An Ensemble Optimization Strategy for Dynamic Parking-Space Allocation

The individual choices of parkers, based on self-interests, can result in the inefficient use of on-street parking-space resources as well as chaotic parking conditions (e.g., secondary path interweaving). Therefore, an ensemble optimization strategy for dynamic parking-space allocation (EO-DPSA) is proposed for systematically optimizing on-street parking-space use. First, the issue of inefficient parking-space use caused by the individual choice of parkers is investigated. Subsequently, the EO-DPSA technique is developed for optimizing parking-space use from a system level by improving the parking sequence for eliminating parking-entry conflicts. Consequently, the compliance rate of parking guidance is increased, and secondary path interweaving is prevented. Next, the optimization effect of the EO-DPSA technique is validated based on the smart parking data obtained from Guilin City. The obtained results indicate that after optimization via the EO-DPSA method, the parking-space use of 81 parking areas is optimized. Hence, 2.86–66.67% of redundant parking spaces can be discarded in 41 parking areas. In particular, a parking compliance rate of 99.023% is achieved. In addition, 97.82% of the parking phases exhibit better results in avoiding secondary path interweaving after optimization.