Dynamics of taxi-like logistics systems : theory and microscopic simulations

Abstract

We study the dynamics of a class of bi-agent logistics systems consisting of two types of agents interacting on an arbitrary complex network. By approximating the system with simple microscopic models and solving them analytically, we reveal some universal dynamical features and propose applications of such features for system optimisations. Large-scale agent-based numerical simulations are also carried out to explore more realistic and complicated systems, with interesting emergent behaviours that can be well understood from our analytical studies. Using the taxi system as a typical logistics system with commuters and empty taxis as two types of agents, we illustrate two dynamical phases with distinct behaviours, separated by a phase boundary that can be identified as the optimal number of taxis for a particular taxi system. These features and the tuning of the optimal number of taxis can be applied to various situations, including taxi systems allowing real-time dynamical ride-sharing.