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Keywords = free-floating bike sharing

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30 pages, 53895 KiB  
Article
How Bike-Sharing Affects the Accessibility Equity of Public Transit Systems—Evidence from Nanjing
by Jianke Cheng, Liyang Hu, Da Lei and Hui Bi
Land 2024, 13(12), 2200; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122200 - 16 Dec 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1959
Abstract
This study examines how Free-Floating Bike-Sharing (FFBS) affects the accessibility equity of public transit sytems by serving as a first-mile feeder. To evaluate accessibility improvements for various opportunities within a 30-min travel time, we construct a complete travel chain approach based on multi-source, [...] Read more.
This study examines how Free-Floating Bike-Sharing (FFBS) affects the accessibility equity of public transit sytems by serving as a first-mile feeder. To evaluate accessibility improvements for various opportunities within a 30-min travel time, we construct a complete travel chain approach based on multi-source, real-world data from Nanjing, China. The results indicate that FFBS significantly enhances accessibility, particularly for job opportunities and green spaces, with improvements of up to 180.02% and 155.82%, respectively. This integration also enhances the accessibility equity of public transit systems, particularly in green spaces, with a Gini coefficient improvement of 0.0336. Additionally, we find that areas with low housing prices exhibit greater accessibility inequality, while those with moderate housing prices benefit more from FFBS integration. These findings can potentially support transport planners in optimizing and managing FFBS and public transit systems to facilitate sustainable and inclusive transportation networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Land Expansion and Regional Inequality)
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33 pages, 7523 KiB  
Article
A Cluster-Then-Route Framework for Bike Rebalancing in Free-Floating Bike-Sharing Systems
by Jiaqing Sun, Yulin He and Jiantong Zhang
Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 15994; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215994 - 16 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2186
Abstract
Bike-sharing systems suffer from the problem of imbalances in bicycle inventory between areas. In this paper, we investigate the rebalancing problem as it applies to free-floating bike-sharing systems in which the bicycles can be rented and returned almost anywhere. To solve the rebalancing [...] Read more.
Bike-sharing systems suffer from the problem of imbalances in bicycle inventory between areas. In this paper, we investigate the rebalancing problem as it applies to free-floating bike-sharing systems in which the bicycles can be rented and returned almost anywhere. To solve the rebalancing problem efficiently, we propose a framework that includes (1) rebalancing nodes at which requirements for the redistribution (pickup or delivery) of bicycles are determined, (2) “self-balanced” clusters of rebalancing nodes, and (3) bicycle redistribution by service vehicles within each cluster. We propose a multi-period synchronous rebalancing method in which a rebalancing period is divided into several sub-periods. Based on the anticipated redistribution demand at each node in each sub-period, the service vehicle relocates bicycles between nodes. This method improves the efficiency of the system and minimizes rebalancing costs over the entire rebalancing period, rather than for a single sub-period. The proposed framework is tested based on data from the Mobike (Meituan) free-floating bike-sharing system. The test results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies and show that multi-period synchronous rebalancing is superior to single-period rebalancing. Full article
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17 pages, 1629 KiB  
Article
Exploring Influential Factors of Free-Floating Bike-Sharing Usage Frequency before and after COVID-19
by Xinyi Xie, Mingyang Du, Xuefeng Li and Yunjian Jiang
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8710; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118710 - 28 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1709
Abstract
In order to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the free-floating bike-sharing (FFBS) system and the potential role of FFBS played in the pandemic period, this study explores the impact mechanism of travel frequency of FFBS users before and after the pandemic. [...] Read more.
In order to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the free-floating bike-sharing (FFBS) system and the potential role of FFBS played in the pandemic period, this study explores the impact mechanism of travel frequency of FFBS users before and after the pandemic. Using the online questionnaire collected in Nanjing, China, we first analyze the changes of travel frequency, travel distance, and travel duration in these two periods. Then, two ordered logit models are applied to explore the contributing factors of the weekly trip frequency of FFBS users before and after COVID-19. The results show that: (1) While the overall travel duration and travel distance of FFBS users decreased after the pandemic, the trip frequency of FFBS users increased as the travel duration increased. (2) Since COVID-19, attitude perception variables of the comfort level and the low travel price have had significantly positive impacts on the weekly trip frequency of FFBS users. (3) Respondents who use FFBS as a substitution for public transport are more likely to travel frequently in a week after the outbreak of COVID-19. (4) The travel time in off-peak hours of working days, weekends, and holidays has a significantly positive correlation with the trip frequency of FFBS users. Finally, several relevant policy recommendations and management strategies are proposed for the operation and development of FFBS during the similar disruptive public health crisis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)
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10 pages, 3292 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Rebalancing of the Free-Floating Bike-Sharing System
by Wenbin Zhang, Xiaolei Niu, Guangyong Zhang and Lixin Tian
Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13521; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013521 - 19 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1907
Abstract
In the paper, we propose a novel method to analyze the rebalancing of the free-floating bike-sharing system. First, we construct a visualization method to analyze the rebalancing of the system. Then, for the first time, we set up a coarse-grained way to study [...] Read more.
In the paper, we propose a novel method to analyze the rebalancing of the free-floating bike-sharing system. First, we construct a visualization method to analyze the rebalancing of the system. Then, for the first time, we set up a coarse-grained way to study dynamics rebalancing during rush hours. Finally, we complete the empirical analysis with the real-time cycling data of the Nanjing Mobike Sharing-bike Company. The results show that: static rebalancing is weak, and dynamic rebalancing during rush hours is serious. Therefore, increasing the number of shared bikes in parking spots can ease the rebalancing. At the same time, we find that commuting to and from work is not the main factor that constitutes the rebalancing of the free-floating bike-sharing system, though the rebalancing is proportional to travel frequency. Full article
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14 pages, 2308 KiB  
Article
Operation Characteristics of a Free-Floating Bike Sharing System as a Feeder Mode to Rail Transit Based on GPS Data
by Juchen Li and Xiucheng Guo
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(17), 8677; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12178677 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2156
Abstract
The jobs-housing imbalance and long commuting distances for residents in many megacities in China are promoting the increase in mode share with rail transit. The emergence of free-floating bike sharing (FFBS) provides an attractive and cost-effective multi-modal solution to the first/last mile problem. [...] Read more.
The jobs-housing imbalance and long commuting distances for residents in many megacities in China are promoting the increase in mode share with rail transit. The emergence of free-floating bike sharing (FFBS) provides an attractive and cost-effective multi-modal solution to the first/last mile problem. This study identifies the mobility patterns of free-floating bikes as a feeder mode to 277 rail transit stations in Beijing using detailed GPS data, and the relationships between these patterns, culture and spatial layout of the city are examined. The results show that the distribution of free-floating bikes, as a feeder mode to rail transit, exhibits an aggregating feature in the spatial-temporal pattern on weekdays. According to the results of the Clusters method and ANOVA analysis, the operation characteristics of free-floating bikes are related to the location of the transit station and the job-to-housing ratio around that area, and imbalanced usage of shared bikes across the city may result from the extreme values of job-to-housing ratios. Based on the fitted distance decay curve, accessing distance is greatly influenced by urban morphology and location. Based on these findings, recommendations for planning, management, and rebalancing of the FFBS system as a feeder mode to rail transit are proposed to promote the integration of FFBS and the rail transit system. Full article
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15 pages, 5777 KiB  
Article
Life Cycle Assessment of Free-Floating Bike Sharing on Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Case Study in Nanjing, China
by Ruxin Lai, Xinwei Ma, Fan Zhang and Yanjie Ji
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(23), 11307; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112311307 - 29 Nov 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2951
Abstract
The free-floating bike sharing (FFBS) system appears in the form of low-carbon transport mode. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a method to analyze the environmental impact of FFBS but has rarely considered the trip chain if the intermodal transport modes were employed. This [...] Read more.
The free-floating bike sharing (FFBS) system appears in the form of low-carbon transport mode. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a method to analyze the environmental impact of FFBS but has rarely considered the trip chain if the intermodal transport modes were employed. This paper proposes a mathematical formalization of LCA in response to the trip chain. The environmental benefit of FFBS was analyzed by this method considering the production, use, operation, and disposal phases in Nanjing. An online survey was conducted to analyze the mechanism of modal shift influenced by FFBS. The results showed that most respondents only use FFBS in the trip, with savings of 63.726 g CO2-eq/p·km, mainly shifting from lower-emission modes (28.30% from bus, 14.86% from metro, and 33.97% from non-motorized modes), while the trip mode of connecting public transport with FFBS could better replace the motorized transport trip and generate better low-carbon benefits with savings of 300.718 g CO2-eq/p·km. One FFBS should be used for at least 227 days to generate positive environmental benefits based on the current number of FFBS and the assumption of the utilization of each bike, which is once a day on average. The research results can effectively support the environmental benefit analysis of FFBS, the subsequent planning based on the low-carbon concept, and the implementation of relevant incentive policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Transportation and Future Mobility)
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20 pages, 3499 KiB  
Article
Incorporating Multi-Modal Travel Planning into an Agent-Based Model: A Case Study at the Train Station Kellinghusenstraße in Hamburg
by Ulfia Annette Lenfers, Nima Ahmady-Moghaddam, Daniel Glake, Florian Ocker, Jonathan Ströbele and Thomas Clemen
Land 2021, 10(11), 1179; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10111179 - 3 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3710
Abstract
Models can provide valuable decision support in the ongoing effort to create a sustainable and effective modality mix in urban settings. Modern transportation infrastructures must meaningfully combine public transport with other mobility initiatives such as shared and on-demand systems. The increase of options [...] Read more.
Models can provide valuable decision support in the ongoing effort to create a sustainable and effective modality mix in urban settings. Modern transportation infrastructures must meaningfully combine public transport with other mobility initiatives such as shared and on-demand systems. The increase of options and possibilities in multi-modal travel implies an increase in complexity when planning and implementing such an infrastructure. Multi-agent systems are well-suited for addressing questions that require an understanding of movement patterns and decision processes at the individual level. Such models should feature intelligent software agents with flexible internal logic and accurately represent the core functionalities of new modalities. We present a model in which agents can choose between owned modalities, station-based bike sharing modalities, and free-floating car sharing modalities as they exit the public transportation system and seek to finish their personal multi-modal trip. Agents move on a multi-modal road network where dynamic constraints in route planning are evaluated based on an agent’s query. Modality switch points (MSPs) along the route indicate the locations at which an agent can switch from one modality to the next (e.g., a bike rental station to return a used rental bike and continue on foot). The technical implementation of MSPs within the road network was a central focus in this work. To test their efficacy in a controlled experimental setting, agents optimized only the travel time of their multi-modal routes. However, the functionalities of the model enable the implementation of different optimization criteria (e.g., financial considerations or climate neutrality) and unique agent preferences as well. Our findings show that the implemented MSPs enable agents to switch between modalities at any time, allowing for the kind of versatile, individual, and spontaneous travel that is common in modern multi-modal settings. Full article
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26 pages, 1243 KiB  
Article
A Data-Driven Based Dynamic Rebalancing Methodology for Bike Sharing Systems
by Marco Cipriano, Luca Colomba and Paolo Garza
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6967; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156967 - 28 Jul 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3340
Abstract
Mobility in cities is a fundamental asset and opens several problems in decision making and the creation of new services for citizens. In the last years, transportation sharing systems have been continuously growing. Among these, bike sharing systems became commonly adopted. There exist [...] Read more.
Mobility in cities is a fundamental asset and opens several problems in decision making and the creation of new services for citizens. In the last years, transportation sharing systems have been continuously growing. Among these, bike sharing systems became commonly adopted. There exist two different categories of bike sharing systems: station-based systems and free-floating services. In this paper, we concentrate our analyses on station-based systems. Such systems require periodic rebalancing operations to guarantee good quality of service and system usability by moving bicycles from full stations to empty stations. In particular, in this paper, we propose a dynamic bicycle rebalancing methodology based on frequent pattern mining and its implementation. The extracted patterns represent frequent unbalanced situations among nearby stations. They are used to predict upcoming critical statuses and plan the most effective rebalancing operations using an entirely data-driven approach. Experiments performed on real data of the Barcelona bike sharing system show the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Support Systems and Their Applications)
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22 pages, 9957 KiB  
Article
How Does the Collaborative Economy Advance Better Product Lifetimes? A Case Study of Free-Floating Bike Sharing
by Shouheng Sun
Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031434 - 29 Jan 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3203
Abstract
The collaborative economy is considered to have great potential in promoting the circular economy. However, there is little empirical research in this field. Taking the Beijing free-floating bike sharing (FFBS) program as an example, this study develops a system dynamics (SD) model based [...] Read more.
The collaborative economy is considered to have great potential in promoting the circular economy. However, there is little empirical research in this field. Taking the Beijing free-floating bike sharing (FFBS) program as an example, this study develops a system dynamics (SD) model based on the product lifetime extension business model (PLEBM) framework, and the business practices of FFBS. Combined with the dynamic evolution process of the FFBS market, the impact of FFBS on bicycle lifetime and the utilization efficiency of the urban bicycle system is explored. The results show that FFBS can reduce the required supply scale of the entire bicycle system by about 21%, and increase the average daily usage of bicycles by about 27%. In addition, FFBS also can increase the average lifecycle trip volume per bike in the entire urban bicycle system from approximately 900 to 1060, an increase of 16%. In particular, this study estimates that the optimal supply scale of the FFBS market in Beijing is about 800,000. It is worth noting that although enhancing the PLE strategy can increase the contribution of FFBS to PLE, it may also deteriorate the profitability of the FFBS platform. The authorities and FFBS operators should work together to continuously improve the profitability of the platform and strengthen its innovation capabilities to promote the healthy and sustainable development of FFBS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Better Product Lifetimes)
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18 pages, 1358 KiB  
Article
Research on the Psychological Model of Free-floating Bike-Sharing Using Behavior: A Case Study of Beijing
by Dandan Xu, Yang Bian and Shinan Shu
Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2977; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072977 - 8 Apr 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3558
Abstract
As a clean, sustainable transport tool, bicycles have significant advantages in short-distance travel. Despite many efforts assumed in Beijing to improve the cycling environment, the popularity of cycling remains relatively low. However, the advent of the free-floating bike-sharing (FFBS) system has engendered an [...] Read more.
As a clean, sustainable transport tool, bicycles have significant advantages in short-distance travel. Despite many efforts assumed in Beijing to improve the cycling environment, the popularity of cycling remains relatively low. However, the advent of the free-floating bike-sharing (FFBS) system has engendered an unexpected cycling enthusiasm in Beijing. Therefore, it is of great importance to delve into why travelers prefer FFBS as a transportation form from a psychological perspective. In this paper, 352 valid questionnaires were collected from an online survey, and an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) was adopted to examine the psychological determinants of intention and actual behavior to use FFBS. The results showed that men and car-owners prefer vehicles and show a lower willingness to use FFBS. In contrast, residents under the age of 60, residents with FFBS riding experience, and residents skilled in cycling are inclined to use FFBS; the economic convenience of FFBS is the most important attractant for FFBS, while bad weather is the biggest hindrance factor for residents to use FFBS; however, imperfection in infrastructure has no significant impact on reducing residents’ willingness to use FFBS. These results have important implications for planners to better understand the FFBS use behavior, and several suggestions are proposed to support the policymaking about FFBS. Full article
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20 pages, 4743 KiB  
Article
Study on Clustering of Free-Floating Bike-Sharing Parking Time Series in Beijing Subway Stations
by Dandan Xu, Yang Bian, Jian Rong, Jiachuan Wang and Baocai Yin
Sustainability 2019, 11(19), 5439; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11195439 - 30 Sep 2019
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3624
Abstract
In recent years, the free-floating bike-sharing (FFBS) system has become a significant mode of travel to satisfy urban residents’ travel demands. However, with the rapid development of FFBS, many problems have arisen, among which the parking problem is the most prominent. To solve [...] Read more.
In recent years, the free-floating bike-sharing (FFBS) system has become a significant mode of travel to satisfy urban residents’ travel demands. However, with the rapid development of FFBS, many problems have arisen, among which the parking problem is the most prominent. To solve the FFBS parking problem around urban subways, firstly, the time series of FFBS parking pattern and subway station classification in Beijing were constructed based on parking intensity, showing a significant spatial distribution of subway stations with different intensity levels. Second, a hierarchical clustering method based on dynamic time warping (DTW) was proposed to cluster the FFBS parking time series. Subway stations in Beijing were grouped into 11 clusters, and the clustering purity reached 0.939, which achieved the expected effect. Then, the peak and off-peak period features of time series were extracted to discuss the clustering results. Finally, a two-level early-warning index for monitoring FFBS was constructed, which took the real-time parking quantity and land use capacity of FFBS into consideration. And FFBS parking management strategies for different early-warning indices were put forward. It is very important for the sustainable development of FFBS and cities. Full article
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18 pages, 998 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Influential Factors of Shared Travel Behavior: Comparison between App-Based Third Taxi Service and Free-Floating Bike Sharing in Nanjing, China
by Mingyang Du, Lin Cheng, Xuefeng Li and Jingzong Yang
Sustainability 2019, 11(16), 4318; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11164318 - 9 Aug 2019
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3511
Abstract
In recent years, app-based third taxi service (ATTS) and free-floating bike sharing (FFBS) have become significant travel modes to satisfy travel demands of urban residents. In order to explore the mechanism of their modes selection, firstly, based on 595 valid samples, differences between [...] Read more.
In recent years, app-based third taxi service (ATTS) and free-floating bike sharing (FFBS) have become significant travel modes to satisfy travel demands of urban residents. In order to explore the mechanism of their modes selection, firstly, based on 595 valid samples, differences between ATTS and FFBS in original modes, travel distance, geographical position distribution, and travel emergency degree were compared. Then, a multinomial logistic model was established to investigate the factors influencing the choice among ATTS, FFBS, and traditional travel modes (TTM). The results show that: (1) FFBS attracts users whose original modes are walking, private bicycle and bus, while ATTS has a certain competition effect on cruising taxi and bus. (2) Residents are more likely to change from bus to FFBS on weekends, while this competitive relationship between ATTS and bus has no significant difference in different dates. (3) Compared with TTM, residents are more inclined to utilize shared modes to participate in flexible activities, especially in suburb. (4) Interestingly, ATTS is more likely to be utilized in emergency travel, and the residents without registered permanent residences tend to use FFBS and ATTS. Finally, some suggestions and policies were proposed for the government and enterprises to improve operation managements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)
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21 pages, 4592 KiB  
Article
Towards an Energy Efficient Solution for Bike-Sharing Rebalancing Problems: A Battery Electric Vehicle Scenario
by Muhammad Usama, Yongjun Shen and Onaira Zahoor
Energies 2019, 12(13), 2503; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12132503 - 28 Jun 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4352
Abstract
A free-float bike-sharing system faces various operational challenges to maintain good service quality while optimizing the operational cost. The primary problems include the fulfillment of the users demand at all stations, and the replacement of faulty bikes presented in the system. This study [...] Read more.
A free-float bike-sharing system faces various operational challenges to maintain good service quality while optimizing the operational cost. The primary problems include the fulfillment of the users demand at all stations, and the replacement of faulty bikes presented in the system. This study focuses on a free-float bike-sharing system rebalancing problem (FFBP) with faulty bikes using battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The target inventory of bikes at each station is obtained while minimizing the total traveling time through the presented formulation. Using CPLEX solver, the model is demonstrated through numerical experiments considering the various vehicle and battery capacities, and a cost–benefit analysis is performed for BEV and conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) while taking the BEV manufacturing and indirect emission into account. The results show that the annual cost incurred on an ICEV is 56.9% more as compared to the cost of using an equivalent BEV. Since BEVs consume less energy than conventional ICEVs, the use of BEVs for rebalancing the bike-sharing systems results in significant energy savings for an urban transport network. Moreover, the life cycle emissions of an ICEV are 48.3% more as compared to an equivalent BEV. Furthermore, the operational cost of a BEV significantly reduces with the increase in battery capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving in Public Transport)
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17 pages, 635 KiB  
Article
Why Shared Bikes of Free-Floating Systems Were Parked Out of Order? A Preliminary Study based on Factor Analysis
by Qianling Jiang, Sheng-Jung Ou and Wei Wei
Sustainability 2019, 11(12), 3287; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11123287 - 14 Jun 2019
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4431
Abstract
Free-floating bicycle-sharing systems are an important component of sustainable transport. China’s bicycle-sharing schemes have experienced ups and downs in the past three years, and there are a lot of related studies, but there are relatively few studies on the causes of disorderly parking [...] Read more.
Free-floating bicycle-sharing systems are an important component of sustainable transport. China’s bicycle-sharing schemes have experienced ups and downs in the past three years, and there are a lot of related studies, but there are relatively few studies on the causes of disorderly parking of shared bikes. In this study, an open questionnaire is used to widely collect the causes of the disorderly parking of shared bicycles from users. Through factor analysis, six factors and 32 criteria for the causes of disorderly parking are constructed. Factor 1 ‘supervision and management of enterprises’; factor 2 ‘supervision and management of users’; factor 3 ‘parking space’; factor 4 ‘guidance of parking shared bikes’; factor 5 ‘user self-discipline’; factor 6 ‘operation and maintenance’. It requires the cooperation of multiple parties to solve the problem of disorderly parking of shared bicycles. Full article
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24 pages, 1436 KiB  
Article
Customer Incentive Rebalancing Plan in Free-Float Bike-Sharing System with Limited Information
by Ruijing Wu, Shaoxuan Liu and Zhenyang Shi
Sustainability 2019, 11(11), 3088; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11113088 - 31 May 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4237
Abstract
Free-float bike-sharing (FFBS) systems have increased in popularity as a sustainable travel mode in recent years, especially in the urban areas of China. Despite the convenience such systems offer to customers, it is not easy to maintain an effective balance in the distribution [...] Read more.
Free-float bike-sharing (FFBS) systems have increased in popularity as a sustainable travel mode in recent years, especially in the urban areas of China. Despite the convenience such systems offer to customers, it is not easy to maintain an effective balance in the distribution of bikes. This study considers the dynamic rebalancing problem for FFBS systems, whereby user-based tactics are employed by incentivizing users to perform repositioning activities. Motivated by the fact that the problem is frequently faced by FFBS system operators entering a new market with limited information on travel demand, we adopt the ranking and selection approach to select the optimal incentive plan. We describe the system dynamics in detail, and formulate a profit maximization problem with a constraint on customer service level. Through numerical studies, we first establish that our procedure can select the optimal incentive plan in a wide range of scenarios. Second, under our incentive plan, the profit and service level can be improved significantly compared with the scenario without incentive provision. Third, in most cases, our procedure can achieve the optimal solution with a reasonable sample size. Full article
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