System Dynamics Analysis of the Relationship between Urban Transportation and Overall Citizen Satisfaction: A Case Study of Patras City, Greece

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to evaluate how the transport sector affects the satisfaction of citizens. The model developed aims both at assessing the satisfaction of citizens and using it as a tool to measure the change in citizens’ satisfaction resulting from new mobility practices or policies. The developed scenarios are based on the principles of sustainability and the action plans concern: better accessibility conditions for alternative means of transport; improving travel safety; reducing air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption; increasing efficiency and effectiveness in the movement of people and goods; and enhancing the attractiveness and quality of the urban environment. The results reveal that it is necessary for local decision makers to take further measures to increase the overall satisfaction of citizens with the aim of prosperity and happiness of citizens within their city, and the proposed model can support the decision-making process. Utilizing the developed system dynamics model, it is possible to make simulations with new data and at the same time to evaluate the change they bring to the individual sectors and to the overall satisfaction of the citizens.