The Italian Way to Carsharing

Carsharing (CS) is increasing its role worldwide as an alternative and more sustainable transport mode. After focusing on the main characteristics of CS, starting from the analysis of the literature on this topic, this paper studies the Italian carsharing experiences, trying to understand its development and growth and possible limits and weaknesses of existing experiences. The presence of a national coordination structure (Iniziativa Carsharing - ICS), unique in Europe, surely helped the development of the system. A case study in Milan, showing a significant increase in CS membership after the implementation of a city charging scheme, might suggest that other mobility policies, external to CS itself, might have a significant role in its development.