To address the complexity of selecting optimal crisis communication channels under information ambiguity, this study develops a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making framework based on Intuitionistic fuzzy sets to evaluate and rank alternative communication channels under uncertainty. Utilizing data derived from seven domain experts, the model integrates the Best-Worst Method and the Intuitionistic Fuzzy Combinative Distance-based Assessment method to evaluate eight communication strategies against twenty criteria. This approach offers a distinct advantage by mathematically modeling expert hesitation degrees to better capture uncertainty in decision processes. The case study results indicate that timeliness (weight = 0.153) and accuracy (weight = 0.103) are the most critical factors for effective communication. Quantitative rankings identify messaging applications as the most effective strategy, followed by social media platforms, whereas traditional printed materials consistently ranked lowest. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis conducted across five different weighting scenarios confirmed the robustness of digital communication channels as the primary mode of information dissemination. Ultimately, this framework provides policymakers with a structured and intelligent decision support tool to enhance disaster resilience.

Abstract Practitioners and decision-makers often face difficulties in selecting and prioritizing effective strategies to address challenges to sustainable urban transportation development. Although there has been considerable research conducted on the subject, the Tanzanian context, which is greatly affected by social and environmental problems, has received inadequate attention. Therefore, this study intends to bridge this gap by pinpointing the obstacles to sustainable urban transportation and proposing the most appropriate strategies to tackle them. The study proposes seven strategies and determines five criteria to prioritize them. To accomplish this, the study proposes a novel Fermatean fuzzy-based intelligent decision support model to assess the criteria weights and prioritizes strategies based on the weighted criteria. The study validates the proposed methodology by conducting a sensitivity analysis, which indicates that restricting car use (A5), improving sector coordination (A1), and conducting extensive research on transportation issues (A7) are the top three strategies for promoting sustainable urban transportation. The study’s findings hold significant value in providing urban transportation planners with helpful guidance to develop optimization techniques that can improve transportation systems.