Integrated relocation model for free-floating carsharing systems: Field trial results

This paper presents an integrated relocation model for free-floating carsharing (FFCS) systems. A historical data analysis conducted monthly generates demand indicators. A zone categorization identifies zones with a historical vehicle shortage or surplus and enables the estimation of the optimal vehicle distribution for the target time period. Given the current vehicle positions, the model identifies vehicle imbalances. Five macroscopic and microscopic steps using optimization and rule-based methods recommend relocations and service trips on an individual vehicle level. This process results in detailed staff operation plans. To assess the impact of relocations on the system's operation, the model was applied to an FFCS system in Munich, Germany. Three real-world field tests conducted at stages of the model's development exhibited different degrees of automation. The evaluation showed promising results. All tests had positive impacts on the main measures of success. The earnings per vehicle were increased by up to 18%. The mean idle time per trip end of all vehicles in the fleet was decreased by up to 18%. The difference in idle times between the relocated vehicles and neighboring vehicles that were not relocated was decreased by up to 31%. Most important, the profit of the operator was between 4.7% and 5.8% higher than without relocations. The automation of the whole model in the last field test led to slightly lower but still very positive impacts while facilitating the whole relocation process for the operator.