Since the late 1990s, more than 25 U.S. shared-use vehicle programs—including carsharing and station cars—have been launched. Given the presumed social and environmental benefits, the majority of these programs received some governmental support, primarily in the form of start-up grants and subsidized parking. As of July 2003, 15 shared-use vehicle programs were in existence, including 11 carsharing organizations, 2 carsharing research pilots, and 2 station car programs. Over the past 5 years, membership in U.S. carsharing programs has experienced exponential growth. Despite this expansion, the social and environmental impacts and long-term sustainability of these services remain unclear. As part of a U.S. shared-use vehicle survey (August 2002 to July 2003), market growth and trends as well as limited, systematic evaluation of program impacts were documented. Although 80% of shared-use programs implement internal customer surveys (initially or as follow-up), few independent studies have been conducted to date. Across organizations, participant use and program benefits are measured with various study tools and metrics. Given current shared-use vehicle growth and the ongoing interest of policymakers and governmental agencies in this concept, a longitudinal monitoring approach to better understand market developments, social and environmental impacts, and targeted policy strategies is recommended. Furthermore, it is concluded that coordinated, programwide 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.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Policy Considerations for Carsharing and Station Cars: Monitoring Growth, Trends, and Overall Impacts


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2004-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Policy Considerations for Carsharing and Station Cars: Monitoring Growth, Trends, and Overall Impacts

    Shaheen, S. A. / Schwartz, A. / Wipyewski, K. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2004



    Carsharing and Station Cars in Asia

    Barth, Matthew / Shaheen, Susan A. / Fukuda, Tuenjai et al. | Transportation Research Record | 2006


    Carsharing and Station Cars in Asia: Overview of Japan and Singapore

    Barth, M. / Shaheen, S. A. / Fukuda, T. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2006


    Carsharing and Station Cars in Asia: Overview of Japan and Singapore

    Barth, Matthew / Shaheen, Susan / Fukuda, Tuenjai et al. | Transportation Research Record | 2006