Describing and explaining urban freight transport by System Dynamics

Abstract The objective of the overarching approach is to develop a System Dynamics (SD) based microscopic freight transport simulation (MFTS) for urban areas. In this contribution, the qualitative SD approach – causal loop diagram – with the internal structure of urban freight transport and the stakeholders involved, as well as their interdependencies to each other, are transparently presented. On the basis of the causal loops a quantitative and mathematically formalised SD approach will be derived in the next SD modelling steps. This SD model enables trend analyses by medium- and long-term forecasts.