1,720,964 research outputs found
Spatial implications of public transport investments in metropolitan areas: some empirical evidence regarding light rail and bus rapid transit
No full textModeling consumers’ purchase and delivery choices in the face of the information age
No full textA major trend, recently drawing much attention, is the employment of new technologies in retailing. This involves a shift from some aspects of the traditional store format towards the introduction of electronic means of performing retail activities. E-retail encompasses three main activities—specifically, a product search activity (often referred to as a product-evaluation or information-gathering facility), an online purchase function, and the product delivery capability. Early studies have asserted that information technology would generate a revolution in the retail sector, owing to the potential of the web to reduce the costs of transaction, transportation, and searching. Yet the proportion of virtual shopping is significantly smaller than that of traditional shopping. An understanding of this difference can be obtained by modeling consumer choices. This paper will examine the different shopping activities, by modeling both purchase and delivery choices. Identifying the reasons that consumers use virtual (electronic) modes is crucial in order to influence the share of electronic shopping and to understand the potential impacts. Modeling the probability of using e-shopping should reveal the significant variables that may encourage or discourage the use of this mode of shopping.
For whom the trains roll? An equity analysis of rail enhancement in Israel
Full text linkRail has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance in recent decades, with substantial new investments made therein. Justification oftentimes rests on rail’s non-transport benefits, particularly the idea of opening-up new prospects for the carless. While many studies focus on accessibility to opportunities, this study attempts to evaluate the equity of investments. To that end, it is particularly pertinent to assess the degree to which rail is accessible to the carless, to identify exactly who benefits from the investment in rail, and who does not. As inter-city rail is inherently spatially inequitable, feeder bus services are sometimes added to mitigate these inequities. In this paper, we analyzed the equity facets of the enhancement of inter-city rail, including feeder bus services, in Israel, by examining the siting of rail stations, and mapping out all bus routes reaching heavy rail stations nationwide. Subsequently, we analyzed the attributes of the cities and towns serviced by rail, and of the population residing near bus stops on the feeder routes, as well as the frequency of service in those stops. Access to inter-urban rail in Israel was investigated, in terms of equity, at an unprecedented level of detail, thereby enabling us to assess which population groups stand to potentially benefit from the very substantial current investments in rail. We found that the Arab minority benefits the least, with adverse implications on women’s motility, largely due to limited bus feeder lines to the rail system
Identifying Regulatory Barriers in the Management of Ecological Corridors in an Increasingly Congested Space
No full textEcological corridors are essential in facilitating the movement and dispersal of flora and fauna between separate and often isolated habitat patches. In recent years, Israel has confronted significant challenges due to the rapid pace of construction, driven in part by exceptional population growth that sets it apart on the global demographic stage. This accelerated development creates an unprecedented long-term impact on ecosystems. A key obstacle to maintaining ecological corridors is the Israeli government’s decision to construct thousands of housing units using expedited plans that circumvent standard planning processes. Such projects significantly impact these corridors, given that approximately 16% of their designated areas overlap with ecological corridors. This raises two pressing questions: Can the existing ecological corridors endure these changes and remain functional, or does the role of ecological corridors need to be redefined due to increasing urban development? What are the necessary institutional frameworks required to effectively manage these corridors in an environment that is becoming progressively denser? The research focuses on two case studies in the densely populated Central District in Israel, encompassing both local and regional ecological corridors. The regulatory assessment will point out key stakeholders, identify potential threats to the corridors, and explore existing regulatory mechanisms for planning and managing these corridors
Urban Energy Transitions: A Systematic Review
No full textUrban energy efficiency and sustainability are critical challenges, as cities worldwide attempt to balance economic growth, environmental sustainability, and energy consumption. This systematic review examines the dynamics of urban energy management, focusing on how local authorities navigate energy transitions through efficiency measures, renewable energy adoption, and policy interventions. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following research question: how do local authorities implement energy-efficient practices and adopt renewable energy technologies to reduce emissions, optimize cost-effectiveness, and influence urban policy-making? The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of these approaches in different urban contexts. By reviewing 47 articles, this study identifies the unique characteristics of urban energy management and highlights the need for tailored, context-specific solutions, such as integrating decentralized renewable energy systems, optimizing building energy performance, and developing policy incentives that consider local socio-economic conditions. The findings reveal varying degrees of success among cities, with particular challenges in lower-income municipalities, where financial and institutional barriers hinder the implementation of sustainable energy projects. This study concludes that localized approaches and long-term strategies are essential for achieving sustainable urban energy transitions, offering a comprehensive perspective on the complexities of urban energy systems and their evolving policy landscape. Future research should focus on assessing the long-term impact of municipal energy policies, exploring innovative financing mechanisms for renewable energy integration, and examining the role of digital technologies in optimizing urban energy management
Rail transportation and core-periphery reliance in Israel
Get PDFMany policy makers suggest that rail is the solution for the development of the periphery, often conceived as a space suffering from under-development and lack of accessibility to the core. However, this policy, promoted around the world, does not consider core-periphery reliance as one of the rail investments' impacts. This study will examine the question: to what extent does the peripheral city, connected to the rail service, has a larger reliance on the core city? This study is a cross-sectional study that focuses on the passenger rail of an existing line to the periphery and of a planned line. The research reveals that rail does not necessarily induce the local development of the periphery but it induces larger reliance on the core
Mobility and accessibility concerns for tourists in Tel Aviv-Jaffa area
Full text linkThis research aims to study the mobility and accessibility challenges tourists confront within a central tourist district. The subjects of mobility and accessibility have been studied extensively, particularly in relation to individual commu-ting flows, or shopping. However, for both commuting and shopping activities, individuals are dealing with a familiar area. On the other hand, the tourist’s spatial experience occurs in a far less known environment and has less been examined. The study focuses on the domestic tourist experience in the Tel-Aviv-Jaffa area. In depth face-to-face interviews were conducted to evaluate how considerations of spatial mobility and accessibility are perceived among domestic tourists in comparison to other aspects of the tourist experience. In addition, interviews with planners and policy makers on the municipal and national levels were conducted to evaluate the services given to tourists, existing and future plans, and the care for tourists’ needs. The research depicts that the spatial mobility challenges tourists face have a great influence on tourist satisfaction, even greater than the tourist product itself. Moreover, the study points to the correlation between land-use density in tourist places of residence and their perception of spatial challenges
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