ReviewLiterature review of the vehicle relocation problem in one-way car sharing networks
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.
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