Factors affecting carsharing program participants' car ownership changes

Abstract

This study attempts to identify factors that affect carsharing program participants' car ownership changes based on a survey addressed to carsharing members in Seoul, South Korea. The survey with more than 5000 replies reveals that about 30% of the respondents have changed or potentially would change their car ownership. Statistical models, applying dependent variables of whether members have disposed of a car and whether they intend to give up or postpone car purchases, show that members' car owning behavior after carsharing can be substantially influenced by a variety of factors including members' socioeconomic characteristics, degree of satisfaction with carsharing service elements, and carsharing usage characteristics. These findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of member behavior related to car ownership, providing insights into how to effectively achieve the goal of reducing members' car ownership.