Applied Soft Computing, vol.173, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study investigates commuters' travel mode choices in Dublin City, Ireland, using a novel fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making model. The model integrates the Best-Worst Method (BWM) with fuzzy Z-numbers and the Parsimonious concept to handle uncertainties and simplify decision-making. The innovative aspect of this model lies in its ability to combine these methodologies, offering a streamlined yet comprehensive tool for urban transportation analysis. The hypothesis tested is whether the proposed model can effectively evaluate and prioritize travel mode choices while maintaining simplicity and reliability. The methodology involves surveying four experts and applying fuzzy Parsimonious Z-BWM to assess six travel modes. The results indicate that the model provides a robust framework for evaluating travel mode choices, with cars being identified as the most preferred mode. A comparative analysis with traditional BWM and direct evaluation methods demonstrates the model's efficiency and consistency in ranking preferences.