A study on the use of informal ridesharing in Scotland

The spread of shared mobility systems, for example ridesharing, can be a valid alternative to the use of private modes of transport. Indeed, a high number of private vehicles generate traffic congestion and air pollution. Ridesharing provides a cheaper way to travel, reducing traffic and environmental impact. It can be defined as the shared use of private cars between a group of people with similar origins and destinations. In order to support and improve this mode of transportation, it is important to identify the reasons and variables involved in their use. To this end, we took into consideration available data from the Scottish Household Survey in 2017. Using binary logistic regressions, it was possible to highlight the most relevant variables in the use of informal ridesharing. The results showed how the non-possession of cars was the most significant factor in the use of informal ridesharing systems.