Title: Carsharing and Station Cars in Asia: An Overview of Japan and Singapore
Publication Information: Transportation Research Record No. 1986, (2006), pp. 106-115
Report Number: UCD-ITS-RP-07-13
Author(s): Matthew Barth, Susan Shaheen, Tuenjai Fukuda, Atsushi Fukuda
Document Date: 12/31/06
Number of Pages: 10
Price: $5
Abstract:
In recent years there has been significant worldwide activity in
shared-use vehicle systems (I.e., carsharing and station cars). Much of
this activity is taking place in Europe and North America; however,
there has also been significant activity in Asia, primarily in Japan
and Singapore. This paper examines the latest shared-use vehicle system
activities in both of these countries, beginning with an historical
review followed by an evaluation of their current systems. Overall
there are several well-established systems in Japan (approximately 18
systems, 150 vehicles, 3000 members) and Singapore (approximately 4
systems, 300 vehicles, and 8000 members). In contrast to most European
and North American cities, both Japan and Singapore already have a wide
range of viable public transportation modes. Interestingly, the primary
carsharing focus in Japan is on business use and on neighborhood
residential in Singapore. This is likely due to limited vehicle
licensing and high car ownership costs in Singapore. Further, systems
in Japan and Singapore have a high degree of advanced technology in
their systems, making the systems both easy to use and manage. The
member-vehicle ratios in Asia appear to be approximately the same as
Europe and Canada and less than the U.S. It is expected that Asian
shared-use vehicle systems will continue to have steady growth in terms
of number of organizations, vehicles, and users.
Keywords:
Shared-use vehicle systems, carsharing, station cars, Japan, Singapore