Freight Systems: ChronoCity
Posted in Models, RDAG by Kate Archdeacon on November 26th, 2008
This information is part of research into case studies provided by Liz Boulton, Logistick, at the recent Sustainable Freight Seminar.
ChronoCity is a parcel-delivery service in Strasbourg that uses electric-powered handcarts for the routes through the inner-city, combining a consolidation hub with “clean” vehicle use.
The handcarts have a power reserve of 12 hours which is enough for two delivery routes, and take up similar footpath space to a motorised wheelchair. They are distributed through the city by electric courier vans and collect as well as distribute parcels.
ChronoCity is an initiative of ChronoPost express courier service and Predit, a government-funded program for research, experimentation and innovation in land transport. The pilot program was successful and analysis has shown further improvements for the service would integrate the combined use of the vans with the handcarts.
The project is interesting because it was designed for and applied to the existing situation in the city. In addition, it has shown that what would appear to be a slow way of moving things around a city has been more efficient for the service provider, produces better environmental results and also returns an increased economic yield.