaps in understanding customer preferences alongside technological and financial considerations. The literature review encompassed various aspects including technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, user preferences, and environmental impacts. The survey analysis involved collecting data on customer preferences, satisfaction levels, and suggestions for improving on-demand transportation services. The findings of the study revealed significant insights into customer interests and demands regarding on-demand transportation services. Analysis of survey data indicated that factors such as convenience, affordability, reliability, and environmental sustainability were key considerations for customers when choosing on-demand transportation options. Additionally, the survey identified specific areas for improvement, including service coverage, accessibility, and integration with existing transportation networks. By providing flexible, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation options, on-demand services have the potential to reduce congestions, improve air quality, and enhance overall urban livability.