Simulating mobility to plan for electric minibus taxis in Sub-Saharan Africa's paratransit. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giliomee, J.H.; Hull, Christopher; Collett, Katherine A.; McCulloch, Malcolm; Booysen, M.J.
• Is Part Of: Transportation research. Volume 118(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Paratransit -- Electric vehicle -- Minibus taxi -- Global positioning system data -- Energy expenditure -- Efficiency; Transportation -- Research -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 354.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trd.2023.103728
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1361-9209

Abstract

Abstract: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is faced with the challenge to integrate e-mobility into its paratransit (its informal mass transit). Old, unsafe, fuel-inefficient, polluting minibus taxis are the cornerstone of daily commuting for millions in the region. Planning for electrification requires accurate high-frequency mobility data, which is currently unavailable. We analyse and improve on existing simulation models, which predict the energy usage with a micro-traffic simulation, SUMO, that up-samples low-frequency mobility data. We show that, compared to using measured mobility data, the current simulation approach overestimates energy expenditure. Results show a mean energy expenditure per distance overestimation of 14%, and mean energy per trip overestimation of 46%. We identify and virtualisation errors in the current driver and infrastructure models, and identify shortcomings of imposing a virtual road network with simulation software in the SSA context. We recommend and demonstrate virtualisation improvements for accurate electro-mobility planning in future.