Applying Integrated ITS Technologies to Carsharing System Management: A CarLink Case Study

Carsharing is the short-term use of a shared vehicle fleet by authorized members. Since 1998, U.S. carsharing services have experienced exponential growth. At present, there are 13 carsharing organizations. Over the past three years, electronic and wireless technologies have been developed that can facilitate carsharing system management in the U.S., improve customer services, and reduce program costs. This paper examines the U.S. carsharing market; the role of advanced tehchnology in program management, including CarLink lessons learned; and technology benefits to this nascent market.