Teresa Galvão

Abstract
Introduction: Urban centers face increasing congestion and pollution due to population growth driven by jobs, education, and entertainment. Promoting active modes like walking and cycling offers healthier and less polluting alternatives. Understanding perceptions of comfort (green areas, commercial areas, crowd density, noise, thermal sensation, air quality, allergenics), safety and security (street illumination, traffic volume, surveillance, visual appearance, and speed limits) are crucial for encouraging active modes adoption. This study categorizes user groups based on these indicators, supporting policymakers in the development of targeted strategies. Methods: We developed a questionnaire to support our empirical study and collected 653 responses. We have analyzed the data using clustering methods such as Affinity Propagation, BIRCH, Bisecting K-means, HAC, K-means, Mini-Batch K-means, and Spectral clustering. The best performing method (K-means) was used to identify the user groups while a random forest model evaluated the relative importance of indicators for each group. Results: The study identified five user groups based on urban mobility indicators for safety and security, comfort, and distance and time. Conclusions: These groups, distinguished by sociodemographic features, include: Street Aesthetes (young men valuing visual appeal), Safety Seekers (employed men prioritizing speed limits), Working Guardians (employed men focused on surveillance and green spaces), Urban Explorers (young women valuing air quality and low traffic), and Comfort Connoisseurs (employed women prioritizing noise reduction and aesthetics).

Abstract
This study seeks to comprehensively analyze the multidimensional determinants underlying perceptions of safety, security, and comfort in transport mode choice, specifically focusing on private transport, public transport and walking. The research begins with an extensive literature review to identify and delve into the factors influencing perceptions of safety, security, and comfort across various transport modes. This inquiry is further enhanced by organizing two focused group sessions. A total of 35 key factors were identified, forming the basis for subsequent investigation. The study then progressed to the development and administration of a survey aimed at capturing responses from a diverse audience, with the goal of exploring the factors influencing perceptions related to different transport modes. A total of 302 responses were collected and meticulously analyzed to discern the factors impacting various relationships and to identify consistent perceptions across diverse transport modes. Additionally, a factor analysis was conducted to validate the findings derived from the data. The outcomes of this research constitute a significant contribution to the existing literature, offering valuable insights that pave the way for a more holistic understanding of the factors guiding transport mode choices.

Abstract
Effective traffic management is crucial in addressing the growing complexities of urban mobility, and variable message signs (VMSs) play a vital role in delivering real-time information to road users. Despite their widespread application, there is limited comprehensive understanding of how VMS influence user behavior and optimize traffic flow. This systematic literature review aims to address this gap by examining the effectiveness of VMS in shaping user interactions and enhancing traffic management systems. Using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) methodology, a thorough analysis of relevant studies was conducted to identify key factors influencing VMS impact, including message content and characteristics, complementary sources of information, user demographics, VMS location, and users' reliance on these signs. Additionally, the review explores the implications of displaying non-critical information on VMS and introduces virtual dynamic message signs (VDMSs) as an innovative approach for delivering public traveler information. The study identifies several research gaps, such as the integration of VMS with vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies, navigation systems, the need for validation in real-world scenarios, and understanding behavioral responses to non-critical information on VMS. This review highlights the importance of optimizing VMS for improved user engagement and traffic management, providing valuable insights and directions for future research in this evolving field.

Abstract
Public transport systems worldwide experienced significant declines in usage during the COVID-19 pandemic due to lockdowns and work-from-home mandates. While numerous studies have examined these phenomena, there is still a need for empirical evidence that not only documents what occurred but also provides actionable insights for future transport planning. This study aims to enhance understanding of public transport passengers' mobility behaviors during different stages of the pandemic, using the Metropolitan Area of Porto, Portugal, as a case study. Automated Fare Collection data from 2020 were analyzed and compared with data from the pre-pandemic year of 2019. The analysis included temporal, spatial, spatio-temporal, and sociodemographic dimensions. Key patterns and trends identified include a rapid recovery of ridership post-restriction easing, homogenized daily travel patterns, varied impacts on different transport modes, and significant shifts in demographic travel behaviors. These findings highlight the resilience of public transport demand and suggest that adaptive scheduling, enhanced safety measures, targeted support for vulnerable groups, promotion of off-peak travel, investment in bus infrastructure, and encouragement of multi-modal transport are essential strategies. Implementing these strategies can help improve public transport planning and mitigate the adverse effects of future crises.

Abstract
The concept of Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) has been around for more than 40 years and is a promising mobility alternative when traditional public transport proves inadequate in terms of its effectiveness or efficiency, as is the case of low-density areas. DRT systems have a wide range of operational configurations, being highly adaptable to different contexts and environments. Therefore, the design of a DRT mobility solution can become a quite complex and challenging problem. To assist in the design of DRTs, this paper aims to present a comprehensive classification of DRT features and to identify some common design choices in different operational scenarios. The proposed classification is based on a review of reports from available literature and previous European DRT projects. In addition, an analysis of the most usual configurations for different purposes and scenarios is presented. In this research, the operational, demand, and administrative characteristics of DRTs are addressed. Demand aspects encompass features that directly influence trip demand, such as service areas, target passengers, and hours of operation. Operational features include characteristics that will affect daily operations as the type of stops, frequency of the operation, booking methodology, vehicle route, pick-up and drop-off locations, and the vehicle type used. Administrative characteristics address the relationship between consumers and the system, such as the purpose of the system, fares, visual identification of stops, and booking methods. Regarding the usual design choices, our survey shows that rural DRTs are primarily oriented to serve populations in need in low-density areas and to complement existing PT gaps, while urban DRTs are mainly viewed as a mobility alternative to fill existing PT gaps. Defining design patterns for peri-urban and multi-area DRTs presents challenges due to their transitional nature, thus combining attributes of both rural and urban systems.