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The cost to carshare: A review of the changing prices and taxation levels for carsharing in the United States 2011–2016

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  • Schwieterman, Joseph P.
  • Bieszczat, Alice

Abstract

This study explores the changing prices and level of taxation for carsharing in the United States through a review of hourly rates in 80 cities with Zipcar pods, as well as at U.S. locations served by car2go and Maven. The base rate for a one-hour Zipcar carshare between 2011 and 2016 is shown to have fallen from $9.39 to $8.92, a 5.0% drop. In inflation-adjusted terms, this constitutes an 11.2% real reduction. Retail taxes over the period, however, rose from 15.5% to 17.0%, offsetting almost one third of the price reduction. In some cities, taxes on one-hour reservations exceed 30% due to transaction-based fees that apply regardless of the duration of the trip. Interpreted broadly, these results indicate that carsharing is becoming more affordable to urban consumers, while being subject to extensive competition and facing the burden of extensive retail taxes that may hamper efforts to achieve local sustainability goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Schwieterman, Joseph P. & Bieszczat, Alice, 2017. "The cost to carshare: A review of the changing prices and taxation levels for carsharing in the United States 2011–2016," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 1-9.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:trapol:v:57:y:2017:i:c:p:1-9
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2017.03.017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shaheen, Susan & Cohen, Adam P. & Roberts, J. Darius, 2005. "Carsharing in North America: Market Growth, Current Developments, and Future Potential," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt68n01997, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    2. Shaheen, Susan & Cohen, Adam P. & Roberts, J. Darius, 2005. "Carsharing In North America: Market Growth, Current Developments, And Future Potential," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt4h62q7mg, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    3. Martin, Elliot W & Shaheen, Susan A, 2011. "Greenhouse Gas Emission Impacts of Carsharing in North America," Institute of Transportation Studies, Research Reports, Working Papers, Proceedings qt6wr90040, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Berkeley.
    4. repec:ucp:bkecon:9781884829987 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Browning, Edgar K, 1976. "The Marginal Cost of Public Funds," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 84(2), pages 283-298, April.
    6. Shaheen, Susan & Cohen, Adam P. & Roberts, J. Darius, 2005. "Carsharing in North America: Market Growth, Current Developments, and Future Potential," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt6fp4v916, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    7. Costain, Cindy & Ardron, Carolyn & Habib, Khandker Nurul, 2012. "Synopsis of users’ behaviour of a carsharing program: A case study in Toronto," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 46(3), pages 421-434.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Wei, Xiaoyong & Lo, Chris.K.Y. & Jung, Sojin & Choi, Tsan-Ming, 2021. "From co-consumption to co-production: A systematic review and research synthesis of collaborative consumption practices," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 282-294.

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