Carsharing for sustainable urban mobility. Possibilities and obstacles of integrating car sharing into public transport

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• A: Theoretical Study.
• 1 Introduction.
• 1.1 Context and problem definition.
• 1.2 Objectives and methodological approach.
• 2 Initial Situation.
• 2.1 Mobility, traffic and sustainable urban mobility.
• 2.2 Global environmental issues.
• 3 Theoretical Framework.
• 3.1 The sharing economy.
• 3.2 Definition of car sharing.
• 3.3 Types of car sharing.
• 3.3.1 Stationed-based car sharing
• 3.3.2 Free-floating car sharing.
• 3.3.3 Peer-to-Peer car sharing.
• 3.4 Car sharing market in Germany
• 3.5 Relevant providers in Germany.
• 3.6 Motives behind the use of car sharing.
• 3.6.1 Economic motivation.
• 3.6.2 Environmental motivation
• 3.7 The pros and cons of car sharing.
• 3.8 Practical examples of the sharing economy.
• 4 Combined Mobility - The Interface between Individual and Public Transport.
• 4.1 Public transport in Germany.
• 4.2 Combined mobility as a challenge for future public transport.
• 4.3 The impact of car sharing on public transport.
• 5 The Effects of Car Sharing Systems on Mobility and Environment in Urban Areas.
• 5.1 Car sharing - The fourth pillar of the environmental alliance.
• 5.2 Mobility as a Service.
• 5.3 Electric mobility
• 5.4 Reduction of traffic congestion through car sharing.
• B: Empirical Study.
• 6 Research Question and Objectives.
• 7 Methodology.
• 7.1 Research design.
• 7.2 Data gathering method.
• 7.3 Design of the interview guide.
• 7.4 Experts.
• 7.5 Procedure.
• 7.6 Analysis of qualitative data.
• 8 Research Findings.
• 8.1 Introduction of experts
• 8.2 Section one: Traffic situation.
• 8.2.1 Germany.
• 8.2.2 Traffic changes.
• 8.3 Section two: Car sharing.
• 8.3.1 Existing barriers
• 8.3.2 Possible incentives.
• 8.3.3 Interfaces and alliances.
• 8.3.4 Support from federal, state and local authorities.
• 8.3.5 Communication measures.
• 8.3.6 Future developments
• 8.4 Section three: Collective passenger transport.
• 8.4.1 Existing obstacles.
• 8.4.2 Possible incentives.
• 8.4.3 Future developments
• 8.4.4 Recap
• 9 Results.
• 9.1 Results.
• 9.2 Limitations and recommendations
• 10 Discussion.

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This Master's thesis examines the potential of car sharing as a sustainable solution for urban mobility in Germany. It aims to explore the current state of car sharing in Germany, including its types, motivations, and impact on traffic and the environment. The thesis further investigates the role of car sharing in a combined mobility approach, where it is integrated with public transport systems. It also explores the factors that influence the adoption of car sharing and analyzes its potential for reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable urban mobility.

• Sustainable Urban Mobility and Environmental Issues
• Car Sharing as a Shared Mobility Model
• Impact of Car Sharing on Traffic and the Environment
• Combined Mobility Approaches and Integration with Public Transport
• Factors Influencing Car Sharing Adoption

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1: Introduction - This chapter sets the context for the research by introducing the problem of unsustainable urban mobility and the potential of car sharing as a solution. It outlines the objectives and methodological approach of the study.
• Chapter 2: Initial Situation - This chapter explores the current state of mobility, traffic, and sustainable urban mobility in Germany, highlighting the growing concerns related to environmental issues and traffic congestion.
• Chapter 3: Theoretical Framework - This chapter delves into the concept of the sharing economy, defining car sharing and its different types. It analyzes the car sharing market in Germany, highlighting key providers and the motivations behind its adoption.
• Chapter 4: Combined Mobility - This chapter investigates the interface between individual and public transport, focusing on the concept of combined mobility and the potential of car sharing to enhance public transport systems.
• Chapter 5: The Effects of Car Sharing Systems - This chapter explores the impact of car sharing systems on mobility and the environment in urban areas, analyzing its potential to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable urban mobility.
• Chapter 6: Research Question and Objectives - This chapter sets out the research question and objectives of the empirical study, focusing on the role of car sharing in promoting sustainable urban mobility.
• Chapter 7: Methodology - This chapter describes the research design, data gathering methods, and the interview guide used to collect qualitative data from experts in the field of car sharing.
• Chapter 8: Research Findings - This chapter presents the findings of the empirical study, focusing on the perspectives of experts regarding the traffic situation, car sharing, and public transport in Germany.
• Chapter 9: Results - This chapter summarizes the key results of the study, highlighting the potential of car sharing as a sustainable solution for urban mobility.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This study focuses on key terms such as sustainable urban mobility, car sharing, shared mobility, traffic congestion, environmental impact, combined mobility, public transport, and expert interviews. It explores the potential of car sharing as a sustainable solution for urban mobility in Germany, analyzing its impact on traffic and the environment, and its role in integrated mobility approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does car sharing contribute to sustainable urban mobility?

Car sharing reduces the need for private car ownership, which can lead to fewer vehicles on the road, reduced traffic congestion, and lower CO2 emissions in cities.

What are the different types of car sharing in Germany?

The main types are station-based car sharing, free-floating car sharing, and peer-to-peer (private) car sharing.

Can car sharing be integrated into public transport?

Yes, the thesis explores "combined mobility," where car sharing acts as a "fourth pillar" alongside public transport, cycling, and walking to create a seamless travel experience.

What motivates consumers to use car sharing?

Key motives include economic benefits (saving costs of ownership), environmental concerns, and the convenience of technological progress like mobile apps.

What is "Mobility as a Service" (MaaS)?

MaaS is a concept that integrates various forms of transport services into a single mobility service accessible on demand, often involving car sharing and public transit.

What are the obstacles to car sharing growth?

Obstacles include existing infrastructure barriers, lack of political support at local levels, and the challenge of changing deeply ingrained consumer behaviors regarding car ownership.