Developing a Conceptual Framework for the Evaluation of Urban Freight Distribution Initiatives

The evaluation of urban freight distribution initiatives is an essential process to the successful and effective implementation. The ultimate goal is to identify solutions where economic, social and environmental objectives can be combined, in order to achieve sustainable urban freight transport development. This paper presents the development of a conceptual framework for modelling the dynamic behavior of various stakeholders in urban freight distribution and evaluates different strategic policies. The framework allows decision makers to conceptualize the promising initiatives and the factors that will be integrated into the model development. The methodology proposed takes into consideration the behavior of several stakeholders and their interactions using the multi-agent system approach. Then the urban freight distribution initiatives can be prioritized. The case study of Rundle Mall Precinct, Adelaide is introduced and will be the test case for the model developed.