The March, 2016 research summary of Shared Mobility and the Transformation of Public Transit reveals several key findings that provide insight into the fast-changing world of shared mobility. Here we summarize the key findings from the latest shared mobility research analysis by Shared-Use Mobility Center.
1. The more people use shared modes, the more likely they are to use public transit, own fewer cars, and spend less on transportation overall.
“Supersharers” is the term used for people who use several modes of shared transport, such as bikesharing, carsharing and ridesourcing. The study found that these people save the most money and own half a many private vehicles as those who just use public transit.
The study found that public transit is the top shared mode for all shared mobility users, and about 57% of supersharers say public transit is the shared mode of transport they rely most on.
2. Shared modes complement public transit, enhancing urban mobility.
The data in the research analysis reveals that ridesourcing services are most frequently used for social trips between the times of 10pm and 4am, when public transit is not available, run infrequently, or is inconvenient. This means that, instead of competing for users, public transit and ridesourcing complement one another by allowing riders to combine the different services.
3. Shared modes will continue to grow in significance, and public entities should identify opportunities to engage with them to ensure that benefits are widely and equitably shared.
Based on the previous point and other information revealed in the research analysis, public transit agencies should opt to improve urban mobility for all users by leveraging opportunities for public-private partnerships, including greater integration of service, information and payment methods.
4. The public sector and private operators are eager to collaborate to improve paratransit service using emerging approaches and technology.
Technology and business models utilized by the shared mobility industry can be applied to the public sector to help decrease costs and improve service availability and rider experience.
With these newest trends and discoveries, we begin to understand how the public and private transportation industries can work together to create a more mobile, seamless urban landscape.
You can also read the full research analysis from SUMC on their website.
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