Supporting car share clubs: A worldwide review

摘要

In conclusion, the case studies illustrate a wide variety of ways that government bodies and private developers in some cases can help support 'successful' car share clubs. Fundamentally, it is clear that an integrated approach is required if such schemes are to work. In a number of cases (in particular in North America), it is clear that local authorities are unsure of how to deal with car share clubs, meaning that schemes have struggled to survive never mind develop. This indicates that the first stage in developing car clubs further, requires national Governments together with car sharing networks such as the World Car Share Consortium and European Car Sharing to publicise the benefits and needs of car clubs to policy makers. Once this is achieved, car share clubs need to be recognised as an important element in the package of measures to reduce reliance on the private car - at regional and local levels too. With these strategic elements in place, it should then be easier for car share clubs to call upon further means of support (be they parking, planning, publicity, marketing, financial or whatever) where needed. Overall, the Dutch and San Francisco experiences in particular illustrate that support from informed partners can help accelerate the development of car share club schemes, and make their survival more likely. What appears to be the most appropriate form of support? The Dutch model is interesting because it combines a variety of local tactical measures with a strong, single-purpose, well funded 'advocacy' organisation. This ensures that there is appropriate support for local car clubs when they want local measures to be provided, but does not impose a standard package in all situations. This is important, because the needs of each car club, and its uses, will vary according to location. Finding a 'local button' to push that provides the car club with a special attraction seems crucial - as the benefit of free parking has proved in San Francisco, or the insurance deal in the Netherlands. So local support measures, particularly those that give car club users an advantage over other motorists, could be the key to success. But these need to be tailored to local situations while being consistently supported by a 'friend with clout'. Unfortunately, as yet outside of the Netherlands support measures for car clubs are currently applied only in a piecemeal fashion rather than as part of a wider strategy, and no real champion has emerged to help them.