Abstract:Transit accounts for just 2% of total travel in the United States. One reason for low ridership is limited access; many individuals either live or work too far from a transit station to make its use practical. In developing transit connectivity solutions, researchers often employ a range of study instruments, such as stated-preference surveys, focus groups, and pilot programs. To gain better understanding of response to one innovative transit solution, several research tools were applied, including a longitudinal survey, a field test, and a pilot program. The innovation examined was a commuter carsharing model, called CarLink, which linked short-term rental vehicles to transit and employment centers. Over several years, researchers explored user response to the CarLink concept, a field operational test (CarLink I), a pilot program (CarLink II), and a commercial operation (the pilot was turned over to Flexcar in Summer 2002). This multi-staged approach provided an opportunity for researchers to learn and adapt as each phase progressed. In this paper, the authors outline the CarLink model, technology, and early lessons learned; describe CarLink II operational understanding; provide a synopsis of the pilot program transition; and offer recommendations for future model development.

Note:Available online at doi 10.3141-1927-17.