This report is one of a series describing the methods and findings of a model-based investigation of the likely impact of organised car-sharing schemes. The models use microsimulation to assess the performance of given car-sharing schemes. Choice processes within the models were calibrated against a special field survey of 10000 households in west Yorkshire. Within the survey respondents were asked to indicate their interest in joining a hypothesised car-sharing scheme. Interested respondents were then asked to evaluate a series of potential travelling companions. Some data were also collected on existing car-sharing arrangements. Significant findings from the survey include the following: some 7 per cent of tripmakers make use of a car-sharing information system; interest in true car pooling is weaker than interest in simple lift-giving arrangements; most people feel that potential cost savings are outweighed by loss in flexibility and privacy and finally, the characteristics of people interested in organised car sharing differ from those of existing car sharers and of the commuting public at large. (Author/publisher)
Abstract