Agent-based simulation framework for the taxi sector modeling

Taxi services account for a significant part of the daily trips in most cities around the world. These services are regulated by a central authority, which usually monitors the performance of the taxi services provision and defines the policies applied to the taxi sector. In order to support policy makers, fleet managers and individual taxi drivers, there is a need for developing models to understand the behavior of these markets. Most of the models developed for analyzing the taxi market are based on econometric measurements and do not account for the spatial distribution of both taxi demand and supply. Only few simulation models are able to better understand the operational characteristics of the taxi market. This paper presents a framework for the development of agent based taxi simulation models. It is aimed at assessing policy makers, taxi fleet managers and individual drivers in the definition of the optimum operation mode and the number of vehicles.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Modeling framework for comparing taxi operational modes: case study in Barcelona

This paper presents an aggregated mathematical model for the estimation of key performance indicators of the taxi market based on the system’s generalized cost function, which is calculated using the expected statistical values of customers’ trip distance, waiting/access time and the cost of the involved actors, including externalities, who are the taxi drivers, the taxi customers and the city represented by the rest of the drivers and the citizens. Optimum values for the taxi supply are obtained from mathematical formulations depending on the demand level and the size of the city. The model is developed for stand, hailing and dispatching taxi markets and the results are compared, presenting conclusions for the best type of market for each demand level and city size. The model is applied in the city of Barcelona, presenting useful conclusions on the performance indicators of the taxi services and the impact of the applied policies as well as the optimum number of taxis for each operational mode, ranging between 30 and 40 vehicles per hour and km2.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Big data analytics:Computational intelligence techniques and application areas

Big Data has significant impact in developing functional smart cities and supporting modern societies. In this paper, we investigate the importance of Big Data in modern life and economy, and discuss challenges arising from Big Data utilization. Different computational intelligence techniques have been considered as tools for Big Data analytics. We also explore the powerful combination of Big Data and Computational Intelligence (CI) and identify a number of areas, where novel applications in real world smart city problems can be developed by utilizing these powerful tools and techniques. We present a case study for intelligent transportation in the context of a smart city, and a novel data modelling methodology based on a biologically inspired universal generative modelling approach called Hierarchical Spatial-Temporal State Machine (HSTSM). We further discuss various implications of policy, protection, valuation and commercialization related to Big Data, its applications and deployment

Forecasting Recharging Demand to Integrate Electric Vehicle Fleets in Smart Grids

Electric vehicle fleets and smart grids are two growing technologies. These technologies provided new possibilities to reduce pollution and increase energy efficiency. In this sense, electric vehicles are used as mobile loads in the power grid. A distributed charging prioritization methodology is proposed in this paper. The solution is based on the concept of virtual power plants and the usage of evolutionary computation algorithms. Additionally, the comparison of several evolutionary algorithms, genetic algorithm, genetic algorithm with evolution control, particle swarm optimization, and hybrid solution are shown in order to evaluate the proposed architecture. The proposed solution is presented to prevent the overload of the power grid

Potential of Private Autonomous Vehicles for Parcel Delivery

Using the same vehicles for both passenger and freight transport, to increase vehicle occupancy and decrease their number, is an idea that drives transport planners and is also being addressed by manufacturers. This paper proposes a methodology to simulate the behavior of such vehicles within an urban traffic system and evaluate their performance. The aim is to investigate the impacts of resignation from fleet ownership by a transport service company (TSC) operating on a city-wide scale. In the simulation, the service provider hires private autonomous cars for tour performance. Based on assumptions concerning the operation of such vehicles and TSCs, the software Multi-Agent Transport Simulation (MATSim) is extended to model vehicle and operator behavior. The proposed framework is applied to a case study of a parcel delivery service in Berlin serving a synthetic parcel demand. Results suggest that the vehicle miles traveled for freight purposes increase because of additional access and egress trips. Moreover, the number of vehicles en route is higher throughout the day. The lowering of driver costs can reduce the costs of the operator by approximately 74.5%. If the service provider additionally considers the resignation from fleet ownership, it might lower the operation cost by another 10%, not taking into account the costs of system transfer or risks like vehicle non-availability. From an economic perspective, the reduction of the overall number of vehicles in the system seems to be beneficial.BMVI, 16AVF2147, Potentiale Automatisierter Verkehrssysteme (PAVE

3D-in-2D Displays for ATC.

This paper reports on the efforts and accomplishments of the 3D-in-2D Displays for ATC project at the end of Year 1. We describe the invention of 10 novel 3D/2D visualisations that were mostly implemented in the Augmented Reality ARToolkit. These prototype implementations of visualisation and interaction elements can be viewed on the accompanying video. We have identified six candidate design concepts which we will further research and develop. These designs correspond with the early feasibility studies stage of maturity as defined by the NASA Technology Readiness Level framework. We developed the Combination Display Framework from a review of the literature, and used it for analysing display designs in terms of display technique used and how they are combined. The insights we gained from this framework then guided our inventions and the human-centered innovation process we use to iteratively invent. Our designs are based on an understanding of user work practices. We also developed a simple ATC simulator that we used for rapid experimentation and evaluation of design ideas. We expect that if this project continues, the effort in Year 2 and 3 will be focus on maturing the concepts and employment in a operational laboratory settings

Conceptualizing environmental effects of carsharing services: A system thinking approach

Emerging carsharing services and their interconnections with other modes of urban transport, regulations, car manufacturing and population have affected the dynamics of energy consumption, environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emission within a complex system. However, although some aspects of environmental impacts of transport sector have been investigated in the literature, well-deserved studies on the environmental effects of carsharing services following a system thinking approach is missing. This research aims at providing a comprehensive conceptual framework to systematize the interconnections between carsharing services and their environmental effects. To do this, system dynamics (SD) modeling, as a tool to simulate complex and dynamic systems, is applied and the proposed framework model is illustrated by using a causal-loop diagram (CLD). Along with analyzing the main identified causal loops within the presented CLD, relevant strategies are proposed to reduce the negative environmental effects associated with the carsharing services, considering the whole lifecycle of a shared vehicle. The proposed framework can help environment policy makers and shared mobility practitioners in long-term strategic decision-making. Moreover, it can be applied by the researchers as a basis for future research, not only for SD modeling but also other simulation and analysis structures

Satisfaction of Istanbul Citizens with Urban Public Transportation

Transportation is one of the most challenging urban subsystems to transform in an environmentally friendly and futuristic way. Many city dwellers use a variety of modes of transportation. An efficient and sustainable urban transportation system must include many modes of transportation for a single trip. Intermodal combinations are essential for urban transportation efficiency. Public transportation and commuting are essential elements of multimodal travel. In urban areas, a mix of bicycles, vehicles, and public transportation is prevalent, while in rural areas, car, and public transportation are more prevalent. By examining the characteristics that lead customers to prefer water transportation over Metrobus and Marmaray, we hope to gain a better understanding of how the Asian and European sides of Istanbul are traversed. The number of participants in the "Maritime Transportation Satisfaction Survey" was 2,343. During this period, a model was built using the survey item "frequency of use" (dependent variable). Numerous survey examines and evaluation methodologies were utilized to determine the effectiveness of this strategy. The study examines the intermodal travel motivations and the evaluation of transportation options by multimodal users. For a successful urban transportation system, urban planning must take into account multimodal travel behavior and user expectations. There are initiatives to improve water transportation in Istanbul. Conventional maritime transportation is inadequate from start to finish. An integrated route optimization method is needed to increase the efficiency of maritime transportation. We believe that by strengthening maritime transportation links will increase water consumption. Before the coronavirus pandemic, 2,343 maritime carriers were evaluated on March 8, 2020. (Different surveys were conducted among the passengers of City Lines, Private Motors, Metrobus, and Marmaray to compare their choices and reasons.) SPSS will be used for data analysis. Multivariate Statistical Analysis relies on Multinomial Logistic Regression and Discriminant Analysis models, both of which use the K-fold and Leave-one-out criteria to decide which attributes are valid in the regression model and which are valid in the discriminant approach. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test criteria yielded a p-value greater than 0.05 for MLR characteristics