Policy Brief: Impacts of Shared Mobility

Shared mobility modes have reported a number of environmental, social, and transportation-related impacts. Several studies have documented the reduction of vehicle usage, ownership, and vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Cost savings and convenience are frequently cited as popular reasons for shifting to a shared mode. Shared modes can also extend the catchment area of public transit, potentially playing a pivotal role in bridging gaps in existing transportation networks and encouraging multi-modality by addressing the first-and-last mile issue related to public transit access. Shared mobility is also thought to provide economic benefits in the form of cost savings, increased economic activity near public transit stations and multi-modal hubs, and improved access by creating opportunities for new trips not previously possible via traditional public transportation and by enabling new one-way (or point-to-point) service options that were previously unavailable. They have also been shown to compete with other modes (e.g., public transit, taxis, private auto) in different environments.