Commuting service platform: Concept and analysis

• Published in: Transportation research. Part B: methodological 2022-04, Vol.158, p.18-51
• Main Authors: Fan, Rong, Ban, Xuegang (Jeff)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alliances; Commuting; Commuting service platform (CSP); Employer-centered TDM; Generalized Nash game; New mobility services; Travel demand; Travel demand management (TDM); Two-sided market
• ISSN: 0191-2615; 1879-2367
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trb.2022.01.006

We propose and investigate the concept of commuting service platform (CSP) that leverages emerging mobility services for commuting and connect directly commuters (employees) and their worksites (employers). By applying the two-sided market analysis framework, we show under what conditions a CSP may present the two-sidedness. Both the monopoly and duopoly CSPs are then analyzed. We show how the price allocation, i.e., the prices charged to commuters and worksites, can impact the participation and profit of the CSPs. We also extend the method to consider locations of homes and worksites, and propose a general modeling framework to consider the locations. Discussions are presented on how the findings in this paper may help build CSP in practice and how to develop new, CSP-based travel demand management strategies. •Commuting service platform (CSP) connects commuters (employees) and worksites (employers).•Two-sided market analysis method can be applied to analyze CSP.•Interactions of employees and employers impact the participation and profit of CSP.•Monopoly and duopoly CSPs, as well as impacts of locations of homes and worksites, are analyzed.•Research results can help build CSP in practice and to develop CSP-based TDM policies.