Title: Traffic flow forecasting for city logistics: a literature review and evaluation

Authors: Evripidis P. Kechagias; Sotiris P. Gayialis; Grigorios D. Konstantakopoulos; Georgios A. Papadopoulos

Addresses: Sector of Industrial Management and Operational Research, School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Iroon Polytechniou 9, 15780, Athens, Greece ' Sector of Industrial Management and Operational Research, School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Iroon Polytechniou 9, 15780, Athens, Greece ' Sector of Industrial Management and Operational Research, School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Iroon Polytechniou 9, 15780, Athens, Greece ' Sector of Industrial Management and Operational Research, School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Iroon Polytechniou 9, 15780, Athens, Greece

Abstract: This article presents a thorough literature review and evaluation of road traffic forecasting methods. More specifically, the literature review concerns the study of scientific articles, in order to draw conclusions on the best-applied methods and future directions of their implementation in city logistics. The algorithms (methods), through which the traffic forecast is carried out, are categorised and analysed, focusing on their potential implementation in freight transportation systems. It is beyond dispute that the proper use of traffic congestion information can significantly improve public confidence in road networks and reduce traffic congestion as well as its harmful environmental and social impacts. This analysis and the knowledge gained will be used in an on-going research project in order to support the application of traffic forecasting algorithms in the functionality of a vehicle routing and scheduling information system. This review is a useful tool for academia's and practitioners who study the adoption of traffic forecasting algorithms in IT solutions in order to schedule deliveries and routes in city logistics environment effectively.

Keywords: traffic forecasting; forecasting algorithms; urban freight transportation; UFT; city logistics; travel time; literature review; decision support systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDSS.2019.104556

International Journal of Decision Support Systems, 2019 Vol.4 No.2, pp.159 - 176

Received: 06 Mar 2019
Accepted: 12 May 2019

Published online: 20 Jan 2020 *

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