Using spatial outliers detection to assess balancing mechanisms in bike sharing systems

Spatial outliers are objects having a behavior significantly different from their spatial neighbors, in a context where neighbors are heavily correlated. Moran scatterplot is a well-known method that exploits similarity between neighbors in order to detect spatial outliers. In this paper, we proposed first an improved version of Moran scatterplot, using a robust distance metric called Gower's similarity. We used the new version of Moran scatterplot to study the homogeneity of the Parisian bike sharing system (Velib). We carried out different experiments on a real dataset issued from the Velib system. We identified many spatial outliers stations, very different from their neighboring stations (often with much more available bikes or with much more empty docks during the day). Then, we designed and tested a new method that globally improves the distribution of the resources (bikes and docks) among bike stations. This method is motivated by the existence of spatial outliers stations. It relies on a local small change in users behaviors, by adapting their trips to resources' availability around their departure and arrival stations. Results show that, even with a partial users collaboration, the proposed method enhances significantly the global homogeneity of the bike sharing system and therefore the users' satisfaction.