by Jaelen Loche | Jan 31, 2002 |
Author: Susan A. Shaheen, Ph.D. Date: January 2002 Abstract: The automobile is the dominant travel mode throughout the U.S., while transit accounts for less than four-percent of market share. Between these principal modes, niche markets exist for other transportation services, such as transit feeder shuttles and carsharing. Carsharing, in which individuals share a fleet of vehicles distributed at neighborhoods, employment sites, and/or transit stations, could potentially fill and expand one such niche; complement existing services; and develop into an economically viable transportation alternative. While most transit modes rely heavily upon governmental support, carsharing has the potential to become commercially sustainable. Nevertheless, carsharing is a relatively new development in the U.S. and will require more time to develop into a sustainable and widespread transportation alternative. This paper includes a brief discussion of carsharing history in Europe and an overview of U.S. carsharing developments. It also highlights CarLink—the first smart commuter-based carsharing program in the San Francisco Bay Area—to examine the market potential and viability of one U.S. shared-use vehicle model in greater detail. (For more information on CarLink go to www.gocarlink.com.) Finally, the author concludes this paper with a discussion of the complementary niche potential of carsharing to fill existing gaps between traditional transit and private vehicles....
by Natalie Chyba | Oct 1, 2001 |
Author: Susan Shaheen Date: October 01, 2001 Abstract: The automobile accounts for more than 95 percent of all person miles traveled in the United States, whereas transit accounts for less than three percent of all trips. Between the private automobile and traditional transit, niche markets exist for other transportation services, such as airport and transit feeder shuttles and carsharing. Commuter-based carsharing, by which individuals share a fleet of vehicles linked to transit, could potentially fill and expand one such niche; complement existing services, mainly transit and feeder shuttles; and develop into a viable transportation alternative. A brief overview is presented of transit feeder services, particularly in Northern California. The CarLink I field test is described–a commuter-based carsharing model developed and tested in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1999. Key behavioral findings are highlighted. Recommendations are made for strengthening the viability of this innovative service, mainly on the basis of experience from the CarLink I field test. Empirical evidence suggests that CarLink could be sustainable if certain conditions exist: strong cooperation with local businesses and transit is established; parking limitations and congestion are prevalent; system feasibility is demonstrated; incentives are used (e.g., preferred parking and transit pass subsidies); higher user fees are generated; and technology and management costs are lowered. Further, CarLink’s long-term potential and viability could be strengthened by a combination of approaches, including cost reduction strategies, policy incentives, linkages to other complementary services (e.g., ridesharing), and local program support (e.g., demonstration grants). View PDF....
by Natalie Chyba | Aug 25, 2001 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen and John Wright Date: August 25, 2001 Abstract: The automobile is the dominant travel mode throughout the U.S., while transit accounts for less than four percent of market share. Between these principal modes, niche markets exist for other transportation services, such as transit feeder shuttles and carsharing. Commuter-based carsharing, in which individuals share a fleet of vehicles linked to transit, could potentially fill and expand one such niche, complement existing services, and develop into an economically viable transportation alternative. While most transit shuttles rely heavily upon governmental support, carsharing has the potential to become commercially sustainable. In 1999, the first U.S. smart commuter-based carsharing program – CarLink I – was launched in the East San Francisco Bay area. Positive program response led to the development of CarLink II – a larger, more in-depth exploration of the commuter model. Program differences include: an increase from 12 to 27 vehicles; a shift from one employer to many; a move from the Dublin/Pleasanton region to the South San Francisco Bay area; integration of seamless carsharing technologies; and an emphasis on economic viability. This paper includes a description of the CarLink I field test results, from which CarLink II builds; an overview of the CarLink II pilot program; a discussion of the CarLink II research goals and study methodology; and an examination of CarLink’s niche potential, as a complement to transit and feeder shuttles, in the South Bay....
by Natalie Chyba | Feb 1, 2001 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen and John Wright Date: February 1, 2001 Abstract: The automobile is the dominant travel mode throughout the U.S., while transit accounts for less than four percent of market share. Between these principal modes, niche markets exist for other transportation services, such as transit feeder shuttles and carsharing. Commuter-based carsharing, in which individuals share a fleet of vehicles linked to transit, could potentially fill and expand one such niche, complement existing services, and develop into an economically viable transportation alternative. While most transit shuttles rely heavily upon governmental support, carsharing has the potential to become commercially sustainable. In 1999, the first U.S. smart commuter-based carsharing program – CarLink I – was launched in the East San Francisco Bay area. Positive program response led to the development of CarLink II – a larger, more in-depth exploration of the commuter model. Program differences include: an increase from 12 to 27 vehicles; a shift from one employer to many; a move from the Dublin/Pleasanton region to the South San Francisco Bay area; integration of seamless carsharing technologies; and an emphasis on economic viability. This paper includes a description of the CarLink I field test results, from which CarLink II builds; an overview of the CarLink II pilot program; a discussion of the CarLink II research goals and study methodology; and an examination of CarLink’s niche potential, as a complement to transit and feeder shuttles, in the South Bay....
by Natalie Chyba | Jul 18, 2000 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen and robert Uyeki Date: July 18, 2000 Abstract: Most cars carry one person and are used for less than one hour per day. A more economically rational approach would be to use vehicles more intensively. Carsharing, in which a group of people pay a subscription plus a per-use fee, is one such strategy. Smart carsharing employs advanced technology to facilitate tracking, billing, and system management. CarLink, a smart carsharing system, was deployed in the San Francisco Bay Area for ten months in 1999 to test this concept. This paper describes the CarLink economic data, and through scenario analysis, identifies several market conditions in which carsharing could become more economically viable. Our study found that CarLink could be sustainable when there is a strong cooperation with local businesses, higher user fees are generated, and technology and management costs are lowered....
