An approach to modeling bike-sharing systems based on spatial equity concept

Efficient and sustainable mobility is becoming a need for emerging metropolitan areas, essential to grant their attractiveness, quality of life and economic power. Among the possible strategies to adopt, shared mobility systems have proven to be a valuable alternative to accommodate the mobility needs of citizens ensuring at the same time sustainability and transport flexibility. In particular, this paper focuses on bike-sharing systems. Despite many studies have recognized the importance of planning processes supported by equity principles, only a few have integrated spatial equity concepts in the planning of a bike-sharing system. With this research, we want to propose an original model to determine the number and layout of bike stations, as well as the number of bicycles and racks for each of them. The suggested approach aims at minimizing the costs associated with the system implementation and operation while balancing the level of service for all the users over the territory. A set of illustrative examples and a sensitivity analysis are provided.