Demand Shifting Mechanisms

Since its creation in 1948, car sharing systems have always became more current worldwide. They represent a solution to congestions, parking issues as well as environmental pollution. This study aims at developing a new operational management of a one-way station-based car sharing system. A large database from the operating car sharing system of the French city of Grenoble is used to test our models. The system operates with electric cars. Relocation of vehicles as well as space shifting, commonly known mechanism of the literature will be evaluated. In addition, we developed a model allowing us to test the mechanism of time shifting, which has never been done before. An event based simulator built in C# helps us to measure and compare the mechanisms. Results show that a relocation of vehicles is the most efficient solution. Space shifting displayed successful results as well. Time shifting has not yet been able to challenge the performances of the latter.