SUSTAINABLE UNDERGROUND URBAN GOODS DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS. IN: TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT. IN SEARCH OF SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

This paper describes how, from social and environmental perspectives, the underground goods distribution systems could be a really sustainable transportation means. If the system is designed and used properly, the investment costs can be recovered (especially if societal gains are taken into account), and energy use, emissions, noise problems, physical hindrance and traffic safety problems will be reduced. Nevertheless, underground goods distribution systems will certainly not solve all goods transportation problems, since a major share of goods transportation cannot be handled by the underground system. Also constructing the system can cause major disruptions that may not be acceptable. Therefore, the advantages and disadvantages of the system for a specific situation must always be determined, but all in all, underground goods distribution is a promising way of efficiently transporting goods into urban areas while at the same time limiting the negative side-effects related to goods transport.