Optimization approach to depot location and trip selection in one‐way carsharing systems

In this paper, we present an optimization approach to depot location in one‐way carsharing systems where vehicle stock imbalance issues are addressed under three trip selection schemes. The approach is based on mixed‐integer programming models whose objective is to maximize the profits of a carsharing organization considering all the revenues and costs involved. The practical usefulness of the approach is illustrated with a case study involving the municipality of Lisbon, Portugal. The results we have obtained from this study provided a clear insight into the impact of depot location and trip selection schemes on the profitability of such systems.