Developing a Connectivity Index for Intermodal Freight

Transportation network connectivity indices have been developed using eigenvector, graph theoretic, and gravity models. These models have been applied to single or multiple modes, and to public transit networks and freight networks alike. However, no model has synthesized these approaches to provide an intermodal freight connectivity index that is scalable, multi-resolutional, and intuitive. Treating the freight network as an interconnected multilayer network, this paper develops a methodology for employing a unique macro-micro-macro approach that draws its inputs from two levels of resolution to produce a novel freight connectivity index. The developed index simplifies the complex interplay of network characteristics, operating conditions, and infrastructural capabilities to show the geographic distribution of connectivity across a network, serving as a key performance indicator for public and private decision makers alike. In a small-scale case study, the developed index is applied to a hypothetical network. Numerical analysis reveals strategies for improving the performance of the freight transportation network.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AT045 Standing Committee on Intermodal Freight Transport. Alternate title: A Multiresolution Index for Intermodal Freight Connectivity.
• Authors:
  • Jordan, Samuel W
  • Talebian, Ahmadreza
  • Mishra, Sabyasachee
  • Gkolias, Mihalis M
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2018-1-7 to 2018-1-11
• Date: 2018

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 6p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Connectivity; Freight transportation; Intermodal transportation; Methodology; Networks; Numerical analysis
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01661371
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 18-03456
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 27 2018 9:44AM