The Florence transit point: a feasibility study

Abstract

This papers illustrates a feasibility study aimed at: analysing the actual city logistics in the Limited Traffic Area of Florence; evaluating to what extent the Transit Point solution could optimize parcel delivery and its repercussions on traffic flow in the historic centre of Florence; identifying a suitable location for Transit Point infrastructures, and examining economic and normative aspects of the proposal. Particular attention has been given to assessing the economic sustainability of the Transit Point, under the hypothesis that areas, infrastructures and vehicles will be publicly financed, and that the Transit Point will have to find the resources to remunerate the new company through the reduction of vehicles and workers. A model for corporate governance for the Transit Point has also been proposed, in addition to a model of planning and control for proper accountability. The study demonstrates that the realization of the Transit Point would allow for: a reduction in traffic congestion in the historic centre; attainment of a positive EBIT through public financing of the structures; a continuance of the service without changing transport or remuneration costs; an improvement of the working conditions.