Car Sharing Adoption in the Netherlands

An Explorative Research on User Experiences Among Various Sharing Models

This thesis explores car sharing in urban areas of the Netherlands, focusing on user experiences across four car sharing models: Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Round-Trip, B2C Free-Floating, Peer-to-Peer (P2P), and Cooperative car sharing. The study aims to understand the factors influencing car sharing adoption and usage, employing the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Social Practice Theory (SPT) to analyse user motivations, barriers, and behavioural changes. Car sharing is identified as a significant component of the sharing economy, offering environmental benefits by reducing car ownership and optimizing urban mobility. Through interviews and data analysis, the research identifies key motivations to engage in car sharing such as the need for access to a car without ownership, cost efficiency, and the reduction of responsibilities related to car maintenance. However, barriers such as flexibility, reliability, and user convenience are also highlighted. The study finds that different car sharing models present unique user experiences and challenges. B2C models are seen as convenient, as they divert responsibilities to the provider, but they are also experienced as expensive. P2P models offer more flexible booking slots, yet they are also perceived as costly. Cooperative models foster a sense of community responsibility and have a non-profit approach, but they require a certain level of commitment from users. Overall, the research suggests that car sharing should become a more viable and attractive alternative for urban residents, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and efficient transportation system. The dual application of TPB and SPT provides a comprehensive understanding of car sharing behaviours, offering insights for policymakers and stakeholders to promote car sharing adoption in urban settings.