Does Policy Matter in Carsharing Traveling? Evolution Game Model-Based Carsharing and Private Car Study

As an alternative trip mode to the private car, carsharing mode first emerged in Europe in the 1940s. Although it possesses many merits such as convenience, affordability, and comfort, its development is far slower than the private car in recent years. Identifying the factors affecting the users' choice between carsharing and private car is becoming very important. This paper proposes an evolution game model to explore the competitive choice process between carsharing and private car under different government policies. First, an evolution game model with incomplete information is developed to analyze the travel choice of carsharing over private car. The influences of government policy are taken into consideration. Then, the evolutionary stable strategy solution of the model is derived from replicator dynamics, and a discussion about the stable condition is presented. Finally, a case study is conducted to validate the proposed model. This study provides a rationale for agencies to improve the current carsharing choice rate between carsharing and private car.