Evaluating the spatial and social equity effects of road pricing in the European urban context: the Madrid Metropolitan Area.

The paper explores the spatial and social impacts arising from implementation of a road-pricing scheme in the Madrid Metropolitan Area (MMA). Our analytical focus is on understanding the effects of the scheme on the transport accessibility of different social groups within the MMA. We define an evaluation framework to appraise the accessibility of different districts within the MMA in terms of the actual and perceived cost of using the road infrastructure "before" and "after" the implementation of the scheme. The framework was developed using quantitative survey data and qualitative data from focus group discussions with residents. We then simulated user behaviors (mode and route choice) based on the empirical evidence from a travel demand model for the MMA. The results from our simulation model demonstrated that implementation of the toll on the orbital metropolitan motorways (M40, M30, for example) decreases accessibility, mostly in the districts where there are no viable public transport alternatives. Our key finding is that the economic burden of the road-pricing scheme particularly affects unskilled and lower income individuals living in the south of the MMA. Consequently lower income people reduce their use of tolled roads and have to find new arrangements for these trips: i.e. switch to the public transport, spend double the time for their commuter trips or stay at home. The results of our research could be applicable more widely for anyone wishing to better understand the important relationship between increased transport cost and social equity, especially where there is an intention to introduce similar road-pricing schemes within the urban context.

Zonas de actividad logística : 25 años de experiencia española : evolución y tendencias : criterios y parámetros de diseño para su implantación y ordenación

El objeto de la investigación es analizar la situación de las plataformas logísticas y caracterizar las mismas, sus áreas funcionales y los parámetros de diseño que se utilizan para su planificación y desarrollo. La investigación se ha realizado sobre las plataformas logísticas existentes en España, si bien se ha contrastado la situación nacional con otras experiencias internacionales. Para ello se ha procedido al estudio del estado del arte a nivel internacional, determinando la terminología, caracterización y clasificación que aporta la comunidad científica al respecto sobre las plataformas logísticas. La investigación se ha centrado en el estudio de un elevado número de plataformas logísticas ubicadas en distintas Comunidades Autónomas, que representan en torno al cuarenta por ciento de las que se encuentran en estos momentos en activo, analizando sus datos básicos, su clasificación en lo que respecta a su grado de centralidad, su intermodalidad, su accesibilidad, y la información urbanística relativa a superficies de áreas funcionales, edificabilidades, usos principales, complementarios y no admitidos, red viaria, zonas verdes, y parámetros máximos y mínimos de ordenación. El análisis, valoración e interpretación de los resultados obtenidos, ha permitido concluir en la heterogeneidad existente sobre el término, proponiéndose por parte del autor un nuevo concepto que englobe y defina de forma genérica pero clara la tipología de plataformas logísticas presentes en el panorama nacional. Del mismo modo, y como consecuencia de la investigación realizada, ha sido posible la caracterización de una “plataforma logística tipo”, estableciendo unos parámetros de diseño estándar para desarrollos posteriores. Finalmente se proponen varias líneas de investigación. En primer lugar, analizar el conjunto del transporte de mercancías, para determinar y valorar su desequilibrio, para de este modo potenciar la intermodalidad e internacionalizar la misma; y, en segundo lugar, establecer una regulación global de las competencias y legislación en materia de planificación de centros logísticos, para racionalizar el desarrollo de estos elementos. The aim of this research is to analyze the situation of logistics platforms and to characterize them, their functional areas and the design parameters that are used in their planning and development. This study was conducted on logistics platforms in Spain, although the situation in Spain has been compared to other international experiences. For this purpose, the international state-of-the-art has been examined, determining the terminology, characterization and classification provided by the scientific community in regard to logistics platforms. The research focuses on the study of a large number of logistics platforms located in different Autonomous Regions, representing approximately 40% of those currently in operation. An analysis has been made of the fundamental data, classification in regard to the degree of centrality, intermodality, accessibility and the urban planning information relating to functional area spaces, as well as buildable potential, main, complementary and prohibited uses, the road network, green zones and maximum and minimum development planning parameters. The analysis, evaluation and interpretation of the results obtained has led to the conclusion of the heterogeneous nature of the term, and the author proposes a new concept that would cover and define, in a generic yet clear way, the typology of logistics platforms present in the national scenario. In a similar manner, and as a result of the research conducted, it has been possible to define a “logistics platform type”, establishing standard design parameters for future developments. Lastly, various lines of research are proposed. In the first place, to analyze overall goods transport to determine and evaluate its imbalances and, in this way, to promote its intermodality and internationalization. In the second place, to establish a global regulation of competencies and legislation with regard to the planning of logistics centers, to rationalize the development of these elements.