Search

This study proposes a systematic approach for planning and operating a one-way vehicle-sharing system (VSS) under demand uncertainty. It investigates the distribution of parking spaces and vehicles considering stochastic demand and interactions with the major operational decisions, namely vehicle redistribution activities. An optimization model is formulated that aims to determine the best deployment strategy for minimizing overall cost while achieving a certain level of service (LoS). Then, a simulation-based solution approach based on a discrete-event simulator (DES), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Optimal Computing Budget Allocation (OCBA) is devised to solve the mathematical model. The methodology is then applied to a car-sharing system in Singapore. Results demonstrate that considering rebalancing activities is imperative in making deployment strategies. The case study also provides managerial insights regarding designing and operating one-way VSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the design and efficiency of a highway use reservation system where commuters need reservations to access a highway facility at specific times. We show that, by accommodating reservation requests to the level that the highway capacity allows, traffic congestion can be relieved. Generally, a more differentiated design of the reservation system yields a higher reduction of travel cost and thus achieves a higher efficiency. The efficiency bound of the system is established. We also show that braking or tactical waiting behaviors of drivers would cause a loss of efficiency, which thus need be proactively accommodated. Given that user heterogeneity cause further loss of efficiency, we explore how two specific types of user heterogeneity affect the system efficiency. Auction-based reservation is then proposed to mitigate the efficiency loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a dynamic system-optimal control model (DSOCM) for commuting corridors which consist of both freeway and surface street segments. Need to implement effective traffic control; Complex interactions among freeway, surface street and diversion flows; Computation of the optimal time-dependent ramp metering rate.