What does this research mean for the field?

A multi-objective optimization framework can identify mixed-fleet bus compositions that achieve near-optimal emission reductions while providing substantial cost savings compared to strictly emission-minimal solutions. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To establish a multi-objective optimization framework that evaluates the trade-offs between life cycle costs, cumulative energy demand, and greenhouse gas emissions in transitioning to decarbonized public bus fleets.

September 2, 2026Research in Transportation Business & ManagementOpen Access

The cost–emission trade-off in the optimization of a mixed-fleet public bus system

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To establish a multi-objective optimization framework that evaluates the trade-offs between life cycle costs, cumulative energy demand, and greenhouse gas emissions in transitioning to decarbonized public bus fleets.
Developed a dynamic multi-objective optimization model incorporating life cycle assessment that projects grid electricity mix transitions and vehicle efficiency improvements from 2030 to 2050.
Evaluated fleet composition pathways across seven propulsion technologies using operational transit data from Graz, Austria (population 300,000).
Identified balanced mixed-fleet configurations that match the emission reductions of strictly emission-minimal targets while yielding cost savings of 25 million euros.
Demonstrated that optimal fleet compositions shift between battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, or synthetic fuel buses depending on future electricity grid emission factors.

Authors

NFNathalie Marion FrießUniversity of Graz DFDavid Fritz UPUlrich PferschyUniversity of Graz

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Implication

Optimization modeling study reveals balanced bus fleets achieve near-minimal emissions while saving 25 million euros, highlighting cost-effective transition pathways for public transit.

Cite This Study

Frieß et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a97e20ec562ede874ec60f4 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rtbm.2026.101854

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Implication

Optimization modeling study reveals balanced bus fleets achieve near-minimal emissions while saving 25 million euros, highlighting cost-effective transition pathways for public transit.

The cost–emission trade-off in the optimization of a mixed-fleet public bus system

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Implication

Cite This Study

The cost–emission trade-off in the optimization of a mixed-fleet public bus system

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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