Teresa Galvão

Abstract
This study estimates alighting stops and transfers from entry-only Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) data. The methodology adopted includes two main steps: an implementation of the Trip Chaining Method (TCM) to estimate the alighting stops from AFC records and the subsequent application of criteria for the identification of transfers. For each pair of consecutive AFC records on the same smart card, a transfer is identified considering a threshold for the walking distance, a threshold for the time required to perform an activity, and the validation of different boarding routes. This methodology was applied to the case study of Porto, Portugal, considering all trips performed by a set of 19999 smart cards over one year. The results of this methodology allied with visualization techniques allowed to study Origin-Destination (OD) patterns by type of day, seasonally, and by user frequency, each analyzed at the stop level and at the geographic area level. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

Abstract
This review is an analysis of the literature on public transport and mobile ticketing systems and their gamification. The review is divided into three main topics: (i) Behavioral Change in relation to Public Transport, (ii) Gamification, and (iii) Gamification in Public Transport and Mobile Ticketing. This study shows the diversity of the theme of gamification applied to the transport sector and demonstrates its potential to attract and retain more customers for more sustainable means of transport. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

Abstract
Due to an increase in population, urban centers are currently seeing an increase in traffic, resulting in negative consequences such as pollution and congestion. Efforts have been made to promote a modal shift towards the use of more sustainable means of transport, such as walking and cycling, but several deterrents influence the citizens' perceptions of safety, security and comfort, discouraging their choice of active modes of transport. This study focuses on the importance of providing meaningful information to vulnerable road users (VRUs) to support their perceptions and objectives while moving within urban spaces through a novel concept of route planning. A broad survey of the needs and concerns of VRUs through interviews, focus groups and questionnaires, applied to the Portuguese population of the Metropolitan Area of Porto, led to the development of a new concept of route planners that show personalized routes according to the individual perceptions of each user. This concept is materialized in a route planner prototype that has been extensively tested by potential users. Subjective evaluation and feedback showed the usefulness of the concept and added value to a familiar product, leading to a satisfying experience for participants. This study shows that there is an opportunity to improve these tools to provide a higher degree of power and customization to users on route planning, which includes addressing mobility restrictions and personal perceptions of safety, security and comfort. The ultimate goal of this new approach is to persuade citizens to switch to more sustainable means of transport.

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.