Car Sharing as a Strategy to Address GHG Emissions in the Transport System: Evaluation of Effects of Car Sharing in Amsterdam

Abstract

Shared mobility options, such as car sharing, are often claimed to be more sustainable, although evidence at an individual or city level may contradict these claims. This study aims to improve understanding of the effects of car sharing on transport-related emissions at an individual and city level. This is done by quantifying the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the travel habits of individuals before and after engaging with car sharing. The analysis uses a well-to-wheel (WTW) approach, including both business-to-consumer (B2C) and peer-to-peer (P2P) car-sharing fleets. Changes in GHG emissions after engaging in car sharing vary among individuals. Transport-related GHG emissions caused by car-free individuals tend to increase after they engage in car sharing, while emissions caused by previous car owners tend to fall. At the city level, GHG emissions savings can be achieved by using more efficient cars in sharing systems and by implementing greener mobility policies. Changes in travel habits might help to reduce GHG emissions, providing individuals migrate to low-carbon transport modes. The findings can be used to support the development and implementation of transport policies that deter car ownership and support shared mobility solutions that are integrated in city transport systems.

Does Car Sharing Contribute to Urban Sustainability from User-Motivation Perspectives?

“…As the literature review underlines, car sharing should first of all be considered as a potential opportunity for a more sustainable means of mobility and an opportunity to reduce CO 2 emissions, since a reduction in the number of car units allows more efficient utilization [25,[47][48][49]. Dong et al [50] believe that the development of car sharing not only satisfies people's diverse travel demands but also brings forward a new solution to facilitate urban sustainability.…”

Strategic roadmap for optimising vehicle emission reductions and electrification

“…For example, reducing the share of private cars in transportation (e.g. using public transportation and promoting car-sharing services) can reduce private car journeys [35,36]. Furthermore, in addition to traditional environmental measures related to automobiles, such as setting fuel efficiency standards, green power generation will play a crucial role in reducing emissions associated with the widespread use of EVs.…”

Shared Mobility: Evolving Practices for Sustainability

“…In line with the Special Issue's call for papers on shared mobility and sustainability, Arbeláez Vélez and Plepys [31] focus on improving our knowledge of how carsharing relates to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) at both individual and city levels. Their study is based on quantifying emissions of travel habits before and after engaging with carsharing.…”

“…The research papers published herein offer a diversity of research approaches (e.g., survey-based, literature review, focus groups, case studies) on carpooling, ride-hailing, carsharing, and MaaS from which we can conclude that the adoption of shared mobility practices will continue to rise. While there are studies that are focused on sustainability aspects of shared mobility, such as the influence of environmental concerns influence on carsharing uptake [32], the effects of carsharing on GHG emissions [31], a classification of various impacts of shared mobility modes [36], we believe there needs to be further research based on metrics capturing the benefits of shared mobility for sustainability (e.g., GHG emissions, socio-economic benefits). Such metrics could help us to better understand who benefits from shared mobility systems and who does not.…”