published journal article

Electric vehicles in urban delivery fleets: How far can they go?

Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment

Abstract

The goal of this study is to provide insights into the expected role of medium-duty electric vehicles (EVs) in urban delivery fleets and to analyze the effectiveness of EV subsidies on EV fleet penetration and tailpipe emissions. To meet this goal, we propose a modeling framework that determines the minimum-cost fleet size and fleet mix (of EVs and conventional vehicles) and vehicle routes for a profit-maximizing delivery company. Second, we conduct extensive analyses using this modeling framework and Southern California network data; we vary the EV driving range, per-mile cost of EVs, demand rate, service region size/structure, driver working hours, and network travel times. We find that the optimal fleet mix nearly always includes EVs and conventional vehicles. Moreover, we find that EV subsidies have limited effectiveness with current EV batteries and service regions designed around conventional vehicles. Hence, improving EV battery technology is critical to electrifying urban delivery fleets.

Suggested Citation
Dingtong Yang and Michael F. Hyland (2024) “Electric vehicles in urban delivery fleets: How far can they go?”, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 129, p. 104127. Available at: 10.1016/j.trd.2024.104127.

published journal article

How do airlines cut fuel usage, reducing their carbon emissions?

Economics of Transportation

Publication Date

June 1, 2024

Author(s)

Jan Brueckner, Matthew E. Kahn, Jerry Nickelsburg

Abstract

Airline fuel consumption is costly for the firms and for society as well due to a climate-change externality. We study how fuel-price changes affect cost-minimizing choices by airlines that have implications for the extent of this externality. The airline industry’s capital stock can be easily inventoried as a set of long-lived, durable aircraft. This portfolio approach allows us to study the utilization and composition of the capital stock at a highly disaggregated level. Changes in airline operations directed toward conserving fuel can be an important path toward lower emissions.

Suggested Citation
Jan K. Brueckner, Matthew E. Kahn and Jerry Nickelsburg (2024) “How do airlines cut fuel usage, reducing their carbon emissions?”, Economics of Transportation, 38, p. 100358. Available at: 10.1016/j.ecotra.2024.100358.

conference paper

IoT-GRAF: IoT Graph Learning-Based Anomaly and Intrusion Detection Through Multi-Modal Data Fusion

2024 Design, Automation & Test in Europe Conference & Exhibition (DATE)

Publication Date

March 1, 2024

Abstract

In the current technological landscape, Internet of Things (IoT) systems are deeply embedded in numerous facets of daily life, from domestic settings to critical infrastructure, which underscores the importance of these systems security and integrity. The constrained nature of IoT devices, in terms of computational capacity, economic limitations, or time-to-market, makes them vulnerable to security breaches and system failures. Additionally, the hybrid essence of IoT- combining the physical domain via sensor interfaces and the cyber domain through communication networks and cloud connectivity- further complicates mitigating these threats. While numerous techniques for either network intrusion detection or sensor anomaly detection exist, an integrated approach that synergistically combines information from both domains is absent. This paper proposes a multi-modal data fusion technique, which, for the first time, melds sensor and communication data. This approach underscores the interdependencies between the components, provides contextual embeddings for data from each element, and integrates the system’s physical and cyber features into a graph-based representation. Harnessing the power of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), we capture the normal state and context of the system, facilitating the detection of anomalies and intrusions. Additionally, our model discerns between network and sensor-based attacks, pinpointing the anomaly’s origin, thereby expediting post-incident recovery. Optimized for fog-computing environments, our solution ensures real-time oversight. Rigorous testing on greenhouse IoT systems indicates the efficacy of our model, with a commendable 22% improvement in Fl-score over singular modal techniques.

Suggested Citation
Rozhin Yasaei, Yasamin Moghaddas and Mohammad Abdullah Al Faruque (2024) “IoT-GRAF: IoT Graph Learning-Based Anomaly and Intrusion Detection Through Multi-Modal Data Fusion”, in 2024 Design, Automation & Test in Europe Conference & Exhibition (DATE). 2024 Design, Automation & Test in Europe Conference & Exhibition (DATE), pp. 1–6. Available at: 10.23919/DATE58400.2024.10546572.

policy brief

California Can Simplify the Housing Element Law to Reduce Administrative Burdens and Improve Social Equity

Abstract

California’s Housing Element law requires all local governments to adequately plan to meet the state’s existing and future housing needs. The law establishes processes for determining regional housing needs and requires regional councils of governments (COGs) with allocating these housing needs to cities and counties in the form of numerical targets. Local governments must update the housing element of their general plans and adopt policies to accommodate the housing targets. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) reviews all local housing elements and determines whether the elements comply with state law.

Suggested Citation
Douglas Houston, Huixin Zheng, Jae Hong Kim and Nicholas Marantz (2021) California Can Simplify the Housing Element Law to Reduce Administrative Burdens and Improve Social Equity. Policy Brief. UC ITS. Available at: https://doi.org/10.7922/g24f1p2k.

research report

Spatially Focused Travel Survey Data Collection and Analysis: Closing Data Gaps for Climate Change Policy

Abstract

This research explored the effect of small area land use policies on land use–travel behavior relationships. The authors pioneered methods to obtain travel data with sufficient spatial focus to shed light on how land use influences vehicle miles of travel. Travel diary surveys were obtained from four small neighborhoods in southern California. Results suggest differences in walking, transit, and passenger vehicle travel behavior associated with residing in areas with different built environment, land use, and transit access characteristics. Households in areas with higher employment accessibility tended to have more walking travel and lower vehicle miles of travel (VMT). Households within 1.5 miles of a rail transit station tended to have more transit ridership. Households within 0.5–1.0 miles of a rail transit station tended to have more walking travel, while households with higher levels of transit service were associated with lower household VMT. The methods developed advanced efforts toward low-cost, rapid travel data collection that can be used in before-and-after transportation program evaluations in the future.

Suggested Citation
Doug Houston, Marlon Boarnet, GAVIN FERGUSON and DAVID WILLIAM NYENHUIS (2013) Spatially Focused Travel Survey Data Collection and Analysis: Closing Data Gaps for Climate Change Policy. Research Report CA14-2243. ITS-Irvine. Available at: https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/f0016826-final-report-contract-65a0438-task-2243.pdf.

conference paper

An exploration of the potential feasibility of a freight tram scheme in Barcelona

Proceedings of the european transport conference proceedings, glasgow, UK

Publication Date

January 1, 2011

Author(s)

Robert Regue, A.L. Bristow
Suggested Citation
R. Regué and A.L. Bristow (2011) “An exploration of the potential feasibility of a freight tram scheme in Barcelona”, in Proceedings of the european transport conference proceedings, glasgow, UK.

published journal article

Trucking industry perceptions of congestion problems and potential solutions in maritime intermodal operations in California

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice

Abstract

Efficient maritime transportation is heavily dependent on the smooth operation of land transportation. Swift modal transfers are key to successful intermodal operations. In this paper we examine the efficiency of maritime intermodal transfer facilities in California, from the point of view of the trucking companies that use these facilities. We also examine the perceived effects of traffic network congestion on intermodal carriers’ operations. Conclusions are based on a recent survey of nearly 1200 private and for-hire carriers operating in California. Over 450 of the companies surveyed had operations involving maritime ports in California. These provided a rich sample of responses and significant insights into the current state of the industry. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Suggested Citation
Amelia C. Regan and Thomas F. Golob (2000) “Trucking industry perceptions of congestion problems and potential solutions in maritime intermodal operations in California”, Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 34(8), pp. 587–605. Available at: 10.1016/s0965-8564(99)00042-7.

working paper

Gender Differences in Commuting: An Empirical Study of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

Publication Date

September 5, 1994

Author(s)

Working Paper

UCI-ITS-WP-94-2

Areas of Expertise

Abstract

In sum, my results show that household type, race and housing tenure influence males and females differently. I find that the presence of children contributes to the gender difference in commuting more for whites and for two-worker households than for other groups. However, the effects of the presence of children are not significant on both male and female commuting distances. In fact, I find that two-worker household males behave differently from two-worker household females, and that two-worker household females behave differently from single-worker household females. I also find that there are sharper gender differences among whites than among nonwhites, a conclusion similar to that of Mclafferty and Preston (1991). Finally, I find that housing tenure seems to strongly influence the commuting distances of males, nonwhites, and workers from two-worker households.

Suggested Citation
Seyoung Kim (1994) Gender Differences in Commuting: An Empirical Study of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Working Paper UCI-ITS-WP-94-2. Institute of Transportation Studies, Irvine. Available at: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/57k7902n.

published journal article

Statistical and neural classifiers to detect traffic operational problems on urban arterials

Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies

Publication Date

December 1, 1998
Suggested Citation
Sarosh I. Khan and Stephen G. Ritchie (1998) “Statistical and neural classifiers to detect traffic operational problems on urban arterials”, Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 6(5-6), pp. 291–314. Available at: 10.1016/s0968-090x(99)00005-4.

working paper

The Distribution of Population in a Contemporary Metropolitan Area: The Case of Orange County (A Replication)

Publication Date

June 1, 1991

Associated Project

Working Paper

UCI-ITS-WP-91-5, UCTC 44

Areas of Expertise

Abstract

This paper examines the population distribution in a rapid development area – Orange County in 1980. The population density gradients are estimated with a polycentric model as well as with a monocentric model. The paper shows that the polycentric model of population distribution fits Orange County better than the monocentric model, and that the population in Orange County is more dispersed than in Los Angeles County. It is found that Downtown Los Angeles has a significant influence on the population distribution in Orange County. The aggregate influences of centers on population distribution have a wide range which are affected by the inclusion of center Downtown Los Angeles.

Suggested Citation
Shunfeng Song and Kenneth A. Small (1991) The Distribution of Population in a Contemporary Metropolitan Area: The Case of Orange County (A Replication). Working Paper UCI-ITS-WP-91-5, UCTC 44. Institute of Transportation Studies, Irvine. Available at: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1t61m7wd.