A conceptual model for carpooling systems simulation

Abstract

Growing traffic congestion and the associated externalities require the study of alternative measures to reduce the number of automobiles travelling every day to the city centres, specifically single-occupant vehicles. Carpooling is a system by which a person shares his or her private vehicle with one or more people that have similar destinations. A conceptual model for carpooling simulation is presented to study the viability of carpooling clubs in a given region. Based on statistical data from single-occupant commuter trips and using roulette wheel selection, one aims to simulate the behaviour of potential carpooling users. This paper emphasizes the construction process of a Logic Flow Diagram that translates the proposed methodology, allowing organizing the different activities, input parameters and discrete events in a structure that can be used to study any given urban area.

Keywords:

• transport
• simulation
• urban studies
• conceptual model
• carpooling