Introducing carsharing schemes in low‐density areas: The case of the outskirts of Le Mans (France)

Abstract

AbstractNowadays, the issue of rural development has a central place on the agenda of policymakers, particularly in the field of transportation. In low‐density areas, there is a lack of alternatives to car use, but at the same time internal combustion vehicles are currently contested in Western societies for their impacts on global warming. As part of the solution, in the past couple of decades, carsharing (CS) schemes have been growing worldwide, but mainly in urban areas. This paper focuses on a recent socially oriented electric CS scheme launched in 2018 in the countryside of Le Mans, France. This program is supported by the local government whose goal is to provide new offers of transportation for those in need and also provide alternatives to cars. By studying the CS program's first year of implementation, we found a dichotomy between the social expectations of the local government and the reality of use by the population. On the basis of a filled‐out questionnaire and the analysis of the cars' navigation data, we first present the profile of the early adopters. We found that they are mostly male and tend to be over 60 years old. They are also highly motorized and from the upper‐middle and upper classes. Secondly, it appears that the program is having difficulties finding regular users. In this regard, this study shows how important it is for public policy to be based on a thoughtful and coherent planning strategy as well as to be led by a strong local governance.