Decarbonization evolution of ground urban passenger transport in Moscow

Introduction. All types of urban public transport in Moscow carry about 17.81 million passengers on a daily basis. As part of the large-scale transport reform realization planned until 2030, it is intended to modernize all components of the transport infrastructure. The aim of the reform is to increase the efficiency, safety and environmental friendli­ness of the capital’s transport system.

Materials and Methods. In the context of global turbulence, measures to adapt the transport infrastructure, public transportation systems, and ensure optimal traffic conditions determine the path for the sustainable development of megacities and their ability to adapt to climate change effectively. Moscow has chosen the way of decarbonization and the transition to low-carbon modes of transport electric buses. The new electric buses are adapted to the predicted climate changes, including ensuring the technical possibility of trouble-free operation in the temperature range from -40°C to + 40 °C.

Results. In the article, the authors analyze the prospects and difficulties of introducing this type of transport into the transport system of the capital, taking into account the technical, environmental and operational characteristics of the rolling stock itself and the provision of appropriate transport infrastructure. The article also shows the flow ca­pacity and dynamics of charging infrastructure development, including ultra-fast charging stations. To avoid disrup­tions in the movement of electric buses on routes, it is important to redistribute vehicles among charging stations, which will minimize the risks of downtime and queues.

Discussions and Conclusion. At the end of the article, the authors define a list of the main measures to adapt Moscow transport complex to climate change.

1. Brizhanin V.V., Kiseleva S.P., Filippova R.V., Ostakh S.V. Prospects of carbon regulation in Russia and increasing responsibility and involvement of enterprises in activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bulletin of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. 2023; 20(2): 130-142. (In Russ.)

2. Cars, planes, trains: where do CO2 emissions from transport come from? https://ourworldindata.org/co2-emissions-from-transport.

3. Maslov A.A., Sazonov S.L. Plans of the Chinese leadership to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Greater Eurasia: development, security, cooperation. 2022; 5 (1). (In Russ.). https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/plany-rukovodstva-kitaya-po-dostizheniyu-uglerodnoy-neytralnosti-k-2060-g.

4. Vorobyov S.A. Prospects for the development of motor transport on alternative energy. Monograph. St. Petersburg: Science–intensive technologies. 2023:122. (In Russ.).

5. Analysis of the UK Electric Bus market: Society of Automobile Manufacturers and Sellers. 2023. https://www.smmt.co.uk/2023/07/uk-electric-bus-registrations.

6. Terentyev V.V. The introduction of intelligent systems in road transport. Reliability and quality of complex systems. 2018; 1 (21). https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/vnedrenie-intellektualnyh-sistem-na-avtomobilnom-transporte/viewer.

7. Jittrapirom P., Marchau V., Heijden R. Dynamic adaptive policymaking for implementing Mobility-as-a Service (MaaS). Research in Transportation Business & Management. 2018; 27: 46-55. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rtbm.2018.07.001.

8. Ruf Y., Kaufmann M., Lange S., Heieck F., Endres A., Pfister J. Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Applications for Regions and Cities: Cost analysis and high-level business case. Brussels and Frankfurt. 2017. Vol. 2.

9. Golbabaei F., Yigitcanlar T. & Bunker J. The role of shared autonomous vehicle systems in delivering smart urban mobility: A systematic review of the literature. International Journal of Sustainable Transportation. 2021; 15: 731-748.

10. Shen P. Building retrofit optimization considering future climate and decision-making under various mindsets. Journal of Building Engineering. 2024; 96: 110422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110422.

11. Glasgow’s strategy for creating low-emission zones: Glasgow City Council. 2023. https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/lowemissionzone.

12. Northumberland Park Depot Case Study: “Current News”. 2023. https://www.current-news.co.uk/londons-largest-electric-bus-depot.

13. Brizhanin V.V., Filippova R.V., Sudarikova E.V., Sudarikov M.D. Contribution of the Russian Federation to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: regulatory mechanisms and modern technological solutions for their implementation. Bulletin Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. Moscow. 2022; vol 19, 5 (125) (in Russ.).

14. Kai L., Zhe L., Hong G., Meng Z. Optimal charging strategy for large-scale electric buses considering resource constraints.Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment. 2021; 99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2021.103009.

15. Spirin I.V. Investment aspects of the development of the rolling stock fleet. Vestnik universiteta (Gos. universitet upravlenija), Serija «Razvitie otraslevogo i regional’nogo upravlenija». 2007; 1(1). (In Russ.).

16. Zvonov V.A., Kozlov A.V., Terenchenko A.S. Ecology: alternative fuels taking into account their full life cycle. Automotive industry. 2001; 4. (In Russ.).

17. Mirenkova E.A. Alternative motor fuels from natural gas: energy efficiency and environmental performance in the full life cycle. In the collection: The 8th Lucanian Readings. Problems and prospects of development of the motor transport complex Proceedings of the International Scientific and Technical Conference. 2019; P. 152. (in Russ.)