Automated and electrified ride-hailing fleet: opportunities and management optimisation

Abstract

This thesis explores key aspects and problems of technological innovations in the context of ride-hailing systems, shedding light on their profound implications for the industry.

Chapter 2 introduces a centralised matching approach that integrates the EV charge scheduling problem into the optimisation framework of ride-hailing systems. The objective represents three-fold benefits: direct financial gains, service quality and system efficiency, and fleet profitability. Moreover, the chapter addresses the practical scenario where human drivers may reject charging assignments lacking personal incentives, leading to a driver compliance behavioural model and a corresponding incentivisation scheme.

Chapter 3 introduces a macroscopic model underpinning demand-supply dynamics within mixed-fleet ride-hailing markets. Employing a model predictive control (MPC) framework, it optimises control variables to maximise operators' profits through dynamic trip fares for AVs and HVs, and the active AV fleet size. The study accounts for human driver work patterns and different exit behaviours. Leveraging historical data and real-time inputs, a comprehensive simulation testbed substantiates the efficacy of the proposed strategy in maximising operator profits while mitigating trip cancellations.

Chapter 4 introduces a decentralised cooperative cruising approach for a-taxi fleet as an essential contingency plan during complete communication breakdowns. It quantifies road centralities using PageRank, serving as a measure for long-term passenger encounter likelihoods. This metric informs both cruising route planning and network partitioning for effective destination selection. Comparative analyses against benchmark strategies reveal significant enhancements in service performance across various fleet sizes.

The research contributes comprehensive methodologies and insights, paving the way for more efficient, sustainable, and adaptable transportation systems.