Shared mobility in Greater Minnesota | Resources | Shared Mobility Public-Private Partnership Guide
2: Providing shared mobility in your community: Where to start
There are several key issues a municipality should consider as it explores adding shared mobility to the range of transportation options available to the community. The best place to start is to clearly identify your city’s transportation needs and goals. Needs and goals can vary significantly from city to city, and typically include the following (though your city may have other goals or needs):
- reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the number of single-occupancy gas-powered vehicle trips taken
- augmenting existing public transit, either by offering first- or last-mile connections, or by providing services that are not economically or operationally feasible within a traditional public transit model
- reducing congestion in busy areas, such as a downtown, commercial district, or near educational institutions
- providing transportation options for residents who cannot afford or do not have access to personal vehicles
- offering recreational opportunities to residents and tourists
Below are some questions to reflect on during the process of identifying your city’s needs and goals related to shared mobility:
- What geographic areas in your community are not well served by existing transportation options (other than personal vehicles)?
- Which residents of your community are not well served by existing transportation options (other than personal vehicles)? For example, youth, older adults, people with disabilities, or low-income residents.
- How could shared mobility connect with or augment existing transportation options in your community? For example, are there areas where shared-mobility solutions could help residents better access existing public transit?
It is important to acknowledge that there are situations where a shared-mobility service provider establishes a mobility solution in a municipality without first approaching the city government. Although these instances are increasingly rare, it is how some cities find themselves with new shared-mobility services. Proactive cities might consider developing ordinances regulating the use of different types of shared-mobility options as a way to manage such situations before the city actively pursues shared-mobility opportunities. This also signals to potential shared-mobility partners the community’s interest in attracting these services and offers potential partners a clear framework within which to do business. The Shared Micromobility Policy Toolkit includes definitions, examples, and case studies explaining how municipalities can develop appropriate policies and regulations.