This study identified four different models of shared mobility. It found that while the concept of shared mobility has the potential to reduce congestion and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, there was limited evidence on whether the different models provide such benefits. The study highlights the need for further research on which to base national and local government mobility policy.
Shared mobility is characterised by sharing a vehicle instead of owning it, and the use of technology to connect users and providers. Given its potential benefits for reducing traffic congestion and CO2 emissions, it is surprising that governments at the national and local level do not appear to have introduced incentives to encourage greater shared mobility.
One reason that governments have not actively encouraged shared mobility, in contrast to electric vehicles, is probably because shared mobility is a new concept, and the benefits that could be derived from this new form of mobility are still unclear. Shared mobility normally consists of an asset (vehicle) and reliance on technology (that is, a digital platform). This study undertook a review of the literature and identified four models of shared mobility:
1. peer-to-peer car rental;
2. modern car club;
3. Uber-like service;
4. new public transport on demand.
Source: European Commission, TRIMS
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