Work

BRT in the Middle Mile: A Potential Urban Logistics Platform

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The growth of e-commerce has imposed new challenges on urban supply chains, especially in the middle mile, which still lacks structured, sustainable and scalable logistics solutions. This study investigates the feasibility of using the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, widely present in cities of emerging economies, as an urban logistics platform for the transport of light and traceable goods. This research adopts a qualitative approach, with analysis of international experiences and development of a methodological framework based on three main components: technical, economic and governance. The results reveal that the use of idle operating windows, load compatibility and institutional articulation are key factors for the implementation of the system. The proposal represents a logistical innovation aligned with the new paradigms of urban resilience and the multifunctionality of public infrastructure. This study suggests that BRT could serve as a potential logistics platform for the middle mile, under specific operational and governance conditions.

Source: Urban Science

DOI: 10.3390/urbansci9110438

Authors: Leonardo da Silva Ribeiro, Rômulo Orrico, Cintia Machado de Oliveira

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Federal Center for Technological Education Celso Suckow da Fonseca

Language: English

Topic: Urban and Freight Transport Logistics

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930