Can dockless and docked bike-sharing substitute each other? Evidence from Nanjing, China

Bike-sharing systems are promoted worldwide due to their low carbon environmental and social benefits. However, the substitution relationship between dockless and docked bike-sharing systems is barely studied. This paper uses an online survey in Nanjing, China to reveal the factors influencing the substitution relationship between dockless and docked bike-sharing systems using a hybrid choice model. Results show that male prefer to substitute dockless bike-sharing with docked bike-sharing. It is more likely that dockless bike-sharing provides substitution services for docked bike-sharing in the scenario of transferring with bus/subway. Satisfaction to service quality of both bike-sharing systems influence the substitution relationship between the two bike-sharing systems. This paper offers policy implications to improve service level and promote coordinated services of the two bike-sharing systems.