Abstract
Location-Based Services(LBS) are information services which are available through mobile devices inside a mobile network and can take advantage of the location of the mobile device. With the majority of the world population living in urban areas and using complex transportation systems, they can be used to assist people to use the public transportation systems more effectively and efficiently. This research aims to contribute to the improvement of LBS through the use of a new kind of a schematic map, called spider map that brings together geographic information in particular in its central location, or hub, with a schematic information of the overall transport network originating in the hub, including for instance relevant stops and their locations. These maps present an innovative layout that includes context information relevant for the users. They can be used to increase LBS user satisfaction and therefore increase the intention to use Public Transportation Services.

Abstract
In recent years the mass adoption of mobile devices and increasingly ubiquitous connectivity have contributed to a radical change in the way people interact with computer systems. Moreover cloud computing infrastructures have paved the way for the development of smart systems in such settings, whose goal is to provide a service to enhance user experience based on environment and user sensed data. In this context, there is a clear disconnection between the two streams that flow continuously between user and cloud-based systems. On the one hand, user- and environment-generated data is being, for the most part, disregarded by service providers. On the other hand, services offered do not address users' specific needs and preferences. In addition, service discovery is a cognitive demanding process and it may have detrimental consequences in user experience. In this paper we propose a user-centric framework that addresses the disconnection between these two streams: Cloud2Bubble. The framework facilitates the design and development of smart systems. It aims at leveraging existing technology, such as environment sensors and personal devices, to aggregate localised user-related data - defined as a bubble - into the cloud. This aggregation later supports the delivery of personalised services, contextually relevant to users. The delivery of services with such characteristics has the potential to enhance quality of experience and influence user behaviour. A first iteration of the platform was developed and an evaluation in a simulated environment was performed with encouraging results. Thus, the platform will be further expanded for instantiation and evaluation in the context of urban public transports. We intend to investigate the effects of relevant service delivery in terms of enhancement of quality of experience and influencing user behaviour. The delivery of a service with these characteristics presents benefits for both users and service providers. © 2012 ACM.

Abstract
This paper describes an application of genetic algorithms to the bus driver scheduling problem. The application of genetic algorithms extends the traditional approach of Set Covering/Set Partitioning formulations, allowing the simultaneous consideration of several complex criteria. The genetic algorithm is integrated in a DSS but can be used as a very interactive tool or a stand-alone application. It incorporates the user's knowledge in a quite natural way and produces solutions that are almost directly implemented by the transport companies in their operational planning processes. Computational results with airline and bus crew scheduling problems from real world companies are presented and discussed.

Abstract
The public transport system is responsible for the displacement of a large part of the population, particularly in developing countries. This fact makes it relevant to evaluate the performance of public transport to provide an efficient and effective service. The purpose of this study is to conduct a performance evaluation of the public transport operation in the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza (MRF), in the State of Ceara, Brazil. The analysis is based on DEA and the Malmquist index, based on three inputs (total operating time, fleet age, and the mileage traveled) and two outputs (fare revenue and number of passengers). Data were obtained through automated fare collection systems (AFCs) that were implemented in the MRF. Although there were no major fluctuations in performance during the analyzed period, the results indicate that the system's performance declined in certain years. In addition, the analysis enables a better understanding of route performance, considering the operating company or the area of operation, which helps to diagnose and comprehend the operation more effectively. By analyzing the operational performance over time, the proposed approach provides an additional contribution by offering a comprehensive overview to the involved stakeholders, fostering decision-making processes based on evidence.

Abstract
By 2050, and in the context of decarbonization and carbon neutrality, many companies worldwide are looking for low-carbon alternatives. Transport companies are probably the most challenging due to the continuing growth in global demand and the high dependency on fossil fuels. Some alternatives are emerging to replace conventional diesel vehicles and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. One of these alternatives is the adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG). In this paper, we provide a detailed study of the current emissions from the largest bus fleet company in the metropolitan area of Oporto. For this analysis, we used a top-down and a bottom-up methodology based on EMEP/EEA guidebook to compute the CO2 and air pollution (CO, NMVOC, PM2.5, and NOx) emissions from the fleet. Fuel consumption, energy consumption, vehicle slaughter, electric bus incorporation, and the investments made were taken into consideration in the analyses. From the case study, the overall reduction in CO2 emission was just 6.3%, and the emission factors (air pollutants) from CNG-powered buses and diesel-powered buses are closer and closer. For confirming these results and question the effectiveness of the fleet transitions from diesel to CNG vehicles, we analysed two scenarios. The obtained results reveal the potential and effectiveness of electric buses and other fuel alternatives to reduce CO2 and air pollution.

Abstract
Promoting active modes of transport, such as walking and cycling, has a positive impact on environmental sustainability and the health and well-being of citizens. This study explores the elderly population’s perception of comfort, safety and security when using active modes of transport. It begins with a systematic review of the literature considering research works that relate to active travel, the elderly population, and random forest. Then a questionnaire was applied to 653 participants and the results were analyzed. This analysis consisted of using statistics to evaluate the socio-demographic profile, the preferences regarding the use of active modes of this population, and the importance given to each dimension: comfort, safety, distance, and time, comparing these indicators through the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test and the Random Forest algorithm. The results showed that people over 56 years old walk as much as younger people. Furthermore, the importance given by this group of people to indicators referring to active modes is related to safety and security, distance, time, and comfort. The statistical results of the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test indicate the most important indicators: Adequate Travel Distance & Time and Existence of Commercial Areas by age group [0–55], and Absence of Allergenics and Existence of Green Areas by age group [56+]. Finally, the Random Forest algorithm provides the relative importance for both age groups, [0–55] and [56+], where the indicators that stand out in the [56+] age group, which is the focus of our study, are air quality, adequate travel distance & time, adequate crowd density, adequate thermal sensation, absence of allergenic, good street illumination level, adequate traffic volume, and adequate noise level. © 2023, ICST Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering.