Review
Literature review of the vehicle relocation problem in one-way car sharing networks

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trb.2018.12.006Get rights and content

Highlights

  • Helpful guide to authors interested in modeling one-way vehicle sharing networks.

  • Literature review on approaches to solving the vehicle relocation problem.

  • Comparison of optimization, simulation and combined multistage approaches.

  • Methodological analysis of demand estimation and key performance indicators.

  • Identification of promising research gaps.

Abstract

In this paper, we perform a systematic review of selected publications that offer method-based solutions to the vehicle relocation issues in car sharing networks. Asymmetric networks allowing one-way trips are the most promising form of car-sharing systems. However, the resulting vehicle imbalance across the station grid requires relocations. Typical approaches to solving the vehicle relocation problem include mixed-integer programming for strategic or operation-oriented design problems, as well as simulation models for management tasks. We survey how researchers define the decision problems related to the vehicle relocation issue, and consider their division into multistage approaches. This article offers a starting point for researchers interested in modeling one-way vehicle sharing.

Introduction

Initially developed in Switzerland in 1948, car sharing (CS) experienced considerable growth around the world during the 1990s. With the availability of mobile internet services and supported by other factors, such as reasonable usage fees due to competition from other logistical options, CS companies face everincreasing demands as they strive to extend their areas of operation (Lindloff et al., 2014, Shaheen and Cohen, 2013). However, the flexibility and improved lifestyle spontaneity that distinguishes CS from conventional car rental poses a challenge for many CS companies. In order to compete with or complement other modes of transportation, such as local public transport and individual car ownership, CS operators must improve their overall effectiveness, while maintaining a high level of efficiency. Against this background, a key operational issue persists in the so-called Vehicle Relocation Problem (VReP) and its resolution. Fig. 1 offers an overview on CS modes and their relevance (marked in gray) for this review paper.

Section snippets

The vehicle relocation problem

One of the most important characteristics of vehicle sharing networks is the symmetry of their configuration. Symmetric systems only allow two-way trips, which require that customers return vehicles to the pick-up location. Asymmetric systems, on the other hand, forgo that restriction by accepting one-way trips, thus allowing customers to drop vehicles off at any station or within an operation zone. If operated efficiently, one-way CS can be advantageous for both customers and enterprises when

Scope and survey methodology

The following review is based on literature research carried out through databases and search engines, primarily initiated through EBSCOhost (Business Source Complete), Elsevier and ResearchGate but includes findings from papers reference sections as well. The time span of publications covered ranges between 2010 and 2018, with older exceptions pertaining to papers of particular relevance. All papers that include the VReP in CS networks lie within the scope of the review, and this applies

Dynamic pricing

In contrast to the classic car rental-style reservation method, an important policy that balances vehicle stocks in one-way CS networks is dynamic pricing. This promising idea significantly affects the modeling of CS networks, and deserves mention in this review accordingly. Dynamic pricing modifies usage fees based on actual vehicle availability. Stations overstocked with vehicles offer trips for lower prices, while stations with vehicle shortages require higher prices. Waserhole et al. (2013)

Identification of research gaps and concluding remarks

CS contributes to sustainable inner city mobility, while the constantly growing numbers of customers and available CS vehicles provide an interesting field of research. The potential to improve transportation under ecological viewpoints is important for future mobility (Martin and Shaheen, 2016). After surveying multiple publications, 26 fell directly within the scope of this review. An overview is given in Table 1. Key findings can be concluded as follows: One-way CS offers more flexible and

Acknowledgment

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

References (59)

  • C. Gambella et al.

    Optimizing relocation operations in electric car-sharing

    Omega

    (2018)
  • M. Heilig et al.

    Implementation of free-floating and station-based carsharing in an agent-based travel demand model

    Travel Behav. Soc.

    (2018)
  • S. Illgen et al.

    Electric vehicles in car sharing networks – challenges and simulation model analysis

    Transp. Res. D: Transp. Environ.

    (2018)
  • M. Kaspi et al.

    Parking reservation policies in one-way vehicle sharing systems

    Transp. Res. B: Methodol.

    (2014)
  • M. Kaspi et al.

    Regulating vehicle sharing systems through parking reservation policies: analysis and performance bounds

    Eur. J. Oper. Res.

    (2016)
  • Kek et al.

    A decision support system for vehicle relocation operations in carsharing systems

    Transp. Res. E: Logist. Transp. Rev.

    (2009)
  • C. Latinopoulos et al.

    Response of electric vehicle drivers to dynamic pricing of parking and charging services: risky choice in early reservations

    Transp. Res. C: Emerg. Technol.

    (2017)
  • S. Le Vine et al.

    A new approach to predict the market and impacts of round-trip and point-to-point carsharing systems: case study of London

    Transp. Res. D: Transp. Environ.

    (2014)
  • Q. Li et al.

    Incorporating free-floating car-sharing into an activity-based dynamic user equilibrium model: a demand-side model

    Transp. Res. B: Methodol.

    (2018)
  • X. Li et al.

    Design framework of large-scale one-way electric vehicle sharing systems: a continuum approximation model

    Transp. Res. B: Methodol.

    (2016)
  • R. Ma et al.

    Emission modeling and pricing on single-destination dynamic traffic networks

    Transp. Res. B: Methodol.

    (2017)
  • R. Nair et al.

    Equilibrium network design of shared-vehicle systems

    Eur. J. Oper. Res.

    (2014)
  • M. Nourinejad et al.

    A dynamic carsharing decision support system

    Transp. Res. E: Logist. Transp. Rev.

    (2014)
  • M. Nourinejad et al.

    Vehicle relocation and staff rebalancing in one-way carsharing systems

    Transp. Res. E: Logist. Transp. Rev.

    (2015)
  • G. Santos et al.

    A MIP model to optimize real time maintenance and relocation operations in one-way carsharing systems

    Transp. Res. Proc.

    (2015)
  • S. Schmöller et al.

    Empirical analysis of free-floating carsharing usage: the Munich and Berlin case

    Transp. Res. C: Emerg. Technol.

    (2015)
  • A. Waserhole et al.

    Pricing techniques for self regulation in vehicle sharing systems

    Electron. Notes Discrete Math.

    (2013)
  • S. Weikl et al.

    A practice-ready relocation model for free-floating carsharing systems with electric vehicles – mesoscopic approach and field trial results

    Transp. Res. C: Emerg. Technol.

    (2015)
  • F. Xu et al.

    A VIKOR-based approach for assessing the service performance of electric vehicle sharing programs: a case study in Beijing

    J. Clean. Prod.

    (2017)
  • Cited by (145)

    • Joint relocation and pricing in electric car-sharing systems

      2024, European Journal of Operational Research
    • Fake it till you make it: Synthetic data for emerging carsharing programs

      2024, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
    View all citing articles on Scopus
    View full text