by Natalie Chyba | Dec 31, 2005 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen and Linda Novick Date: January 1, 2005 Abstract: Transit accounts for just two percent of total travel in the U.S. One reason for low ridership is limited access; many individuals either live or work too far from a transit station. In developing transit connectivity solutions, researchers often employ a range of study instruments, such as stated-preference surveys, focus groups, and pilot programs. To better understand response to one innovative transit solution, the authors employed a number of research tools, including: a longitudinal survey, field test, and pilot program. The innovation examined was a commuter carsharing model, called CarLink, which linked short-term rental vehicles to transit and employment centers. Over several years, researchers explored user response to the CarLink concept, a field operational test (CarLink I), a pilot program (CarLink II), and a commercial operation (the pilot was turned over to Flexcar in Summer 2002). This multi-staged approach provided an opportunity for researchers to learn and adapt as each phase progressed. In this paper, the authors outline the CarLink model, technology, and early lessons learned; describe CarLink II operational understanding; provide a synopsis of the pilot program transition; and offer recommendations for future model development. View PDF....
by Natalie Chyba | Dec 21, 2005 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen and Caroline Rodier Date: January 1, 2005 Abstract: Since 1998, carsharing programs (or short-term auto rentals) in the U.S. have experienced exponential membership growth. As of July 2003, 15 carsharing organizations collectively claimed 25,727 members and 784 vehicles. Given this growing demand, decision makers and transit operators are increasingly interested in understanding the potential for carsharing services to increase transit use, reduce auto ownership, and lower vehicle miles traveled. However, to date, there is only limited evidence of potential program effects in the U.S. and Europe. This paper presents the travel effects of CarLink- a commuter carsharing model with explicit links to transit and employment in a suburban environment- in the context of participant demographic and attitudinal market profiles. A variety of research methods (including focus groups, interviews,questionnaires, and travel diaries) captured the following commute travel effects from the CarLink I and II programs: Increased commuter rail mode share by 23 percentage points in CarLink I and II; Reduced drive-alone mode share by 44 and 23 percentage points in CarLink I and II, respectively; Decreased average daily vehicle miles traveled by 23 miles in CarLink II and by 18 miles in CarLink I; Increased travel time but reduced stress; Reduced vehicle ownership by almost six percent in CarLink II; and Reduced parking demand at participating train stations and among member businesses. The typical CarLink I and II member was more likely to be highly educated, in an upper income bracket, and professionally employed than average Bay Area residents. CarLink I and II members also displayed sensitivity to congestion, willingness to experiment, and environmental concern. The travel results of...
by Natalie Chyba | Dec 21, 2004 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen, Andrew Schwartz, and Kamill Wipyewski Date: January 1, 2004 Abstract: Since the late-1990s, over 25 U.S. shared-use vehicle programs – including carsharing and station cars – have been launched. Given their presumed social and environmental benefits, the majority of these programs received some governmental support – primarily in the form of startup grants and subsidized parking. As of July 2003, there were a total of 15 shared-use vehicle programs, including 11 carsharing organizations, two carsharing research pilots, and two station car programs, Over the last five years, U.S. carsharing membership has experienced exponential growth. Despite this expansion, the social and environmental impacts and long-term sustainability of these services remain unclear. As part of their U.S. shared-use vehicle survey (August 2002 to July 2003), the authors documented market growth/trends and limited, systematic evaluation of program impacts. While 80 percent of shared-use programs implement internal customer surveys (initial or follow-up), only a handful of independent studies have been conducted to date. Across organizations, participant use and program benefits are measured using a variety of study tools and metrics. Given current shared-use vehicle growth and the ongoing interest of policymakers and governmental agencies in this concept, the authors recommend a longtitudinal monitoring approach to better understand market developments, social/environmental impacts, and targeted policy strategies. Furthermore, the authors conclude that coordinated, program-wide data collection (consistent survey instruments and performance measures) could enhance overall market awareness and the credibility of shared-use vehicle organizations in leveraging additional public support. View...
by Natalie Chyba | Aug 10, 2004 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen, Kamill Wipyewski, Caroline Rodier, Linda Novick, Mollyane Meyn, and John Wright Date: August 10, 2004 Abstract: CarLink II was a commuter-based carsharing pilot project administered by the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis (ITS-Davis) in conjunction with Caltrans, American Honda Motor Company, and Caltrain. California Partners for Advanced Transit and Highways (PATH) researchers conducted the evaluation. Pilot objectives included testing an advanced carsharing system, understanding user response to this service, and testing its long-term sustainability. From July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002, the CarLink II program was deployed in the field and continued the investigation of commuter-based carsharing orginally explored in the 1998 CarLink I longitudinal survey and the 1999 CarLink I field test. Lessons learned during the CarLink I field test helped guide the project team’s design of the CarLink II project. This report documents lessons learned from the CarLink program....
by Natalie Chyba | Jan 1, 2004 |
Authors: Caroline Rodier and Susan Shaheen Date: January 1, 2004 Abstract: In this paper, researchers present simulation findings from three innovative mobility scenarios (forecast to 2025) using an advanced regional travel demand model. This model was employed to approximate the effects of transit-based carsharing (short-term vehicle access linked to transit), real-time transit information services, and carfree housing (residential developments designed with limited parking provisions) in the Sacramento region. The scenarios are evaluated against travel, emission, and economic benefits criteria. The results indicate relatively modest reductions in vehicle travel and emissions, in part, due to limited transit service penetration in the region. Despite the modest travel effects of the scenarios, the economic analysis indicates a net benefit for all of the innovative mobility scenarios. The total per trip benefit ranges from $0.01 to $0.05. The yearly total benefit for all scenarios would be significant....
