Multi-class stochastic user equilibrium assignment model with ridesharing: Formulation and policy implications

Abstract

This paper proposes a logit-based multi-class ridesharing user equilibrium assignment framework that can incorporate different policy measures such as car restrictions, cordon tolling, and subsidization. The framework is formulated as a mixed complementarity problem (MCP). Numerical studies are conducted to illustrate model properties and compare the effects of these measures under different circumstances. The results show that the effectiveness of different policy measures can be greatly influenced by the performance of the transit mode compared with that of the driving mode and the users’ preference for traveling by car. The “cordon toll” policy can be better than the “car restriction” policy in terms of the improvement in social surplus when the performance of the competing transit system is poor. Subsidizing ridesharing (transit fares) using the toll income is the most effective when the performance of the competing transit system is poor (good). It is also found that the implementation of the cordon toll policy cannot effectively promote ridesharing when the performance of the transit system is good.