This report informs local and national government on latest developments in the fast-growing field of carsharing, in an attempt to put this relatively recent concept into a broader strategic planning frame. Carsharing has over the last decade proven itself to be an effective transport option which is, or at least should be, a key element of an integrated mobility strategy for people and for cities. It is a thrifty transport mode and is largely self-financing. People choose to carshare because they see it as a better way to get around for a portion of their daily trips. Properly positioned it offers real potential for energy savings, pollution reduction, and reduced requirement for expensive public investments in infrastructure to support cars or conventional public transport. Until recently however the sector has been largely neglected by national governments --and has for the most part been treated on an ad hoc basis, if at all, by, the cities and villages who are the primary beneficiaries and partners. This report is also intended to be useful to the international reader wishing to know more about progress in the Netherlands, on the grounds that the Dutch are among the world leaders in the field. (Author/publisher)
Abstract