RIDESHARING BEHAVIOR: A REVIEW OF RECENT FINDINGS

This paper reviews recent studies of ridesharing behavior to determine the underlying factors influencing ridesharing and ways to encourage it. The incidence of ridesharing in the U.S. is estimated at about 10% of work trips, and much lower for other trip purposes; this figure did not increase substantially during the energy crisis of 1973-74. Few demographic factors distinguish carpoolers from non-carpoolers. Most studies have found ridesharing to be a complex (and little understood) behavior relying heavily on social and psychological processes, particularly group dynamics, role, attitude, perception, and personality. Attempts by agencies to increase its incidence through matching services or appeals to economic or public concerns have thus been generally unsuccessful. It is concluded that, while more basic research is needed to understand the process better, agencies should begin now to address the basic concerns raised against carpooling by solo drivers, if they hope to significantly increase carpooling incidence.

• Corporate Authors:

  New York State Department of Transportation

  Planning Division, State Campus, Building 4
  Albany, NY  United States  12232
• Authors:
  • Hartgen, D T
• Publication Date: 1977-11

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: 36 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Carpools; Energy resources; Psychological aspects; Social factors; Work trips
• Uncontrolled Terms: Energy crisis
• Subject Areas: Economics; Energy; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00172829
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Prelim. Res Rpt. 130
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 29 1981 12:00AM