Carbon Dioxide and Particulate Matter Generation Analysis and Policy Suggestions in Drive-thru Service System

Abstract

Objectives Recently, during two-three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the drive-thru service system has been one of the most actively used non-face-to-face systems to reduce the risk of infection. The business of coffee shops and fast-food restaurants using drive-thru service systems keeps growing. However, carbon dioxide and particulate matter problems in idle running, including traffic congestion and pedestrian safety issue, were brought up in the drive-thru service systems. In this study, carbon dioxide and particulate matter generation were calculated. Also, we proposed existing problems, improvements, and policy issues. Methods We calculated the carbon dioxide and particulate matter generation in the idle running of vehicles in drive-thru service using several assumptions, the number of vehicles, the idle running time, and emission factors. Results and Discussion We provided the carbon dioxide and particulate matter generation in the drive-thru service system. Also, we proposed and explained the existing problems, improvements, and policy issues; employees’ respiratory health problems, installation of particulate matter reduction and monitoring system, “Idle Stop & GO” and eco mode use, Performance of environmental improvement charge, single-use cup & product and collection issue. Conclusion More accurate calculations and studies are needed using more good data such as the number of vehicles, the idle running time, and emission factors. More active policy applications should be considered with revealed problems and proposed improvements in this study.

Keywords

• drive-thru service system
• carbon dioxide
• particulate matter
• human respiratory effects
• environmental policy