The combined effect of shared mobility services on private vehicle ownership and usage

Abstract

Shared mobility has emerged as a promising strategy for promoting sustainable and efficient urban transport, yet its broader impacts—particularly when multiple shared modes are combined—remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates the relationship between shared mobility usage and private vehicle ownership and use in the Netherlands, drawing on a comprehensive national survey of shared mobility users. Employing binary logistic regression and latent class cluster analysis (LCCA), the research identifies six distinct user groups based on their shared mobility patterns, socio-demographic profiles, and spatial characteristics. The findings reveal that frequent use of station-based and community car sharing, as well as OV-fiets, is significantly associated with reductions in private car ownership and use. Other shared modes, such as free-floating car sharing, moped sharing, and shared e-bikes, also contribute to these reductions, though their effects are more modest and context-dependent. The study highlights that the most substantial decreases in car dependency occur among user groups with high engagement in integrated shared mobility services, particularly in urban areas with supportive infrastructure and policies. The study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions to improve accessibility, multimodal integration, and incentives for shared mobility, while also monitoring potential shifts away from public transport and active travel. This research advances understanding of the diverse effects of shared mobility in the Dutch context and offers evidence-based recommendations for maximising its sustainability benefits in urban transport systems.