Shared mobility and urban form impacts: a case study of peer-to-peer (P2P) carsharing in the US

Authors: Susan Shaheen, PhD, Elliot Martin, PhD, and Mikaela Hoffman-Stapleton Date: November 2019 Abstract:  This paper advances the understanding of peer-to-peer (P2P) carsharing within the broader context of shared mobility and its connection to the built environment in the US through a survey conducted in 2014 (n = 1,151). Eleven percent of respondents used carpooling/ridesharing more, and 19% avoided a vehicle purchase due to P2P vehicle access in urban areas. Nevertheless, P2P carsharing has the potential to operate in a range of land-use environments and could be an important strategy to further deemphasize car ownership. Additionally, as the deployment of automated vehicles (AVs) is examined, sharing of privately owned AVs could mirror current P2P carsharing dynamics in important ways....
Shared Mobility Policy Playbook

Shared Mobility Policy Playbook

Authors: Susan Shaheen, PhD, Adam Cohen, Michael Randolph, Emily Farrar, Richard Davis, and Aqshems Nichols Date: December 2019 Abstract:  The Shared Mobility Policy Playbook provides an introduction and definitions of shared mobility services, mode-specific resources for agencies looking to develop policies in their community, and policy-focused tools demonstrating case studies and best practices for shared mobility. This playbook has been designed for individuals and practitioners who want to know more about shared mobility and to communities interested in incorporating shared mobility into their transportation ecosystem. It is a practical guide with resources, information, and tools for local governments, public agencies, and non-governmental organizations seeking to incorporate and manage innovative and emerging shared mobility services. The following are suggested uses of this playbook: Access shared mobility resources including: opportunities, lessons learned, and best practices for deploying shared mobility across the United States. Use this playbook as a guide for strategic transportation planning and incorporating shared mobility into transportation plans and models. Reference best practices, lessons learned, and case studies to aid public policy development....
Innovative Mobility Carsharing Outlook – Winter 2020

Innovative Mobility Carsharing Outlook – Winter 2020

Authors: Susan Shaheen, PhD and Adam Cohen Date: March 2020 Abstract:  Since 1998, 94 carsharing programs have been deployed in North America – 40 are operational and 52 are defunct. As of January 1, 2018, there were 18 active programs in Canada, 21 in the United States (U.S.), and one program in Mexico. In North America, carsharing membership totaled approximately 2,110,111 members sharing 23,376 vehicles. The three largest carsharing operators in the U.S. and Canada accounted for 91% and 86% of the total membership, respectively. Only one operator provided service in Mexico as of January 2018....

Chapter 13 – Sharing strategies: carsharing, shared micromobility (bikesharing and scooter sharing), transportation network companies, microtransit, and other innovative mobility modes

Authors: Susan Shaheen, PhD, Adam Cohen, Nelson Chan, and Apaar Bansal Date: January 2020 Abstract:  Shared mobility—the shared use of a vehicle, bicycle, or other mode—is an innovative transportation strategy that enables users to gain short-term access to transportation modes on an “as-needed” basis. It includes various forms of carsharing, bikesharing, scooter sharing, ridesharing (carpooling and vanpooling), transportation network companies (TNCs), and microtransit. Included in this ecosystem are smartphone “apps” that aggregate and optimize these mobility options, as well as “courier network services” that provide last mile package and food delivery. This chapter describes different models that have emerged in shared mobility and reviews research that has quantified the environmental, social, and transportation-related impacts of these services....

Zero-emission vehicle exposure within U.S. carsharing fleets and impacts on sentiment toward electric-drive vehicles

Authors: Susan Shaheen, PhD, Elliot Martin, and Hannah Totte Date: January 2020 Abstract:  Reducing carbon emissions from the United States (U.S.) transportation sector has emerged as a priority action to combat climate change. Carsharing and zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) could be integral to creating a more sustainable transportation system. This paper presents the results of a study that evaluated the impacts of ZEV exposure on U.S. carsharing users. Surveys were administered to control and experimental groups of carsharing members that used shared PHEVs or EVs. Results showed that users who drove shared PHEVs or EVs more frequently were more likely to exhibit improved ZEV opinions. The population of respondents that used shared EVs and PHEVs were also more likely to recommend that others try driving a ZEV. The results suggest that exposure to PHEVs or EVs through carsharing increased a user’s reported likeliness to purchase a ZEV in the future. The experimental group, who employed shared PHEVs or EVs, was more likely to indicate that their next vehicle purchase will be a PHEV or EV than the control group. Collectively, the results suggest that temporary exposure to ZEVs through carsharing improves perceptions that may lead to an expanded ZEV market share. View PDF....