Integrating Participatory Approaches and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) for Barrier Analysis and Ranking in Urban Mobility Planning

Uroš Kramar () and Marjan Sternad
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Uroš Kramar: Faculty of Logistics, University of Maribor, 3000 Celje, Slovenia
Marjan Sternad: Faculty of Logistics, University of Maribor, 3000 Celje, Slovenia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-29

Abstract: This study examines the barriers to implementing sustainable mobility strategies in small municipalities by integrating participatory and multi-criteria decision-making methods. A triangulated approach combines the nominal group technique (NGT), focus groups (FGs), and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to systematically identify, refine, and rank key barriers. The NGT enables stakeholders to list and prioritize barriers individually, ensuring balanced participation. FG discussions then refine and contextualize these barriers, addressing qualitative depth. Finally, the FAHP quantitatively ranks the barriers while accounting for uncertainty in stakeholder judgments. The results highlight systemic constraints, such as financial limitations and regulatory inefficiencies, alongside local challenges like inadequate infrastructure and public resistance. Integrating the NGT, FGs, and the FAHP enhances the analytical rigor by merging structured decision-making with participatory engagement. This methodological innovation strengthens the reliability of barrier assessment and offers a replicable framework for urban mobility planning. The findings underscore the need for locally tailored strategies that balance stakeholder inclusion with structured prioritization, contributing to improved governance in sustainable transport planning.

Keywords: sustainable mobility planning; urban mobility; participatory governance; fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP); local governance; barriers to implementation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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