Modeling and optimization for carsharing services: a literature review

This study conducts a holistic and in-depth review of the modeling and optimization problems arising from the carsharing service operations. The aims of this review are twofold. First, this review attempts to assist carsharing operators in (i) operating carsharing systems in a better way, and (ii) gaining a forward-looking understanding of the operation of the upcoming autonomous carsharing services. Second, this study seeks to provide the transportation and management science researchers with an overview of the literature on the optimization problems for the carsharing service operations and offer directions for future research. We classify the literature into three categories, i.e., strategic, tactical, and operational, according to the level of the decisions involved in the optimization problems. For each category, the optimization models and solution methods proposed in existing studies are surveyed. Finally, we conclude the literature review and discuss several possible future research directions for the carsharing service operation management.