Multi-criteria analysis for freight transport decision-making with fuzzy analytic hierarchy process: A top management’s perspective for Bahrain

This study sheds light on the multicriteria mode choice selection process of freight transport in the Kingdom of Bahrain from the perspective of top decision-makers. A questionnaire-based interview survey was carried out to determine the factors influencing this choice. The responses were analyzed using FAHP method, which resulted in a prioritized list of factors affecting mode choice for freight transport and the preferred mode choices for different future routes. Results indicated that the criteria for mode choice can be ranked as follows in order of decreasing significance: safety, CO2 emission, cost, reliability, speed, flexibility, and capacity. The rail mode is the preferable one for 2, out of the 3 proposed routes, while the dedicated truck lane is the most convenient choice because of the short distance and the nature of the commodities moved along this corridor. Some of the results from this study suggested that the top decision-makers could be somewhat different in the criteria for mode choice and more specific in terms of route conditions in this regard. This research offers meaningful insights into the mode selection process, classified on the basis of different routes, of traders as well as providing valuable inputs for transport planners and decision-makers. This research provides a unique perspective into the decision-making process from top management’s perspective which was found to be different from the general understanding related to mode choice. The results of the study could be used to devise policies to attract more traders, consequently, increasing economic activities in the country.