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Ride sharing: psychological factors

Journal Article · · Transp. Eng. J.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5019950

The conventional automobile transportation system is plagued with increasing congestion, pollution, energy consumption, and costs. These problems diminish the automobile's prime advantage of providing personalized, flexible transportation. Ride sharing--carpooling, vanpooling--can deal directly and effectively with these problems at a minimum cost. However, ride sharing has not become widely accepted. A carpooling attitidinal survey indicates that the two most important deterrents to potential carpoolers are the extra time requirements and the loss of independence. Ongoing research involves the analysis of the commuter decision-making process with regard to their mode choice. Models of experimental psychology are being used to study factors underlying individual preferences. These studies relate carpooling as a mode choice preference to interpersonal factors (i.e., composition of the carpool in terms of sex; prior acquaintanceship of potential riders) as important determinants of carpooling desirability.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City
OSTI ID:
5019950
Journal Information:
Transp. Eng. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Transp. Eng. J.; (United States) Vol. 103:TE6; ISSN TPEJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English