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transPort

shared mobilitY:

the Future oF

traNsport

Well-designed car and bike sharing systems result in fewer car journeys, not more, writes arnd bätzner from the
Mobility Cooperatve.

Individual mobility today is stll car-based in structural problems. Infrastructure systems as All operatonal risks are
many regions of the world. Meanwhile, city whole enttes appear prefereable to funding outsourced to service
administratons struggle in keeping public isolated “clean-car projects”. providers. Typical examples
transport systems as atractve as individual car for on demand economies
travel. Car sharing has proven to be an ideal Transportaton systems are most efcient are “transportaton network
complement to those who like the comfort and when they are the result of a holistc approach companies” (TNCs), platorms
integratng all modes, combining their specifc
independence of using an individual car without advantages. This includes shared vehicle modes. serving as marketplaces
having to own one and without having to drive for taxi-like services.
the full distance. sharing versus on demand Generally they do not share
Car sharing is part of the sharing economy, not underutlized assets, but
Users of car sharing services greatly improve to be confused with “on demand economy.” The generate new trips if new
their ecological footprint. Transport is an
integral part of today’s urban infrastructure; sharing economy, according to Rachel Botsman demand arises.
and car sharing can be a major development who coined the phrase, is an economic system This is not the same as
tool leveraging its potental. Research shows based on sharing underused assets or services ridesharing where passengers
for free or for monetary benefts.
that a high-quality percepton of infrastructure are matched to free seats
results in an implicit acknowledgement across all On-demand services, on the other hand, are in cars for automobile trips
classes of populaton. “...platorms that directly match customer that would be taken anyway.
needs with providers to immediately deliver TNCs ofen encourage owners
Poor infrastructure, ofen found in low income goods and services...” (Botsman, 2015). These to keep their vehicles by
zones, partcularly regarding educaton or
transport facilites, results in widespread platorms generally do not operate any physical ofering opportunites to
infrastructure other than IT systems. generate additonal income

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