by Natalie Chyba | Sep 1, 1999 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen, Daniel Sperling, and Conrad Wagner Date: September 01, 1999 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 means of doing so. Carsharing may be organized through affinity groups, large employers, transit operators, neighborhood groups, or large carsharing businesses. Relative to car ownership, carsharing has the disadvantage of less convenient vehicle access, but the advantages of a large range of vehicles, fewer ownership responsibilities, and less cost (if vehicles are not used intensively). The uncoupling of car ownership and use offers the potential for altering vehicle usage and directing individuals toward other mobility options. The perceived convenience (e.g., preferred parking) and cost savings of carsharing have promoted a new modal split for many carsharing participants throughout the world. Societal benefits include the direct benefit of less demand for parking space and the indirect benefits arising from linking costs to actual usage and matching vehicles to trip purpose. This paper reviews the experience with carsharing in Europe, North America, and Asia and explores its future prospects through expanded services, partnership management, and advanced technologies View...
by Natalie Chyba | Sep 1, 1999 |
Author: Susan Shaheen Date: September 01, 1999 Abstract: In this paper, the author outlines and summarizes the research stages of the CarLink I field test. The author also introduces the concept of transit-based “smart” carsharing and discusses how carsharing systems, such as CarLink, could change the way households use transportation, as well as reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and government spending....
by Natalie Chyba | Sep 1, 1999 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen, Daniel Sperling, and Conrad Wagner Date: September 01, 1999 Abstract: Updating a prior carsharing publication, this paper provides an extensive background to the international history of carsharing up to 1999, highlighting the reasons for which some organizations flourished and others faltered. Experiences of worldwide carsharing organizations (CSOs) are used to assess which factors are favorable to attaining innovative and economically viable operations and other organizational goals. The future prospects of international CSOs are explored based on trends in services offered, partnership management, and advanced technologies. View...
by Natalie Chyba | Sep 1, 1999 |
Authors: Susan Shaheen Date: September 01, 1999 Abstract: A condensed version of a previous paper, “A Short History of Carsharing in the 90s.” This paper provides an overview of North American, Asian, and European carsharing organizations and European innovations and advanced technologies. This paper also reflects on the lessons learned from international experiences. The author concludes with a list of conditions and recommendations for strategies that could be instrumental to carsharing success....
by Jaelen Loche | Nov 2, 1998 |
Author: Deborah Salon, Daniel Sperling, Susan Shaheen, and Daniel Sturges Date: November 2, 1998 Abstract: Land development and personal vehicle travel continue to outpace population growth. Efforts to manage this growth and the adverse impacts associated with it have been mostly ineffective. Promising technology solutions include telecommunications (telecommuting, electronic commerce, teleconferencing); small personal vehicles (electric bikes and neighborhood vehicles); and new “smart” transport modes (carsharing, “smart” paratransit). These technology-based options have the potential to be environmentally and economically superior to today’s car-dominated system. Yet each has its drawbacks and none have flourished. Single-occupant vehicles continue to provide unparalleled versatility, privacy, comfort, and convenience....
