Assessing the role of shared mobility services in reducing travel-related greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions: Focusing on America’s young adults

Abstract

This study analyzes the relation between shared mobility services and greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions by using a nationally representative sample of US young adults. We conduct a comprehensive analysis based on the data collected in the 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS). These trip-level emissions are calculated following MOtor Vehicle Emission Simulators (MOVES) and Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation Model (GREET) workflows. We find that the weekday sample has a significantly higher value in daily GHGs emissions than the weekend sample. Controlling for other factors, shared micromobility services usage is found to have a significant impact on daily GHGs emissions for both weekday and weekend travel. Our analyses further indicate that carsharing complements public transit, and its users are more likely to reside in areas with better public transit supply. We find that the use of transportation network companies (TNCs) has a positive relationship with young adults’ GHGs emissions on weekdays only. The study results and implications may be useful for planners and professionals interested in tracking the impacts of new mobility services on transportation and the relevant environmental outcomes.