Post-Publication Discussion Policy

The Journal of Public Transportation Community (JPTC) encourages scholarly discussion of articles after publication. Post-publication discussion helps maintain the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scientific record.

1. Who may participate

Readers, researchers, practitioners, and authors may submit comments, questions, critiques, or additional evidence related to any article published in JPTC.

2. How to submit a comment

Comments should be sent by email to the editorial office at [email protected] with the subject line "Post-Publication Discussion – [Article Title]". Please include:

• Your full name, affiliation, and contact email;
• The title, volume, issue, and DOI of the article concerned;
• A clear, objective, and evidence-based description of the comment or concern, with supporting references where relevant.

Anonymous comments and comments containing personal attacks, offensive language, or unsupported allegations will not be considered.

3. Handling procedure

1. The Editor-in-Chief acknowledges receipt of the comment and assesses its relevance and merit.
2. Substantive comments are forwarded to the corresponding author, who is given the opportunity to respond.
3. Where necessary, the editor may consult the original reviewers or independent experts.
4. Depending on the outcome, the journal may publish the comment and the author's reply as a Letter to the Editor, or no further action may be required.

4. Corrections and retractions

If the discussion reveals errors, research misconduct, or unreliable findings, the case will be handled in accordance with the journal's Plagiarism and Retraction Policy and the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Outcomes may include a correction (erratum/corrigendum), an expression of concern, or a retraction, which will be linked to the original article.

5. Confidentiality and fairness

All discussions are handled fairly, objectively, and confidentially until a final decision is reached. Authors and commenters are treated with equal respect throughout the process.