Employer led TDM: attitudes to and experiences of liftsharing in a UK local authority

Research output: Contribution to conferenceUnpublished paper

Abstract

The ability of the private car to provide flexible, attractive and cost-effective personal travel is gradually being eroded, particularly in urban areas. Contributing factors are the increasing levels of congestion and enforcement, limited and increasingly expensive parking, and controls/charging on road use. Also, targets relating to the local environment and road traffic reduction are constraining the use of cars in urban areas.

In this context, the role of the car in future mobility may change and lift sharing can enable more efficient usage by reducing single occupant car trips. Lift sharing is a travel choice whereby individuals combine to share private vehicles for specific journeys. It encompasses a variety of different approaches ranging from an informal sharing of journeys between people at a household level to more formal lift sharing arrangements, often used to support commuter travel. Such arrangements can involve the organisation of journey matching by the employer in a particular area or by specialist service providers, often via the internet.

The state of public knowledge in relation to the benefits and impacts of lift sharing remains limited, and a better understanding of the characteristics, attitudes and behaviour of lift sharers is essential to ascertain the potential role that lift sharing might play in future mobility.
This paper presents the results of research undertaken in partnership with Hampshire County Council to examine attitudes and behaviour in relation to lift sharing amongst Council employees. Hampshire County Council administers a liftsharing scheme via its intranet site for use by employees. Focus groups were undertaken with staff members in both Winchester and Basingstoke. A wide range of perspectives were represented including: Committed non-sharers, people interested in sharing, informal sharers and current and former sharers through the Hampshire scheme.

The focus groups provided insights into attitudes, experiences, perceptions and beliefs in relation to lift sharing. Particular attention was paid to participants¿ perceptions and experiences of commuter travel, their attitude to and awareness of liftsharing in general and the Hampshire scheme in particular. Barriers to participation in lift sharing and incentives which might encourage uptake were also explored. These understandings contribute to a growing evidence base which will increasingly be able to assess the viability and extent of the potential contribution that such schemes can make towards travel demand management and sustainable mobility.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Event5th International Symposium on Travel Demand Management - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Duration: 26 Oct 201028 Oct 2010

Conference

Conference5th International Symposium on Travel Demand Management
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityAberdeen
Period26/10/1028/10/10

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