As of January 17, 2022, the publication of the Journal of Public Transportation has been taken over by Elsevier.
Since its launch in 1996 by CUTR, we are pleased to report that the journal has established itself as an important resource in its field with 450,000 downloads from its more than 600 articles. The Journal of Public Transportation (JPT) was ambitious from the start with its diamond Open Access model that was free of charge for both authors and readers. CUTR recently reviewed the positioning of the journal, and carefully weighed cost and staffing issues as well as prospects for the journal’s future growth. The Center concluded that transferring the journal to Elsevier would best position the Journal of Public Transportation for future growth and success. Given Elsevier’s standing and expertise in our field, we believe this is the most sensible course of action in the best interests of the journal, its authors, and its readers. Elsevier will introduce the Gold Open Access model, which will entail an article publication charge to authors. However, this will not apply to any paper submitted during this transitional year. Elsevier will waive the article publication charge for all papers submitted before December 31, 2022.
The journal has steadily built a substantial community of readers, reviewers, and authors. Submissions and published papers are at a healthy level. Its quality has been recognized by its inclusion as a Web of Science journal (with its associated Impact Factor) and it has a loyal following among practitioners as well as researchers. Elsevier has no wish to make radical changes to this successful journal and the existing editorial team will continue. Likewise, CUTR will remain formally affiliated with the journal.
Academic publishing is an industry in which there are huge advantages to economies of scale, especially in today’s online environment. While in some respects it is easier than ever for a university, a society, or an individual to publish a single journal, in other respects such isolated journals are necessarily at a serious disadvantage. A large academic publisher such as Elsevier has the resources and expertise to help a journal such as JPT reach its full potential. Elsevier can help CUTR deal with every aspect of the journal more cost-effectively, more efficiently, and more expertly.
We thank our authors, reviewers, and readers for your support thus far in enabling the journal to reach this important stage in its development. We hope that you will continue to support and enjoy the journal.
