A USDOT University Transportation Center

Carsharing

Carsharing refers to a short-term form of car rental service that is typically available on a membership basis such as through a mobile app. Carsharing can reduce personal vehicle ownership and vehicle miles travelled, therefore reducing vehicle emissions and lowering noise levels.1,2 It contributes to less traffic congestion while also reducing the need for extensive parking infrastructure.

Considering this strategy will help achieve the goal of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Transportation lifecycle phases

This strategy is associated with the following transportation lifecycle phases:

  • Construction
  • End of Life
  • Maintenance
  • Material Selection
  • Operations
  • Policy and Planning
  • Project Development

Who's involved

  • Car owners
  • Carsharing and ridesharing apps
  • Policymakers
Carsharing refers to a short-term form of car rental service that is typically available on a membership basis such as through a mobile app. Carsharing can reduce personal vehicle ownership and vehicle miles travelled, therefore reducing vehicle emissions and lowering noise levels.1,2 It contributes to less traffic congestion while also reducing the need for extensive parking infrastructure.

How it Helps

Along with reducing congestion levels, vehicle emissions, and noise impacts, carsharing also has significant impacts on equity such as providing individuals who cannot afford their own vehicles with increased mobility to still reach their essential destinations.3 Improved community connectivity can lead to other health benefits through enhanced access to health-promoting resources and personal networks.
Carsharing can also reap notable economic savings such as:
-Decreased spending on gasoline
-Decreased vehicle maintenance costs
-Lowered car insurance costs

Implementing

Supply and Cost:

To maximize a carsharing program’s effectiveness, there should be an adequate number of cars readily available to be easily checked in and out. It should also be affordable to entice users from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds to participate in the program.

Location:

Carsharing programs are especially beneficial for residents in dense urban areas where they can easily access vehicles to check out.3 Suitable biking and walking infrastructure and public transportation allows individuals who do not own a car to quickly get to a nearby car.

Examples

1) Carsharing Apps

There are several carsharing apps in which members can choose a car to drive for a single trip or day. Members may also choose hybrid or electric vehicles in their area to further reduce vehicular-associated pollution.

https://www.wheelsforwishes.org/news/seven-best-car-sharing-apps/

2) Carsharing in Palermo, Sicily

A study done in Palermo, Sicily regarding the environmental benefits of carsharing found reductions in both particulate matter and carbon dioxide concentrations.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2020.08.271

3) Carsharing Pilot Program in New York City

The New York Department of Transportation launched a carshare parking pilot program in 2017 with the purpose of expanding carshare access and analyzing its impact on car ownership and vehicle miles traveled. It was found that the program produced an annual net reduction of approximately 12,000 metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions.

https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/nyc-carshare-pilot-report.pdf

1. Shaheen, S. A., et al. (2007). Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Consumption: Sustainable Approaches for Surface Transportation. IATSS Research, 311, 6-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0386-1112(14)60179-5
2. KonSULT. (2016). Car Clubs. University of Leeds. http://www.konsult.leeds.ac.uk/pg/05/
3. Litman, T. (2015). Evaluating Carsharing Benefits. Victoria Transport Policy Institute. https://www.vtpi.org/carshare.pdf