Student Seminar by Dr. Zhuoye Zhang on Nov 29, 2024 (2PM)

Title: Optimal operation strategies of an urban crowdshipping platform in asset-light, asset-medium, or asset-heavy business format

Speaker: Dr. Zhuoye Zhang (Department of Data and Systems Engineering)

Date: November 29, 2024 (Friday)

Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Venue: Room 612B, 6/F, Haking Wong Building, The University of Hong Kong

About the talk: This research investigates the operation strategies of an urban crowdshipping platform, which utilizes the latent capacity of the traveling ‘crowd’ in the transportation system to facilitate parcel delivery. We develop an analytical model to characterize the decision-making and operation strategies of a crowdshipping operator in alternative business formats (asset-light/medium/heavy). Asset-light platforms connect customers with potential carriers in the crowd without involving delivery assets, whereas asset-medium and asset-heavy operators integrate crowd carriers with outsourced or owned delivery fleets, respectively. In particular, we first formulate the two-sided market equilibrium of crowdshipping system on account of customers’ willingness to use and crowds’ willingness to serve. Based on the market equilibrium, the crowdshipping operator’s optimal strategies in terms of pricing and/or fleet sizing are identified for profit-maximization or social welfare-maximization in alternative business formats. We show that the introduction of crowdshipping can simultaneously improve the benefits of logistics customers, the crowd, and the crowdshipping platform operator, leading to a win-win-win outcome. Furthermore, we establish analytical conditions for one business format being superior to another. We find that if the externality (or marginal social cost) of an unmatched order is smaller in a particular business format, it will result in larger consumer surplus for customers, greater net benefit for crowd carriers, and more profit for crowdshipping operator. Under mild conditions, the crowdshipping operator adopting the asset-light or asset-medium format can earn a positive profit at the social optimum.

About the speaker: Dr. Zhuoye Zhang is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Data and Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong (HKU). He received his Ph.D. degree in transportation engineering from HKU in 2024, his master's degree from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and his bachelor's degree from Tongji University. His research interests include transportation economics, transportation network modeling and optimization, mainly focusing on the analysis of shared, automated and electrified transportation and logistics services. His work has been published in leading academic journals and conferences, including Transportation Research Part B/C, the International Symposium on Transportation and Traffic Theory (ISTTT), the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting, etc. Dr. Zhang is also a recipient of the Best Paper Award of the 5th Frontier Symposium on Traffic Behavior and Transportation Science (TBTS 2024), and the 14th Workshop on Computational Transportation Science (CTS).

18 Nov 2024 (Mon) 11:00-12:00 | Seminar by Prof. Peng Chen

Mileage-Based Tax in the US: Theory, Research and Practice

Speaker:

Prof. Peng Chen

School of Public Affairs, University of South Florida, USA

Date:    Nov 18, 2024 (Monday)

Time:   11:00am – 12:00nn

Venue:  Room 612B, 6/F Haking Wong Building, The University of Hong Kong

Abstract

This study reviews the theoretical foundations, empirical research, and emerging practice of mileage-based taxation (MBT) in the US. The theory section introduces economic perspectives from neoclassical, behavioral, and institutional traditions. Examining key issues from these perspectives advances the understanding of environmental benefits, data privacy, public acceptance, and the implications for equity and efficiency of MBT. The research section synthesizes recent studies on the financial, environmental, and social impacts of MBT, highlighting that transportation equity concerns are central to ongoing debates and deserve further exploration. The practice section analyzes empirical cases by comparing pilot programs and existing policies across various states, identifying reasons for differences in implementation and outcomes. This nuanced understanding of MBT underscores its potential as an effective policy tool for sustainable transportation and provides valuable insights for future research and implementation.

About the Speaker

Dr. Chen is an Assistant Professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of South Florida, specializing in Transportation Planning and Policy with a focus on interdisciplinary research that integrates urban planning, transportation engineering, and quantitative analysis. He serves as an Associate Editor for Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment and received the Best Paper Award at the 14th World Conference on Transport Research. His research is funded by prominent organizations, including the National Institute for Congestion Research and the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Chen earned his Ph.D. in Urban Planning from the University of Washington in 2016, along with a Master’s in Civil Engineering (2015) and a graduate certificate in Statistics (2014), having previously obtained a Master’s in Geography from Peking University (2010) and a Bachelor’s in Engineering from Wuhan University (2007). He has been recognized as one of the top 2% of highly cited researchers by Elsevier and Stanford University (annual ranking) since 2020.

13 Nov 2024 (Wed) 17:00-18:00 | Industrial Seminar by Mr. Ken Ching

The world’s first micro mobility network powered by solar energy and wireless charging

Speaker:

Mr. Ken Ching

Founder and Chairman of LocoBike

Awardee of the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Outstanding Young Entrepreneur

Date:    Nov 13, 2024 (Wednesday)

Time:   5:00pm – 6:00pm

Venue:  Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing Two, G/F Run Run Shaw Building, HKU

Abstract

LocoBike is pioneering sustainable urban mobility with its innovative solar-powered micro-mobility system. This revolutionary solution combines electric scooters and power-assisted pedal cycles with solar-powered wireless charging stations, incorporating wireless charging technology from WiTricity, a leader in wireless power transfer, offering a zero-carbon emission transportation option for campuses, tourist attractions, and urban areas. The system boasts several key features, including the world's first solar-powered station for EMD (Electric Mobility Device), high-power wireless charging for electric mobility devices, an innovative solar-powered network, smart geo-fencing technology, and a user-friendly mobile app for easy unlocking and riding. LocoBike has successfully deployed its system with Shell, Join Energy Co. Ltd in various locations across China, including Chengdu, Leshan, and Jinan. A notable project in Taiwan involves collaboration with Shell, TennRich International Corp., JJPlus, and Yulon Motor.

Speaker's Bio

Ken Ching is one of the awardees of the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Outstanding Young Entrepreneur. He holds a master degree in Information Technology from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Currently, he is pursuing a PhD degree in AIoT at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU). Ken was a former Software Engineer in eBay Classified Group responding to APAC platform development. Ken began his entrepreneurial journey in 2014 when he founded his first startup. Since then, he has founded several other successful startups in various industries, including e-commerce and F&B. In 2017, Ken founded LocoBike intending to provide a convenient and affordable bike-sharing service to the people of Hong Kong. Under his leadership, LocoBike has become one of the most popular bike-sharing brands in Hong Kong, with a strong focus on promoting micro-mobility as a healthy and eco-friendly means of transportation in urban areas. The company has introduced innovative features such as IoT and ML technologies to enhance the user experience and ensure the safety of its bicycles. Ken is also involved in various community initiatives that promote micro-mobility and sustainable living. He believes that micro-mobility can help to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and promote a healthier lifestyle for urban residents. Ken is committed to expanding the reach of LocoBike and making it a key player in the global green mobility market.