Petri Nets Models for Analysis and Control of Public Bicycle-Sharing Systems

Abstract

Public Bicycle-Sharing Systems (PBSS), also known as self-service public bicycle systems, are available in numerous big cities in the world (Velib' in Paris, Bicing in Barcelona, Call-aBicycle in Munich, OyBicycle in London, etc.). Since its inception, Bicycle-sharing programs have grown worldwide. There are now programs in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Australia. A still growing list of cities which provides such green public transportation mode can be found at the Bicycle-sharing world map (http://Bikesharing.blogspot.com) as shown in Figure 1. As a good complementary to other urban transportation modes, bicycle use entails a number of benefits including environmental, mobility and economic benefits. The public bicycle sharing systems are especially useful for short-distance city transport trips and to face many public transport problems, including growing traffic congestion, pollution, greater car dependency, buses caught in city congestion, and ageing transport infrastructure.