Is electric vehicle carsharing for everyone? from activity patterns to user retention

IF 7.3 1区工程技术 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Transportation Research Part D-transport and Environment Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI:10.1016/j.trd.2024.104544

Ziad Yassine , Elliot W. Martin , Susan A. Shaheen

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This research explores the user dynamics of electric vehicle (EV) carsharing within underserved communities, focusing on BlueLA, a one-way station-based EV carsharing service in Los Angeles, California. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to evaluate how activity patterns differ between BlueLA member types and how membership type influences user retention rates. We conduct an exploratory data, clustering, and survival analyses, using BlueLA trip activity data, supplemented by insights from a user survey and a general population survey. Our results reveal distinct travel behaviors and retention rates between Standard (general population) and Community (low-income qualified) members. Community members, in particular, value BlueLA for enabling longer-distance travel and more flexible mobility; nevertheless, operational challenges like vehicle and charging station availability are significant barriers to continued use for all members. This study highlights the importance of tailored services and policy adaptation to meet diverse user needs and support sustainable and equitable transportation.

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来源期刊

Transportation Research Part D-transport and Environment 工程技术-运输科技

CiteScore

14.40

自引率

9.20%

发文量

314

审稿时长

39 days

期刊介绍： Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment focuses on original research exploring the environmental impacts of transportation, policy responses to these impacts, and their implications for transportation system design, planning, and management. The journal comprehensively covers the interaction between transportation and the environment, ranging from local effects on specific geographical areas to global implications such as natural resource depletion and atmospheric pollution. We welcome research papers across all transportation modes, including maritime, air, and land transportation, assessing their environmental impacts broadly. Papers addressing both mobile aspects and transportation infrastructure are considered. The journal prioritizes empirical findings and policy responses of regulatory, planning, technical, or fiscal nature. Articles are policy-driven, accessible, and applicable to readers from diverse disciplines, emphasizing relevance and practicality. We encourage interdisciplinary submissions and welcome contributions from economically developing and advanced countries alike, reflecting our international orientation.