Analysis of direct and indirect relations among sustainable development goals and transportation targets

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2025.06.007

The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes the integration of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with transportation playing a pivotal role in achieving many of them. Transportation systems not only influence economic development and environmental sustainability but are also critical in improving road safety (SDG 3.6), developing resilient infrastructure (SDG 9.1), and ensuring inclusive urban mobility (SDG 11.2). This study employs fuzzy cognitive mapping and scenario analysis to investigate the intricate relationships among selected SDGs (SDG 2, 3, 7, and 14) and transportation-related targets. It reveals direct and indirect interactions between SDGs and transportation indicators, proposing a roadmap for policy interventions that capitalize on synergies and mitigate trade-offs. This work contributes to transport policy discourse by highlighting how transportation functions as both a catalyst and outcome of sustainable development.