Which Green Transport Corridors (GTC) Are Efficient? A Dual-Step Approach Using Network Equilibrium Model (NEM) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)

Abstract

The development of Green Transport Corridors (GTCs) is an important strategy to help a region achieve more sustainable solutions. When such GTCs are implemented, multimodal supply chains and environmentally-friendly alternatives for freight transportation through economically relevant hubs and long-distance routes can be facilitated. Based on previous efforts for evaluating single routes, this paper aimed to propose a single multi-criteria Logistics Composite Index (LCI), constructed based on a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), to evaluate the efficiency of GTCs considering the integration of multiple transport modes (highways, railways, and waterways). This approach consists of a dual-step procedure, applying a Network Equilibrium Model (NEM) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). It was applied to Brazilian agricultural bulk transport export corridors, considering the existing and planned infrastructure in the harvest year of 2018/2019. In general, the best indexes were those from corridors considering planned railways. Specifically, the best index was from a corridor from the Northeast region. The second was from the South. The third was from the North (Amazon), and was one of the few corridors with adequate waterways. This approach is useful for decision-makers to determine the most efficient corridors as well as for policy-makers to guide infrastructure investments and address public policies.