Title: Carsharing in North America: Market Growth, Current Developments, and Future Potential
Publication Information: Transportation Research Record No. 1986, (2006), pp. 116-124
Report Number: UCD-ITS-RP-07-12
Author(s): Susan Shaheen, Adam Cohen, J. Darius Roberts
Document Date: 12/31/06
Number of Pages: 9
Price: $5
Abstract:
Carsharing provides members access to a fleet of autos for
short-term use throughout the day, reducing the need for one or more
personal vehicles. Over ten years ago, carsharing operators began to
appear in North America. Since 1994, a total of 40 programs have been
deployed--28 are operating in 36 urban areas and 12 are now defunct.
Another four are planned to launch in the next year. This paper
examines carsharing growth potential in North America, based on a
survey of 26 existing organizations conducted from April to July 2005.
Since the mid-1990s, the number of members and vehicles supported by
carsharing in the U.S. and Canada continues to grow, despite program
closures. The three largest providers in the U.S. and Canada both
support 94% of the total carsharing membership. Growth potential in
major metropolitan regions is estimated at 10% of individuals over the
age of 21 in North America. While carsharing continues to gain
popularity and market share, the authors conclude that increased
carsharing education, impact evaluation, and supportive policy
approaches, including mainstreaming carsharing as a transportation
strategy, would aid the ongoing expansion and development of this
alternative to private vehicle ownership.
Keywords:
Carsharing, markets, policy