THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN BUCHAREST-ILFOV REGION IN ROMANIA: THE PATH TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

Corina-Cristiana NASTACĂ

PhD, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Department of Administration and Public Management, Bucharest, Romania

corina.nastaca@amp.ase.ro

(Corresponding Author)

Claudiu-Emanuel SIMION

Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Management Doctoral School, Bucharest, Romania

simionclaudiuemanuel@gmail.com

Abstract

The study analyses the transport system in Bucharest-Ilfov, the most developed region in Romania in order to identify the challenges in managing its development and solutions for improving urban mobility and promote a more sustainable transport system infrastructure in the area. The objectives of the research are: (1) To investigate citizens’ opinions in Bucharest-Ilfov region regarding the transport infrastructure in the area; (2) To analyse citizens’ degree of satisfaction regarding public transport in Bucharest-Ilfov region; (3) To investigate the main problems and challenges of the public transport system and transport infrastructure in the region and propose solutions for improving urban mobility in a sustainable manner. The methodology of the study consists of an opinion survey conducted by the authors within the citizens of Bucharest-Ilfov region in Romania, in order to find out their opinions regarding the transport infrastructure and the local transport system in the region. The research emphasizes the need for the strategic implementation of sustainable transport solutions that promote environmentally friendly mobility, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ease traffic congestion. Furthermore, in the context of the accelerated urbanization of the Bucharest-Ilfov region, the development of a sustainable transport system is becoming a key factor in ensuring balanced, resilient and environmentally friendly urban growth.

Keywords: urban mobility, sustainability, Bucharest-Ilfov region, local public transport system

JEL classification: R0, R1, R4

pp. 53-70

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POPULATION ACCESSIBILITY TO RAIL SERVICES. INSIGHTS THROUGH THE LENS OF TERRITORIAL COHESION

Daniela- Luminița CONSTANTIN

Professor at the Department of Administration and Public Management, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies; Bucharest; Romania

danielaconstantin_2005@yahoo.com

Corina- Cristiana NASTACĂ

Teaching Assistant at the Department of Administration and Public Management, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies; Bucharest; Romania

cnastaca@gmail.com

Emilia GEAMBASU

MSc – Administration and Public Management,Faculty of Administration and Public Management, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies; Bucharest; Romania

geambasuemilia@gmail.com

Abstract

Territorial cohesion is a concept that has played an important role in the European authorities’ agenda since the 1990s, being linked to some of the main objectives defined in various EU Treaties (i.e. those envisaging flows, connectivity, spatial nodes, etc.). In this respect, the present research aims to explore territorial cohesion in relation to accessibility so as to provide a comprehensive picture of this subject, employing for the empirical study the Romanian railway system. The main objective is to examine how the Romanian railway infrastructure influences territorial cohesion through regions’ accessibility to infrastructure and rail transport services. The research methodology consists of an exploratory study conducted using secondary data analysis. The collected data have been used to compute a set of indicators (the Engel ratio, the Goltz ratio, and the Hansen accessibility coefficient) that allows the analysis of the degree of population accessibility to railway transport, based on the characteristics of the rail transport service (distance, duration, and cost of travel). The study has revealed that the Romanian railway infrastructure does not have a positive contribution to reducing disparities and strengthening territorial cohesion. Although it is sufficiently extensive, it has uneven growth and low accessibility due to low travel speeds and long travel times. Regarding accessibility, the presence of at least two types of disparities – inter- and intra-regional, has been revealed, due to the fact that disparities in accessibility firstly manifest at the regional level and increase in intensity at the county level.

Keywords: territorial cohesion, population accessibility, railway network, inter- and intra-regional disparities, Romania

JEL classification: R1, R4, R42

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BDI’s CORRELATION WITH LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Theodore PELAGIDIS

Professor, University of Piraeus & NR Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution, US. 21, Lambraki Ave.,GR-18533

pelagidi@unipi.gr

Evgenia TSAHALI

University of Piraeus,

evgtsahali@yahoo.gr

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the correlation between the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) and certain leading economic indicators. We follow a different path than the existing literature follows. In particular, using a multi-linear regression method and defining the BDI index as a dependent variable, we seek to determine the multiple relations of the independent variables regarding the BDI value. We are looking at whether the BDI is a representative indicator not only for the shipping industry itself, but also for the whole economic and financial environment in which the shipping industry operates.

Keywords: Transportation Economics, General Financial Markets, Financial Securities

JEL classification: R4, R42, G1