Transport models and decision making: A review

Improving the reliability, safety, and quality of transport links, alongside advancing environmental performance, has become one of the most critical challenges of modern society. This undertaking requires increased investment to enhance the infrastructure of transport networks, transforming them into highly adaptable and efficient logistics systems. However, such investments carry a heightened risk if the development patterns of the transport network and the distribution of traffic loads across various sections are not properly addressed. Failing to incorporate these patterns can result in serious issues such as persistent traffic congestion, the inefficient use of specific routes or network nodes (leading to either overloading or underloading), elevated accident rates, and increased environmental harm due to excessive emissions. This article focuses on the application of environmental models for traffic flow and presents mathematical models that analyze the dispersion of vehicle exhaust emissions. By applying such models, we can gain a deeper understanding of how traffic patterns influence environmental outcomes, as well as explore potential solutions for reducing congestion and minimizing the ecological impact of transportation. This study underscores the importance of integrating these models into transport planning to ensure that infrastructure improvements not only enhance efficiency but also contribute to a more sustainable and safer environment.