This paper presents a new concept of co-operative use of electric vans for urban freight transport. The main idea of the system is that an organisation provides some electric vans at various public parking places to be used cooperatively by many companies. Tests have been conducted in the central area of Osaka City using 28 electric vans equipped with advanced information systems with the participation of 79 voluntary companies. The test system has been well operated without any serious trouble. About 24% of users returned the electric vans at the different parking place from the starting parking place after delivering goods to customers and changed to public transport. This behaviour can contribute to reduce truck traffic in urban areas for better environment. The willingness to pay of most users was found to be too low as compared with the required costs for the system. Some subsidies or any strategic policy may be necessary from the public sector to promote the system.
Samenvatting