Abstract:Shared-use vehicle services provide members access to a fleet of vehicles for use throughout the day, without the hassles and costs of individual auto ownership. From June 2001 to June 2002, the authors surveyed 28 North American shared-use vehicle service organizations on a range of topics, including business model approach, organizational size, strategic partnerships, pricing strategies, and technology applications. While survey findings demonstrate a decline in the number of organizational starts between June 2001-2002, the rate of operational launches into new cities, membership, and fleet size continue to increase. Several growth-oriented organizations in Canada and the U.S. are responsible for the majority of this growth and innovation. The authors also note several factors that could facilitate or inhibit shared-use vehicle market growth in North America, such as high capital investment (or start-up costs), dramatic hikes in insurance rates, grant programs and other supportive public policies, and technology developments.

Based on survey findings, the authors conclude that the public and private sectors can play a key role in optimizing the economic potential and social benefits of shared-use vehicle systems in North America. Further, the authors recommend that policymakers and transit organizations continue monitoring shared-use vehicle program benefits and smart technology applications (particularly integration with transit fare collection) and fostering long-term system growth and sustainability through grant making, supportive public policies (e.g., parking), and strong public-private partnerships.