CCAMs (cooperative, connected and automated mobility) ethical and legal aspects related to equity
Cooperative, connected, and automated mobility (CCAM) is profoundly transforming transportation through digitization and automation. However, its social and ethical effects do not always receive the same attention, and therefore the issue of equity remains largely unexplored. This thesis focuses on...
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| Tipo de recurso: | tesis de maestría |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repositorio: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/454937 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/454937 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Urban transportation policy Residential mobility Connected Automated Mobility Equity Política de transport urbà Mobilitat residencial Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria civil::Infraestructures i modelització dels transports::Transport urbà |
| Sumario: | Cooperative, connected, and automated mobility (CCAM) is profoundly transforming transportation through digitization and automation. However, its social and ethical effects do not always receive the same attention, and therefore the issue of equity remains largely unexplored. This thesis focuses on critically analyzing how equity is incorporated into the development and implementation of public CCAM systems in Europe. A mixed-methods approach was used to address this issue. First, a conceptual framework was developed based on the existing literature through a state-of-the-art analysis. Next, semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts, professionals, and users, and finally, a multi-criteria decision-making model (Fuzzy Best-Worst Method) was applied. The research is structured around five dimensions of equity: territorial accessibility, affordability and economic inclusion, accessibility for older people or people with disabilities, digital inclusion and democratic participation, as well as cultural and geographical representation. The results show that the main concerns of the actors involved focus on affordability and difficulties in access for vulnerable groups. Digital inclusion also appears to be an increasingly relevant issue, while cultural and territorial representation tends to receive less priority. Both the interviews and the multi-criteria analysis highlight that equity is approached in many CCAM projects more as a rhetorical goal than as a real commitment based on metrics or regulations. Based on this diagnosis, the thesis formulates a set of proposals to incorporate equity from the design phase of CCAM policies and projects. These consist of pricing systems adaptable to different economic capacities, universal accessibility standards, service availability, and participatory planning mechanisms. In addition, the ethical and sustainability implications are examined, placing equity within the framework of broader social and environmental goals in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In conclusion, the study argues that equity should play a more prominent role in the development of the CCAM and not be limited to a secondary role. Only in this way can future mobility be truly inclusive and fair. The research offers both a conceptual and practical contribution, providing useful tools for policymakers, industry professionals, and the academic community interested in debates on justice and transportation. |
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