Abstract
The use of individual cars and solo driving is a source of negative externalities. The practice of carpooling for commuting could be a solution to tackle environmental, health and congestion problems. The objective of this study was to explore the incentives to encourage carpooling for commuting in the Paris region. Beyond socio-demographics, individual profiles were characterized by variables related to the residence and work places. We measured the willingness of drivers (n = 1312) to carpool for commuting (1) as a driver and (2) as a passenger. Three logistic regression models were estimated for each case, carpooling as a driver and carpooling as a passenger, integrating different incentives (financial and non-financial). Our results demonstrate that the determinants of carpooling as a driver and as a passenger differ. According to individual profiles, the incentives to encourage carpooling for commuting in the Paris region are not the same. Contextual variables play a major role in the willingness to carpool as a driver, while individual variables only were exhibited regarding carpooling as a passenger. Another major finding is the importance of carpooling with a colleague, exhibiting the key role of trust. Women are more willing to carpool as a driver when there is this psychological incentive. Finally, we highlight that the awareness of carpooling services is significant in the willingness to carpool both as a driver and as a passenger. Public policies could consider these results as potential levers to promote carpooling in the Paris region.
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The study was funded by the project ACE-ICSEN (Adaptation aux Changements Environnementaux: une approche multi-échelle et transdisciplinaire—Institut des Changements Socio-Environnementaux). The questionnaire was specifically funded by VEDECOM Institute.
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JB conceptualized the hypotheses, drafted the manuscript and supervised the analyses, TF conducted the analyses, reviewed and edited the manuscript, SD cleaned and processed the data, reviewed and edited the manuscript, SA reviewed and edited the manuscript. All authors approved the final version.
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Bulteau, J., Feuillet, T., Dantan, S. et al. Encouraging carpooling for commuting in the Paris area (France): which incentives and for whom?. Transportation 50, 43–62 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-021-10237-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-021-10237-w