Characteristics of closed car-sharing services for urban public housing residents

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of closed car-sharing services and present the relevant factors to provide reasonable service locations. Car-sharing service locations have been arranged to allow customers to easily access locations. However, the particular car-sharing service in this study, enforced through an agreement between residents of the House of Commons, is operated as a closed service, limited to public housing residents. This closed car-sharing service in the House of Commons differs from typical services in that, after use, the users return the vehicle to the same parking location. In addition, determination of the general car-sharing locations is based on the profits of the service operator. The service can be stopped as there are a number of other alternatives for mobility. However, if the closed car-sharing service in the House of Commons is canceled, there is no other alternative for existing users. Therefore, the site selection for the initial introduction of the House of Commons in a closed car-sharing service is a very important issue. Design/methodology/approach This study uses nine months of data from 39 complexes for location analysis for public housing residents in urban areas. The LH Happy Carsharing is a closed private service, used by people residing within approximately 50 rental LH-apartment complexes. As closed car sharing is unfavorable in comparison to other car-sharing services, it is important to demonstrate that the service can succeed in securing a sufficient amount of users. To analyze the viability and usage of the service, the authors have considered ten potential variables. Findings On the basis of the regression analysis result, the adopted significant variables are the number of households, the percentage of residents in the 40’s age group and the number of households with registered vehicles. Originality/value In general, for car-sharing research, specific user groups are not generally identified. However, LH Happy Carsharing is specifically targeted to residents in rental apartments. The LH Happy Carsharing is a private service, used by people residing within approximately 50 rental LH Apartment complexes. Since closed carsharing is unfavorable in comparison to other carsharing services, it is important to demonstrate that the service can succeed in securing a sufficient amount of users. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the characteristics of private carsharing and present the relevant factors to provide reasonable service locations.

Whether sharing economy creates social value?

“…Due to its matchmaking feature, it can connect demand and supply side (Allen and Berg, 2014). It brings convenience by offering personal things in public form (Byun et al, 2017). Moreover, SE offers ubiquity (Balck and Cracau, 2015) and customized goods (Allen and Berg, 2014) hence bringing values to the society.…”