The SMAC project (Sustainable Mobility for Airport Connectivity) focuses on optimizing airport transport and addressing the challenges posed by the currently high share of motorized individual transport (MIT). SMAC combines data-driven analyses, innovative technologies, and practical applications.
Sustainable Mobility Matters Now
The increasing number of air passengers is leading to more traffic congestion and higher emissions, placing a burden on both the environment and infrastructure. The goal of SMAC is to develop sustainable mobility solutions that make long-haul flight connections more eco-friendly and efficient. To achieve this, the share of public transportation (PT) should be increased and complemented with new technologies such as automated shuttles.
Methodological Approach
The primary objective of SMAC is to develop and evaluate environmentally friendly and demand-oriented solutions for airport transport.
At the start of the project, a comprehensive survey of airport guests will be conducted. This survey will provide insights into the current choice of transport modes for airport access (modal split), the needs of travelers, and the factors that could motivate a shift to public transport. AIT supports this by designing the survey and applying the Stated Preference / Revealed Preference methodology to gather valid and comprehensive insights into the preferences and behavior patterns of travelers.
Based on this data, tailored services and measures will be developed. AIT’s tasks include the design and impact analysis of airport services such as baggage transfer, as well as innovative transport modes like automated shuttles and air taxis. Particular attention is given to the use of augmented reality to evaluate the acceptance of air taxis.
The developed concepts and measures will subsequently be evaluated not only technically but also in terms of their economic feasibility and their role in the overall transportation system.
Innovation Meets Infrastructure
SMAC takes an innovative approach, considering airport transport holistically and going beyond conventional solutions. The integration of technologies such as autonomous shuttles and air taxis, as well as additional services like baggage transport, aims to further enhance the attractiveness of public transport.
Targeted Outcomes
- Mobility Behavior Report: A detailed report will provide insights into the preferences and needs of airport guests.
- Case Study: A case study will evaluate the effectiveness of new mobility offerings and services based on simulation results.
- Quick-Assessment Tool: This tool will enable quick and reliable assessments of potential measures, offering decision-making support for transport planning.
Funding
This project is funded by the FFG through the TAKEOFF Call 2020.
