A Behavioral and Explanatory Statistical Analysis Applied with the Advent of Sharing Mobility in Urban Contexts: Outcomes from an Under Thirty-Age Group Perspective

The term shared mobility refers to a variety of transport modes (e.g. cars, bikes, scooters) that are shared on an as-needed basis. With its advent, the ownership is not required and users can avail themselves of shared transport services, which leverage digital platforms for the provision of them. The benefits deriving from this new innovative transport solutions are from a multiple perspective. With reference to the car sharing system, it can provide an inclusive mobility choice, also connecting the first and last mile with consequent reduction of traffic congestion, air pollution and generalized transport costs. Based on this premise, this study focused on the evaluation of the car sharing proneness through a behavioral and explanatory statistical analysis, in applying a five-scale rating. The viewpoint of a thirty-age group was investigated via an in-deep structured survey to come out its attitudes linked to share. The analysis was implemented in an island context (Sicily) and the main investigated variables were related to socio-demographic data (e.g. gender; car ownership), travel behaviour (e.g. transportation mode for daily trips) and attributes related to experiences with car sharing and willingness to join it (e.g. car sharing experience; rate selection; type of subscription and reservation). The investigated sample was characterized by predominantly males, living in urban neighborhoods and relatively customary users of non-car forms of transport modes. Moreover, it emerged that a previous experience in car sharing reflected a higher tendency to use the service. This study is the first step on future research, highlighting early adopters’ preferences and laying the basis on further investigation to characterize user-profile of shared solutions.