Understanding the factors associated with one-way and round-trip carsharing usage based on a hybrid operation carsharing system: A case study in Beijing

Abstract

As carsharing is promoted in many cities, studying the factors related to station-level demand under multi-mode operating carsharing systems will help better develop carsharing programs. In this paper, the number of transactions is calculated to represent the carsharing demand based on the data from a one-way and round-trip hybrid operation carsharing system in Beijing. The generalized additive model is then conducted with carsharing demand as the dependent variable and five groups of independent variables: station attributes, public transit, built environment, weather, and consumption features. The main results are: (1) the one-way station has a substitution effect on the round-trip station; (2) the one-way and round-trip stations not only have considerable demand in places well served by transit but also can play different and complementary roles in areas underserved by transit; (3) the percentage of residential POIs, the POI-mixed entropy, and the number of cars per household are the most statistically significant factors; (4) weather conditions such as precipitation, high temperatures, and poor air quality play a positive role in carsharing usage; (5) personalized incentives help attract more usage, while the positive effect is minor; (6) both population density and average consumption are highly nonlinear to carsharing usage. Population densities of around 10,000 people/km2 have the largest positive effect on one-way station usage and around 6,500 people/km2 have the largest negative effect on round-trip station usage. When the average consumption exceeds 100 RMB, the usage of one-way stations decreases more rapidly compared to round-trip stations. This study can help the operators understand and refine their business strategies, and can provide insights into determining the location and mode of carsharing stations.