Luigi Dell’olio

This paper analyses tourist mode choice in Madeira using post-pandemic data (2021–2023) incorporating travel time and mode-specific costs. We investigate tourist mode choice in an island destination using a Mixed Logit (ML) model with a generic travel-time coefficient, mode-specific cost coefficients, and a random error component capturing panel heterogeneity; estimation uses simulated maximum likelihood with 2,000 Modified Latin Hypercube Sampling (MLHS) draws [1]. Using an analysis sample of 3,632 choice observations drawn from 7,121 trip records for 1,596 individuals, the model achieves a final loglikelihood of −2,517.9 and a pseudoR ² of 0.47, indicating a substantial improvement over constants-only benchmarks. Results confirm the dominant role of travel time (β_time = −0.061) and heterogeneous cost sensitivities across modes; Values of Time (VOT) range from €12.6/h for bus to €30.6/h for rental cars, underscoring the importance of time savings and reliability in policy design. Our findings provide evidence-based insights for improving multimodal accessibility and governance strategies aimed at promoting efficient and sustainable transport systems in island destinations.

Autonomous mobility is reshaping how travel time is perceived, experienced, and monetised. Most existing studies have examined the value of time (VOT), willingness to pay (WTP), comfort and safety perception, digital services, and user perception as isolated phenomena, with limited efforts to integrate these dimensions into unified analytical frameworks. This study aims to address the fragmented nature of existing research by developing an integrated understanding of user behaviour in autonomous mobility, linking VOT, WTP, psychological constructs, and service-related factors within a unified analytical perspective. A systematic review methodology following PRISMA 2020 guidelines was applied. A total of 81 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2026 were included and analysed, focusing on Private Autonomous Vehicles (PAVs) and Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs). The results reveal three main trends. First, autonomous travel introduces greater flexibility in time use and enables productive or leisure activities during travel. Second, behavioural aspects of VOT and WTP are strongly influenced by psychological constructs such as trust, safety, and risk perception. Third, notable differences emerge between PAV and SAV contexts, particularly in terms of comfort, control, and safety perception. The literature predominantly employs stated preference surveys, discrete choice models, and hybrid models incorporating psychological factors. However, fragmentation persists in modelling behavioural aspects of time perception and shared mobility services. This study provides a structured synthesis of existing evidence and highlights key research gaps by integrating economic, psychological, and service-related dimensions. The findings emphasise the importance of context-specific and psychologically informed modelling approaches to better understand user acceptance and behavioural adaptation in autonomous mobility systems.

The concept of the “x-minute city” emphasises connected, mixed-use, and functionally dense urban areas where residents can access most daily necessities within a short walk or bike ride. By promoting proximity to essential destinations and sustainable transport options, this approach reduces the need for extensive travel and minimises environmental impact. This paper analyses the readiness of cities to function as x-minute cities and identifies necessary interventions. Using a reproducible and scalable methodology based on open data and software, the study assesses the accessibility of key urban amenities within specified timeframes. Cumulative accessibility metrics are calculated for different destination categories, considering both walking and cycling. In the case of Seville, accessibility requirements outlined in policy documents are already met for many essential services, particularly public facilities. The study identifies neighbourhoods that excel in accessibility and others that require improvement in adhering to x-minute city principles. The methodology and findings can inform planning and policy decisions in other cities, guiding efforts to enhance amenity provision, test accessibility scenarios, and target intervention areas.

Understanding which aspects can have the greatest influence on the performance, comfort and safety of a public transport system can be of great help in improving its operation and promoting more sustainable mobility. To find out more about these aspects, a survey was carried out among more than 180 drivers of urban bus transport systems in seven medium-sized cities in Spain. The drivers' perspective has been insufficiently taken into account in previous research, despite the fact that these workers have a high and direct knowledge of the operation and problems directly affecting the service. The data collected through this survey have been analysed using descriptive statistics and an Ordered Probit model. The results have allowed us to detect specific aspects to improve the performance and comfort of users and drivers such as the correct location and length of bus stops and enforcing regulation to ensure that buses have priority in traffic and that illegal parking does not interfere with their operations. In addition, bus lanes were seen as important by drivers to improve the comfort and safety of the service. Other factors related to safety were generally highly rated and there was little dispersion in the responses about their importance, although aspects such as proper visibility, avoiding illegal parking, and campaigns to encourage bus users to be aware of their surroundings stood out in the answers. Finally, the payment system was highlighted as very relevant to ensure the performance and comfort of users and drivers during the operation at bus stops. Improving this system was identified as the measure that could have the greatest impact on the performance of the service as a whole.