This report is one of a series on the methodology and findings of an investigation of the likely impact of organised car-sharing schemes. This volume summarises the structure of a microsimulation model of organised car sharing. It includes a description of the model itself, the preparation of the necessary data base and the calibration of the choice models using data from a special survey. Microsimulation is a technique of computerised modelling within which the decision making process is replicated for each individual in the system. Monte-Carlo sampling of probability distributions is used to generate all the individual decision makers, each of whom is uniquely identified within the model. The model consists of 3 stages; in the first stage it considers each eligible trip maker and predicts whether or not he or she will apply to join an organised car-sharing scheme; in the second stage all these applications are processed to produce 'match lists' of potential travelling companions; in the final stage the model considers the decision by each applicant whether to form a car-sharing arrangement with anyone on his match lists. The model was successfully calibrated and its predictions accord with empirical evidence of the performance of car-sharing schemes. (Author/publisher)
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