The Complementary Potential of Free-Floating Car Sharing Services to Public Transport in Turin

Abstract

This thesis studies the potential of free-floating car sharing (FFCS) to supplement public transport in Turin, a city with a well-developed transit system and substantial car sharing network. The integration of FFCS with public transportation can enhance connectivity, particularly for first- and last-mile solutions, thereby improving the overall efficiency and accessibility of the transit system. Although existing research indicates a potential complementarity between car sharing and public transport, further detailed research is required to explore more specifically when and where car sharing is able to complement public transportation. This study uses the proximity of car sharing trip start and destination points to public transport stations in order to examine the potential for complementarity between the two services. A temporal and spatial analysis, employing k-means clustering, revealed a specific potential complementarity between FFCS and public transport in Turin in the early morning. This is evidenced by the FFCS service connecting the outskirts of Turin with the city centre when public transport is limited in availability. The analysis of Turin’s specific dynamics can provide valuable insights to other cities aiming for similar integration between car sharing and public transport, contributing to more sustainable urban mobility.