A simulation framework for real-time assessment of dynamic ride sharing demand responsive transportation models

Abstract

Sustainable mobility is not only a technological question, automotive technology will be part of the solution combined with a paradigm shift from car ownership to vehicle usage, and the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) making possible for a user to have access to a mobility service from anywhere to anywhere at any time. Multiple Passenger Ridesharing and its variants look one of the more promising emerging mobility concepts. However, implementations of these systems accounting specifically for time dependencies, and time windows reflecting users’ needs raise challenges in terms of real-time fleet dispatching and dynamic route calculation. This paper analyzes and evaluates both aspects by microscopic traffic simulation emulating real-time traffic conditions and a real traffic information system, and interacting with a Decision Support. The simulation framework has been implemented in a model of Barcelona’s Central Business District. The paper presents and discusses the achieved results.