Stakeholders’ Perspectives on the Feasibility of Their Cooperation in the Carsharing Market: Evidence from Japan

Abstract

This study surveys and analyzes the characteristics of the carsharing market in Japan, focusing on cooperation among the stakeholders in the Japanese market. Twenty-three individuals from 10 organizations associated with the carsharing industry were interviewed, including carsharing operators, rail operators, bus operators, and local and central government representatives from July to August 2010. The results show that the stakeholders recognize two types of carsharing: a primary-mode-based system and a secondary-mode-based system. No carsharing operator has any plan to cooperate with the other operators currently, and the perceptions and expectations of the operators are different from those of the national government. Although local governments have a willingness to promote carsharing, they find difficulties in doing so because they worry about uncertainties regarding the effects of carsharing. Finally, this study summarizes three potential cases where cooperation is required among stakeholders in the urban carsharing market.