Modeling and evaluation of a ridesharing matching system from multi‐stakeholders’ perspective

Matching riders and drivers in ridesharing considering conflicting objectives of diverse stakeholders is challenging. The objective of this research is to formulate and evaluate the performance of four ridesharing matching‐objectives (i.e. system‐wide minimisation of passengers’ wait time, minimisation of VMT, minimisation of detour distance, maximisation of drivers’ profit) considering interests of diverse mobility stakeholders (i.e. drivers, riders, matching agencies, government transportation agencies). A grid roadway network was used to compare the performance of the four matching‐objectives in serving a ridesharing demand scenario. Performance comparison of matching‐objectives revealed that a system‐wide VMT minimisation matching‐objective performed best with least sacrifices on the other three matching‐objectives from their respective best performance level. Also, system‐wide VMT minimisation was the best matching‐objective, when drivers’ and government transportation agencies’ expectations were prioritised. System‐wide drivers’ profit maximisation matching‐objective provided the highest monetary incentives for drivers and riders in terms of maximising profit and travel cost savings, respectively. System‐wide minimisation of detour distance was found to be least flexible in providing shared rides. The findings of this research provide useful insights on ridesharing matching system modelling and performance evaluation based on different matching‐objectives and can be used in developing and implementing ridesharing service considering multiple stakeholders’ concerns.