Shared Mobility Policy Briefs: Definitions, Impacts, and Recommendations

Research Team: Professor Susan Shaheen (lead) and Dr. Elliot Martin

UC Campus(es): UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UCLA

Problem Statement: Since 2010, the rapid emergence of shared mobility services has led to more options for the traveling public but also confusion about how best to regulate them. Shared mobility is an innovative transportation strategy that enables short-term access to transportation modes on an “as-needed” basis. It includes carsharing; personal vehicle sharing; bikesharing; scooter sharing; shuttle services; microtransit; ridesharing; e-Hail (taxis); and ridesourcing/ride-hailing transportation network companies (TNCs). It can also include courier network services (CNS) or flexible goods delivery. Given the growing range of innovative mobility options, local, regional, and state governments need a framework for best practices in shared mobility policies.

Project Description: The rapidly changing nature of shared mobility (e.g., carsharing; personal vehicle sharing; bikesharing; scooter sharing; shuttle services; microtransit; ridesharing; e-Hail (taxis); and ridesourcing/ride-hailing transportation network companies (TNCs)) raises question about impacts and appropriate regulation. How can shared mobility services maximize social and environmental impacts? What policies are needed to evolve and understand these services over time and in light of other technological changes and anticipated developments? These and other questions are addressed in eight policy briefs, which serve as a guide to policymakers on managing the evolving ecosystem of shared mobility options. Each brief includes a summary of research insights and policy recommendations for the California Legislature. The briefs cover subjects such as impacts of shared mobility, smartphone applications and data impacting transportation, pooling passengers and services, and equity.

Status: Completed

Budget: $45,000