INTRODUCTION: As cities gradually begin integrating autonomous vehicles into existing transport systems, it becomes essential to assess their potential impacts on traffic dynamics and safety in a comprehensive and systematic manner — particularly through tools that can anticipate impacts before actual on-road deployment. OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to develop a data-driven and modular framework to evaluate the integration of autonomous mobility solutions in mixed traffic conditions. METHODS: A data-driven approach combining sensor data collected during autonomous shuttle trials with video-based behavioural analysis of road users and calibrated traffic microsimulation is employed to perform ex-ante assessment of different deployment scenarios. RESULTS: The framework enables the evaluation of the impacts of autonomous mobility solutions on traffic performance and safety, providing insights across multiple scenarios. CONCLUSION: The framework supports informed decision-making and enhances the understanding of how autonomous mobility can be effectively integrated into urban environments.
Achieving ultra-low latency in Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication is essential for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of autonomous vehicles (AVs). However, existing systems often struggle to meet the stringent latency demands, particularly in complex and rapidly changing urban environments. This study introduces an innovative framework that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) for dynamic resource allocation in V2X networks. By integrating real-time data analysis, edge computing, and 5G capabilities, the proposed approach effectively minimizes latency. Simulation results indicate up to a 35% reduction in latency compared to conventional models, underscoring the potential of AI in enhancing the responsiveness and reliability of V2X systems. These findings offer a significant step toward making autonomous vehicle deployments more viable in smart cities.
The Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) is instrumental in enhancing global cities' efficiency, resilience, and sustainability as the central hub for urban management. By integrating diverse technological solutions and data sources, the ICCC enables real-time monitoring, analysis, and control of urban systems, aiding informed decision-making in city planning. Urban planners leverage the ICCC to assimilate data from various sectors such as traffic management, public safety, utilities, and environmental monitoring, fostering a holistic understanding of urban dynamics. This data-driven approach empowers planners to anticipate challenges, identify trends, and devise effective strategies for sustainable development, including optimizing traffic flow and implementing targeted interventions for environmental sustainability. Moreover, the ICCC serves as a centralized platform for emergency response and fosters citizen engagement through smart governance tools, enabling residents to access real-time information and provide feedback. However, challenges like lack of infrastructure, governance, funding, and skills hinder its holistic implementation. As technology continues to advance, the role of the ICCC will evolve, presenting new opportunities for innovation and sustainable urban development. Proposed in all Smart Cities of India under the Smart Cities Mission, Integrated Control and Command Centres (ICCCs) are operational in 100 cities, with Agartala, Indore, and Vadodara highlighted for sustainable business models. Yet, challenges persist in creating comprehensive ICCC models. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to investigate and strategize the implementation of ICCCs in Indian cities for improved governance and urban resilience.
INTRODUCTION: Commercial buses serve as the predominant mode of public transportation in Tanzania, with 90% of travellers opting for them, especially for inter-regional and urban-rural journeys. Despite their widespread use, the affordability of this mode has led to a rise in road safety issues, resulting in an alarming surge in accidents, injuries, and fatalities. This paper explores the potential of eLearning as an alternative approach to enhance road safety in Tanzania's commercial bus sector. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study is to assess bus drivers' perceptions of eLearning deployment and develop a tailored course to improve road safety practices. The overarching goal is to contribute to existing knowledge by creating a training course addressing identified gaps in the context of changing driver behaviours in Tanzania. METHODS: Employing a quantitative approach, data for this study were collected through an online survey on Qualtrics and semi-structured interviews over three weeks. Participants included individuals from the National Institute of Transport (NIT), Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA), road safety NGOs, and bus drivers in Dar es Salaam, in collaboration with the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA). The study involved the development of an eLearning package tailored for professional bus drivers, utilizing social network analysis techniques. RESULTS: The survey, comprising 153 participants, provided insights into bus drivers' preferences for a 35-hour theory and practical training program. Findings indicated a high willingness among drivers to adopt eLearning, with smartphones being the preferred device. The study also proposed a comprehensive eLearning package, incorporating six modules derived from research findings, to enhance road safety awareness among professional bus drivers. CONCLUSION: This research advocates for developing and implementing eLearning as a viable strategy to enhance road safety awareness and skills among commercial bus drivers in Tanzania. The proposed eLearning modules and the learning management system (LMS) aim to address the limitations of traditional in-person training, providing a flexible and accessible alternative. Future efforts should involve stakeholders, policy discussions, and integration with GPS tracking for targeted feedback and continuous improvement in driving behaviours. Overall, the introduction of eLearning has the potential to impact safety cultures within companies positively and contribute to reducing road traffic accidents.
The integration of automation into urban planning introduces a complex dynamic where efficiency often clashes with equity, especially for marginalized communities. This necessitates a delicate balance between these two aspects. This article investigates the ethical principles and equity considerations in urban planning decisions, revealing a historical and contemporary bias towards efficiency, marginalizing certain groups. Automation, while beneficial in sectors like transportation, land use, and infrastructure, can perpetuate existing inequities and pose ethical challenges such as algorithmic bias and data privacy concerns. The article explores the impacts of automation on plan execution and monitoring, highlighting the need for current best practices to address these challenges. It provides an overview of automation in urban planning and calls for continuous research, collaboration, and improvement to ensure efficiency and equity are mutually reinforced.
