Carsharing for Older Populations Susan A. Shaheen, Ph.D. Co-Director, Transportation Sustainability Research Center (TSRC), UC Berkeley sashaheen@tsrc.berkeley.edu Transportation Research Board 90 th Annual Meeting January 23-27, 2011
Overview Demographics Transportation Challenges Carsharing for Older Adults Opportunities for Integration Conclusions Source: autorentalnews.com
Demographics Source: thebabyboomerblog.com Nearly 35 million senior citizens live in U.S., expected to double by 2020; will be more than 30 million Baby Boomers over age 65 Next generation of older adults will most likely live in suburbs (52%) rather than urban (27%) or rural (21%) areas Most seniors travel by car (74% in urban areas and 91% in suburban areas); and Only 7.4% of public transportation users are 65 and older
Future Transportation Challenges Older adults will work longer after retirement with daily travel needs (and potentially living longer) Public transit provides limited access to suburban dwellings of seniors Baby Boomers tend to drive more miles annually than previous generations, have wider interests, and may remain active well past retirement Thus, it is necessary to provide viable alternatives to driving as the older population grows
Importance of Mobility Lack of mobility decreases overall quality of life: Fewer out-of-home activities; inactivity could lead to increases in heart disease risk, stroke, and fractures from falling; Isolation, less socializing, and less to look forward to; and Depression, loss of optimism, and freedom Driving contributes to a greater sense of independence
Driving Cessation After age 65, individuals increasingly shift from driving to becoming a passenger Among adults aged 85 and older, private car travel decreases by approximately 10% Driving alternatives include: taxis, specialized transit services, door-to-door paratransit, riding as a passenger, and perhaps carsharing
Viable Alternative: Carsharing? Carsharing organizations maintain fleets of cars and trucks in a network of locations Provide access to a shared fleet on an as-needed basis, at an hourly and/or mileage rate Individuals gain benefits of private vehicle use without costs and responsibilities of ownership Increases mobility options for low-income households
Carsharing s Niche
Carsharing: Key Points Carsharing results in 9 to 13 vehicles removed, and 4 to 6 vehicles sold per carsharing vehicle in N. America Average CO2 reductions of.58 mt/person Continued growth is forecasted, especially for special populations (e.g., business fleets) Can enable older adults to overcome mobility barriers (e.g., concierge, ridesharing, driver services) Could reduce the environmental impact of older adult automobility
Carsharing for Older Adults Early research shows that older adults are familiar with carsharing concept Majority of mobility needs are in the daytime hours Older adults would rather not travel extensively for vehicle access (combine with door-to-door access and ridesharing) Members of this population are willing to replace a second car with carsharing membership
Implementing Carsharing for Older Adults System design considerations: Carsharing costs Vehicle reservation systems (phone and Internet) Vehicle accessibility Vehicle features (e.g., air conditioning, GPS, emergency roadside assistance); cost considerations
Carsharing Costs Most seniors: Fixed income and own a vehicle Costs are a large determinant of participation Large upfront or monthly costs major deterrent Membership fees: Large upfront and monthly costs are major deterrents Pay-as-you-go fee structure is preferred (including amenities): Hourly and mileage fees
Reservation Systems Simple reservation system preferred with: Few required steps Online reservation system Intuitive user interface Real-time vehicle availability Phone system for non-internet users Most prefer phone reservations with a customer representative vs. automated system
Vehicle Availability Users should be able to view and reserve available vehicles: Far in advance (including reminders), On a set schedule for regular trips, and At a moments notice (e.g., medical emergencies) Vehicle placement could be: Within active retirement communities, Within walking distance, and Easily accessible via public transit or alternative modes (e.g., golf carts)
Vehicle Technology and Features Four-passenger, mid-sized sedans Smartcard vehicle access Easy entry and exit Air conditioning Enhanced safety features Storage for walkers or wheelchairs Wide rearview mirrors GPS
Outreach, Education, Training Community outreach for initial pilot programs Program marketing in conjunction with events and other transportation modes Educational material and training sessions for: Reservation systems Vehicle technology Carsharing benefits
Integrating Carsharing and Ridesharing Ridesharing for people over 65: Can circumvent mobility loss Second most common transportation mode after driving Carsharing expands the available social network for ridesharing Carsharing can incorporate ridesharing through: Ride matching Systematic discount incentives Non-licensed passenger plans Door-to-door services
Senior Carsharing Case Study Rossmoor senior adult community, Walnut Creek, CA 18,000 acres with over 9,000 residents Carsharing pilot program could: Complement existing Rossmoor transportation services Provide easy access for errands, social trips, medical appointments, etc. Provide convenient vehicle placement near housing Reduce high vehicle ownership rates Use clean vehicle technology, such as EVs
Conclusion Baby Boomers will double the size of the older adult U.S. population, presenting new transportation accessibility and availability problems Carsharing could extend the safe driving years of older adults so they are able to remain independent and active Integration of carsharing with a ridesharing or concierge/driver element could accommodate needs of those with little or no mobility options
Acknowledgments Hiroshi Tsuda and Junko Buxton, Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc. Kayoko Hara, Nissan Research Center, Japan Gretchen Hansen, Rossmoor Senior Adult Community Madonna Camel and Mark Mallery, TSRC, UC Berkeley
Susan A. Shaheen, Ph.D. Co-Director, Transportation Sustainability Research Center (TSRC), UC Berkeley sashaheen@tsrc.berkeley.edu www.its.berkeley.edu/sustainabilitycenter