Understanding the characteristics of car-sharing users and what influences their usage frequency

Throughout the global market, the car-sharing industry continues to confront multiple headwinds. In China, the problem of the generally low frequency of car-sharing use by users (FCU) is a major constraint to its growth. In this study, we quantify the characteristics of car-sharing users and the main factors influencing the FCU based on the car-sharing order data and GPS trajectory data of users in Beijing, China. Considering that sample selection bias with car-sharing users can lead to biased and inconsistent parameter estimation, this paper constructs a multi-factor influence model of FCU based on the Heckman two-stage model. Particularly, whether users enter the market through coupons (IF-Coupons) is selected as the instrumental variable of the model. The results reveal that current car-sharing users are mainly young people aged 25–39 and predominantly men. Travelers tend to travel on weekdays, and those making short trips, and those who enter the car-sharing market using coupons are more likely to become car-sharing users. Based on the results for the FCU, the market potential of female car-sharing users is larger. Besides, the indicators of travel distance and duration, the tendency to use on weekdays, and station location can significantly influence the FCU. Our research contributes to provide scientific theoretical support for promoting the coordinated and sustainable development of the car-sharing market.