Underground Urban Goods Distribution Networks

Abstract

Automated underground transportation is an option to overcome accessibility and environmental problems related to urban goods transport. One underground alternative is an 'underground link' that connects an urban distribution park at the borders of a city directly to inner-city shopping areas. Standard or modified road vehicles (vans, small trucks) use the link, which is an advanced form of a dedicated lane. Another underground alternative is a fully underground distribution network. In this system, dedicated, automated vehicles distribute goods to the addressees. Underground systems use new vehicle and transhipment technologies and require new logistic concepts. Both alternatives underpass heavily congested roads and sensitive objects or areas and improve the accessibility (for goods transport) of urban centres. The underground network improves accessibility even more as it removes most goods traffic from surface roads. In the operational phase it also has significant positive effects on the environment (noise, emissions) and traffic safety. The construction phase and the traffic generating effect, on both goods and passenger transport, may limit some of the positive effects. Underground systems strengthen the position of cities and this will, in the long term, contribute to a sustainable development.