The Final 50 Feet Problem in Gothenburg - A MAMCA study on the situation regarding deliveries to multi-tenant multistory buildings in Gothenburg

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose is to study the situation regarding the Final 50 Feet in Gothenburg and if any of the solutions found in literature can be implemented. As there are several actors connected to deliveries with diverging goals a Multi-Actor, Multi-Criteria Analysis (MAMCA) has been used to include the views of the different stakeholders to increase the feasibility and ensure that the results are legitimate and feasible to implement. Theory: The Final 50 Feet is a new area of research and is connected to the wider scope of city logistics as it operates within it. The typology of city logistics down to Final 50 Feet has been used to gain a holistic view of the effects of the presented solutions. The Large Traffic Generators (LTGs) create demand and are the area of focus as they generate the most trips and can therefore lead to the largest effect if the delivery situation would have been improved. Documents from the municipality regarding how they want freight to be conducted is seen as the legislative side of the framework. MAMCA has been used to merge the different views of all stakeholders to explain their position and rank the solutions. Method: The study is of an exploratory nature as the research subject has never been studied in Gothenburg. Interviews with the stakeholders is the primary data source as well as field observations with the distribution drivers. The solutions and theory regarding Final 50 Feet research were used to design a MAMCA where the nuances of the different stakeholders could be measured against each other. Result: The stakeholders have diverging views about the solutions from their various perspectives and within the same stakeholder group. For each solution there are both winners and losers as the costs and benefits are not equally distributed between them. There is a stalemate between the stakeholders and not much is being done at the moment. The general level of understanding regarding how freight is performed and what chain reactions that result from changes is lacking and the drivers who sit on the knowledge regarding this are seldom asked to contribute. More cross-business discussion and coordination is required for Gothenburg to reach the city center as stated in the transport plan.