Strategic Priority Analysis for Sustainable Expansion of Subway Logistics Operations

Abstract

The continuous growth of e-commerce and the normalization of non-face-to-face consumption have caused urban logistics demand to surge, bringing the existing road-centric freight transport system to its structural limits in terms of severe traffic congestion and atmospheric pollution. As an innovative alternative to overcome this Urban Logistics Paradox the Underground Logistics System (ULS), which utilizes existing urban railway networks, has emerged as a globally recognized solution. However, there is a lack of macro-level strategy and clear policy priorities to expand current regional pilot stages into nationwide commercialization. Therefore, this study aims to quantitatively analyze the relative importance of key strategic factors for the sustainable expansion of subway logistics. To achieve this objective, an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was conducted with 20 experts from the logistics, transportation, railway, and environmental administration sectors. The evaluation model was structured into four first-tier factors: Infrastructure Acquisition and Expansion, Operational System Improvement, Legal and Institutional Improvement, and Participation Expansion and Awareness Enhancement, further subdivided into 20 second-tier factors. The results revealed that Infrastructure Acquisition and Expansion (43.3%), the physical foundation, and Legal and Institutional Improvement (32.5%), the institutional foundation, are identified as the top priority prerequisites to be considered. In the comprehensive priority of the sub-factors, Expansion of Depot Logistics Facilities (1st), Securing Additional Hub Stations (2nd), and Amendment of the Urban Railway Act Enforcement Decree (3rd) were identified as the critical path for the successful implementation of the business. This study overcomes the limitations of previous literature, which often remained at the level of validating individual technical efficiencies, and holds academic and practical significance by providing an integrated strategic priority roadmap for business expansion.