In May 2002 the Swedish National Road Administration published the report ”Bilpooler – nyckeln till flexibelt resande” ("Car-sharing - the key to combined mobility"). Much has happened since then, the development of car-sharing in Sweden having accelerated. Yet lack of knowledge regarding car-sharing is still a major factor hindering its establishment and expansion. The present report can be seen as complementing this earlier publication through presenting new documents and describing recent developments. The major aim is to clarify the potential of car-sharing and provide support for those wishing to further its growth. In one's enthusiasm about something, one can easily lose perspective. Thus, although carsharing clearly has a wide variety of positive effects, it cannot achieve everything one might hope. Even if during the next 20 years, the full potential of car-sharing in terms of number of households were achieved (somewhere around a million), this could only be expected to result in a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by road traffic of a few percent. Luckily, on the other hand, the effects of societal developments are assessed, not on the basis of a single parameter, but in a much broader sense. The greatest strength of car-sharing lies perhaps in the structural changes it can bring about – in particular through complementing the transportation system in its present form and providing more effective use of cars. This report is primarily a concise compilation of written material commissioned from different firms. It has been referred for consideration to various authorities and organisations, and been adjusted in line with this. The report deals with following matters: Ø A Swedish definition of car-sharing, together with quality requirements and practical considerations, here provided in its entirety. Ø A national strategy for furthering the development of car-sharing. A summary of it is provided here. Ø A nationwide investigation of the interest shown in car-sharing and of the demographic basis for car-sharing. Results of the investigation are summarised. Ø What is known regarding the effect of car-sharing on carbon dioxide emissions, a summary of this being provided. Ø Digital administrative systems presently available for car-sharing organisations, as summarised here. (Author/publisher)
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