An Efficient Scheme for Dynamic Car Relocation in Free-Floating Car-Sharing Systems

Abstract

In this paper, a new scheme for dynamic relocation in free floating car sharing systems is proposed. First, a heuristic approach is presented for designing a car relocation plan which achieves a better balance between supply and demand in such a system within strict time limits. As being heuristic, the algorithm is fast, further aiding in maintaining fast responsiveness in dynamic scenarios. Furthermore, an on-fly-correction of the original relocation plan is also presented for dealing with changes in car distribution happening in the system due to its concurrent use by the users. Thus, the relocation plan is still effective even in the case that the predictions of future user movements are not accurate.