Potential of car pooling (ASTRA2008/017)
Overview
Background & policy context:
Carpools were the subject of several projects in research programs of the European Union with Swiss participation. The main objective usually was to test approaches for imparting carpools.
The idea of this research project goes back to a technology assessment study which was finished by a research team with the participation of PTV (then ASIT) and the IVT. It examined the possible applications of transport telematics.
Objectives:
The main aim of the project is to estimate carpooling potential in Switzerland regarding:
• Users
• Traffic reduction
• Environmental impact reduction
• Mobility improvement
The potential is estimated quantitatively using a simulation, which is based on the results of a nationwide survey.
Methodology:
The project combines the simulation tool MATSim-T, which is capable to realistically replicate the mobility behavior in a given area, with RideShare, which is the first software able to automatically match requested routes for car pools. With this approach the amount of possible car pools and their impact on traffic and environment are calculated based on the present mobility behavior in Switzerland. The calculation is performed on two levels: first for the commuting trips of the employees of some few companies, then for the complete private car transport in the urban area around the city of Zurich. The theoretic potential, determined only based on the existing trips, is complemented by a practical potential, which also considers restrictions e.g. with respect to acceptable detours, baggage reducing the available space, chains of trips with different purposes or preferences of the potential car pooling partners with regard to gender and smoking. Surveys are conducted to find out about these restrictions.
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