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Planning the future of rail in the post-COVID era

2023; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 47; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/03081060.2023.2263440

1029-0354

Francesca Pagliara, Massimo Aria, Armando Castelluccio, Mario Tartaglia, Luca D’Aniello,

Transportation Planning and Optimization

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a methodology aimed at identifying the main factors affecting the rail sector in the new normal scenario, referring to the post-pandemic era, where the transportation system has experienced significant changes. Indeed, a survey was designed, and a questionnaire was submitted to a sample of employees of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (Italian State Railway company). Then, a ranking of these factors was identified through the estimation of a Structural Equation Model (SEM). Results showed that the areas of Energy and Environment, Lifestyle, and Economy will positively affect the future of rail in the new normal scenario. This study offers insights into the dynamics of the rail sector's adaptation to post-pandemic conditions. By highlighting the factors that play a crucial role in shaping the future of rail transportation, this research suggests innovative strategies and policy initiatives to foster sustainable growth and resilience in the sector.KEYWORDS: Rail transportenergy and environmentlifestyleeconomystructural equation modelsItalian rail network Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).