Transportation Engineering
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- ItemSTRATEGIC PLANNING FOR SMART MOBILITY FOR NEW CITIES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A CASE STUDY FROM PALESTINE(An-Najah National University, 2024-03-03) Sawafta, RayaBackground: As developing countries undergo rapid urbanization, the establishment of new cities presents a unique opportunity to integrate innovative smart mobility solutions that can address emerging challenges and create sustainable urban environments. This thesis proposes a comprehensive strategic planning framework for achieving smart mobility systems in new cities within developing countries, considering Palestine as the case study. Aims: The objectives of the thesis is to leverage technology and data-driven approaches to enhance transportation efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve overall quality of life. Objectives include developing a strategic planning framework that encompasses various dimensions, including infrastructure development, policy formulation, technological integration, and community engagement. Another key objective of the thesis, utilizing successful case studies from both developed and developing regions, is outlining key considerations for designing and implementing smart mobility initiatives tailored to the specific needs and contexts of new cities in developing countries. Methodology: In order to propose the strategic planning framework for smart mobility for new cities in Palestine, a comprehensive literature review was first conducted, including examining regional and international experiences in the field. This culminated in defining the concept, requirements and components of smart mobility, as well as in comparing how transforming of existing communities towards having smart transportation with planning new cities smart transportation, whether in developed countries or developing countries. The second phase involved the identification of the key factors to be include in the strategic planning process towards smart mobility, using cross impact balance (CIB) method through the analysis phase. This phase concluded with the issuance of recommendations and results, serving as guidelines for local authorities and relevant entities in each study area. Additionally, a general strategic planning framework for smart mobility for new cities was provided. Main results: The thesis provides strategic planning for smart mobility for new cities in Palestine that can guide decision-makers, urban planners, and stakeholders in Palestine as they embark on the creation of new smart cities. The thesis presents the approach and outcome of the application of the CIB method, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the interconnected factors and their potential impacts on the strategic planning process. This includes identifying the goals and objectives, as well as the broad strategies, to achieve the vision of establishing a new city that could be characterized to have smart and integrated mobility system. The main goals include enhancing transportation infrastructure, supporting economic growth, integrating sustainable mobility, implementing smart security infrastructure, and fostering good governance. Conclusions of the study: The strategic planning for smart mobility in new cities in Palestine focuses on the main sectors such as transportation and mobility, social, economy, security, governance, technology, and the citizens. The research emphasizes the use of tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), simulation software, big data analytics, urban planning software, Intelligent Traffic Management Systems, and internet of things (IoT) Sensors. It also highlights the importance of citizen engagement and digital literacy, as well as the need for a regulatory framework and collaboration with local and international entities to achieve successful smart mobility strategies.
- ItemSUSTAINABLE URBAN MOBILITY - TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD) PERSPECTIVE: A PILOT PLANNING APPROACH FOR PALESTINIAN CITIES(An-Najah National University, 2024-03-03) Mashaqi, ShifaaBackground: Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) has emerged as a new approach in urban development in recent decades. TOD is characterized by a relatively high-density urban design with proper transit services featuring diverse land uses, complemented by a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly urban environment. Gaining knowledge and learning about good practices related to integrated urban development through urban mobility can be beneficial to reflect on concepts, plans, and policies in order to build livable and resilient Palestinian cities. Aims: The primary objective of the study was to assess the extent to which sustainable mobility is acknowledged in local urban plans within Palestinian case studies. The study aimed to identify sustainable mobility and integrated development strategies applicable at the local level as related to TOD. Consequently, the study provides recommended TOD policies and strategies. Methodology: A sequential research methodology was followed to study TOD as a sustainable mobility approach in Palestine. The process began with conducting literature review and examining regional and international experiences in the field. This culminated in extracting TOD principles and measurement indicators. The second phase involved the selection of the study area by choosing two exemplary cases that reflect the urban development reality in Palestine. Subsequently, data necessary for analyzing the current situation were collected from reliable sources and processed to conduct analysis for each study area. Upon accomplishing this phase, results were presented, including development of a general strategic framework to establish TOD as a planning approach in existing and emerging Palestinian cities. This was followed by conclusions and recommendations, serving as guidelines for authorities and relevant entities. Main results: The results show Rawabi City satisfies a majority of the objectives of best practice in transit-oriented urban development where it has achieved a score of 59%, categorizing it as bronze-standard according to the TOD standards. Therefore, there is a potential to enhance the TOD system at the local level by making some amendments to the city’s policies and strategies, which in turn are reflected in its urban master plan. On the other hand, Al-Raihan Suburb cannot be considered to be satisfying the acceptable TOD standard scale, as it has achieved a score of 41%. Therefore, there is a gap between its planning concept and TOD principles, requiring re-consideration of planning aspects, according to the recommended guidelines, in order to align with TOD principles. The thesis results therefore include presenting a proposed strategic planning framework for planning new urban developments, or the transformation of existing ones, to be consistent with TOD principles including the vision, goals and objectives, and the strategies. Conclusions of the study: TOD incorporates diverse components to foster the creation of sustainable, dynamic, and efficient urban structure centered around public transportation and the reduction of reliance on motorized cars. However, the essential elements of TOD encompass close proximity to transit stations, mixed-use development, high density and compact design, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and affordable housing. Furthermore, TOD is in harmony with smart growth principles, emphasizing sustainable development, minimizing environmental impact, and encouraging efficient land utilization. The recommendations include encouraging the development of compact, mixed-use urban form, with emphasis on the planning and operation of public transportation systems with proper transit stations, and prioritizing such systems during the planning of urban communities to fulfill the fundamental principles of TOD.
- ItemAN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE ISRAELI OCCUPATION AUTHORITIES POLICIES AND PRACTICES IN THE ROADS AND TRANSPORTATION SECTOR IN THE WEST BANK: NORTHERN GOVERNORATES CASE STUDY(An-Najah National University, 2025-02-27) Abu Yaqoub, AhmadBackground: The roads and transportation sector in the West Bank, Palestine, has been impacted by the Israeli authorities since occupation in 1967, which radically restructured the sector to serve their colonial interests. This has disrupted accessibility and mobility of the Palestinians. This research uniquely addresses this sector within the Zionist colonial context. Aims: The main goal of the research is to identify the Israeli policies, procedures, and practices concerning roads and transportation in West Bank, and define countermeasures to improve the Palestinians’ ability to travel. The objectives include defining the road network changes made by the Israeli occupation authorities serving the ambitions, assessing their impacts on the Palestinians and the discrimination between Palestinians and settlers concerning transportation issues, and proposing countermeasures to ease the related suffering of the Palestinians. Methodology: Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Collected literature, Israeli plans and military orders, were reviewed. Interviews with official representatives of relevant institutions were conducted. Spatial and technical Analyses were conducted concerning the Israeli policies and practices concerning mobility, accessibility, geometric design, traffic safety, traffic control, and planning of roads, mainly through case studies. GIS tools were well utilized in spatial analysis. Temporal analysis was conducted through change detection analysis. Main results: The research shows that Israeli measures severely restrict Palestinians accessibility and mobility. The results confirm the presence of apartheid policies between the Palestinians and settlers, including those related to planning and constructing bypass roads and limiting their use by Palestinians. It is found that these measures deliberately ignore the mobility, accessibility, and traffic safely aspects for the Palestinians. Such Israeli measures limiting the Palestinians mobility have been intensified in the past few years. Domination over the road network could impact the establishment of an independent Palestinian State. Conclusions of the study: The Palestinian National Authority must take immediate action, including seeking support from international courts and UN institutions. Realistic countermeasures, such as improving connections among Palestinian communities and developing alternative roads, are needed to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians accessibility and movement.
- ItemWALKABILITY IN URBAN AREAS AND INFLUENCING FACTORS; RAFIDIA STREET - NABLUS, AS A CASE STUDY(An-Najah National University, 2024-10-29) Zaki, AlawnehWalkability is a crucial component of sustainable urban development, directly influencing the quality of life by promoting pedestrian mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing environmental health. This study explores walkability by examining the essential elements and indicators that influence pedestrian movement and accessibility in urban areas. It introduces a comprehensive walkability index designed to assess and quantify these factors, offering a standardized framework for evaluating walkability across various settings. In developing countries, the walking environment is ignored due to a variety of factors, including financial constraints, lack of policies and studies on influencing factors on, and negligence of society and decision-makers regarding this mode of urban mobility. Walking in different land uses, like city center, commercial area, or residential area, is not always safe due to different factors, including lack of pedestrian facilities. The methodology was developed by integrating 10 elements, 29 indicators, and 80 sub-indicators to evaluate walkability. The elements and indicators were weighted by experts. Furthermore, data was gathered using various methods, including questionnaires, field observations, and aerial photographs. Both qualitative and quantitative data were converted into measurable quantitative scores, ranging from 0 to 1. Analysis showed that the walking environment in Rafidia street has several weaknesses. These issues stem from factors such as poor organization, linear layout, lack of attention to pedestrian facilities, and inadequate distribution of services. Additional contributing factors include the inconsistency of road right-of-way throughout the area, the absence of barriers separating pedestrians from vehicles, and the lack of a key element streetscape design. This study not only presents a detailed analysis of walkability in Rafidia Street, but also offers practical solutions to improve pedestrian experiences in urban areas. By developing a clear framework for assessing and enhancing walkability, the study contributes to the broader efforts of creating sustainable, livable cities that prioritize pedestrian mobility.
- ItemRENEGING BEHAVIOR ON DRIVE-THRU QUEUES: A CASE STUDY-BASED APPLIED MATHEMATICAL INVESTIGATION(2023-03-02) Ayman Wasef Mohammad DbeisDrive-thru service was never exclusive for fast food restaurants only, but it is still more common for them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, drive-thru services extended to the health sector as well, to maintain the physical distancing. Palestine barely includes fully-active integrated drive-thru services; however, an expansion for full infrastructure drive-thru services is expected in the near future. Whenever there is a need to obtain the service by queuing and waiting, queued customers show prominently their desire to be served as fast as possible. Impatient customers’ behaviors appear clearly in two main acts: reneging and balking. Reneging, as the main scope of this study, is one of ignored behaviors in queuing analysis, which makes analyzing and managing queues not reflecting the reality of queuing. This is due to the limited knowledge about such an event and factors leading to its occurrence. This research aims to reach a deeper understanding of the queuing theory and the queue’s characteristics, to make it more reflective and interpretive to real life queuing problems. This is done by analyzing the behavior of impatient reneging customers, and identifying how their decision is affected by the queue’s characteristics. Through non-participant observations, the required data were manually collected using surveillance camera recordings for Rio Café’s drive-thru service in Al-Bireh City. Given the purpose of this study, the data were mathematically analyzed to determine the probability distribution functions of the reneging behavior and the factors affecting waiting customers’ decision. In addition, linear and non-linear regression models were developed to predict the reneging rate and the relative frequency of reneging customers. The study showed that the exponential distribution is the probability distribution function of the time intervals between successive reneging events of at least one reneging customer per time interval. However, the reneging rate does not follow the Poisson distribution. It was concluded that the long waiting time is not the only factor causing impatient customers to renege on the queue, but other important factors affect this behavior. These factors are integrated and jointly distributed, leading to the customer's decision to leave the queue. Keywords: Reneging Behavior, Impatient Customers, Retention, Queuing Theory, Joint Probability Distribution, Spatial-Dynamic Modelling.