9 Days Kenya Ultimate Safari Odyssey with Kibera Holiday Safaris
Car Sharing Tpm Conference July 2009
1. Car-sharing Systems: Are they necessary and can we sort the wheat from the chaff? Dr. Colin Black Contemporary Transport™ Contemporary Transport™ 7/14/20091 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
2. Separate Wheat from Chaff “Distinguish the wanted from the unwanted, the valuable from the relatively valueless. It is what one did literally in the ancient agricultural practice of winnowing, one form of which was to expose, say, wheat to the wind so that the chaff blew away and the grains remained.” Rogers, J. (1985) The Dictionary of Cliches Contemporary Transport™ 2 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
3. Focus of Paper Independent transport practitioner review Provide better understanding of what to look in securing an effective system Not intended to endorse any particular commercial product Contemporary Transport™ 3 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
4. Key Problems Car-sharing comes in many guises internationally Seemingly high-tech systems are proliferating - but not all systems and approaches are equal and confusion is abundant System purchasers lack understanding of the fundamentals of a good car-sharing system and what to expect for their investment Lack of competition Contemporary Transport™ 4 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
5. Wiki ‘Monopoly’ The monopolist will be less efficient and innovative over time, becoming "complacent giants", because they do not have to be efficient or innovative to compete in the marketplace and can sell a lower quantity of goods at a higher price However, this can provide incentives for research and investment into new alternatives by competitors! Contemporary Transport™ 5 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
6. Issues in the UK Market Lack of new entrants to the market Slow speed of innovation Technology lacking beyond core car-sharing Application language used now dated Poor adaption of marketing in systems Separate and very distinct areas of expertise Suffering from lack of TDM expertise Integrated role not properly appreciated Contemporary Transport™ 6 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
7. Practical Assistance Paper provides: Checklist of fundamental system attributes Overview of realistic outcomes of existing systems Overview of technology of leading systems Simple tips about how the potential of car-sharing systems can be improved Contemporary Transport™ 7 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
8. Tip 1: Closed systems = > success Public systems Ability to publicly promote sustainable travel Registered users approx 0.1% of the population Private systems Target specific market, maximizes matching success Perceived increased security Registered users can reach approx 20%+ of pop. Opportunity The more ‘closed’ the system, the more successful Contemporary Transport™ 8 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
9. Tip 2: Reformat public systems Offer dedicated ‘sub sites’ for employers, TMAs, organisations, etc Offer ability for registrants to search within their own employer group, custom sub site or full database Market ability for a public system to act as a ‘closed’ system Contemporary Transport™ 9 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
10. Tip 3: Focus on customer Users expect high level internet security /privacy Standard of excellence Ease of use State of the art functionality Clean database – data integrity critical Contemporary Transport™ 10 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
11. Tip 4: Ask searching questions Call references - ask about problems/issues! Use checklist Check database management protocols Understand the functionality - the back end Seek assurance costs will come down, not go up make sure you get best value Contemporary Transport™ 11 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
12. Tip 5: Do your research Which systems demonstrate best VfM? Compare with international competitors Consider what is happening globally? Remember good marketing does not necessarily mean best system Establish which bells and whistles superfluous? Are they really doing it for the ‘cause’? Who do the big corporations use... and why? Contemporary Transport™ 12 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
13. Looking to the Future Systems now expanding to full commute management portals Offer more than core car-sharing Include matching for all modes Integrate supportive elements (ERH, commuter tracking, incentives management , transit links, etc.) Twitter /Facebook will improve not replace Contemporary Transport™ 13 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
15. And there’s more... A quick run through what to look for when evaluating a system... Contemporary Transport™ 15 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
16. Evaluation criteria Core Functionality Matching Functionality Data Integrity Mapping Privacy /Security Administration Portal Important Considerations and Best Practice Contemporary Transport™ 16 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
18. Real time matching Instant matches returned online (versus form filled out online and matches mailed to registrant) Instant online matching which means that matches are returned immediately Contemporary Transport™ 18 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
19. Matching For car-sharing, bike buddy, walking buddy, transit buddy, taxi-buddy, vanpooling (where applicable) Ability to offer matching for a variety of modes Ability to select modes available for matching Matching for multiple modes available Contemporary Transport™ 19 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
20. Scalable, flexible system Ability to add to the core functionality other TDM tools that enhance and support sustainable transport use. All modules / functionality should be integrated with single sign on and saving of data between system elements – a full commute management system Examples include commuter tracking, emergency ride home, carpool parking management, incentive management, parking space finder, single trip finder, etc. Scalable system that allows for optional add-ons that augment and support core car-sharing Contemporary Transport™ 20 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
21. Client driven look and feel Ability to include custom text, graphics, banner, URL System should be able to look, feel and have a URL unique to each client, within reason Contemporary Transport™ 21 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
22. Centralized system & fully hosted Is system a separate installation or part of a centralized system Separate independent installations means that updates, upgrades and errors will be queued for resolution Centralized systems maximize efficiency when all client are running the same current version number Fully hosted system eliminates hardware acquisition and associated training, maintenance, etc. Centralized systems guarantee ongoing updates, upgrades and timely attention to problems or errors. Fully hosted system reduces costs and maximizes service to client. Contemporary Transport™ 22 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
23. ‘Easy Click’ enter origin & address Ability to have the option of directly entering an address, clicking on a map, selecting from a dropdown or combination thereof Ability to offer the user multiple options for selecting an origin and destination Contemporary Transport™ 23 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
24. Ability for user to decide search Ability for users to opt to search within the whole database or limited to their own employer group as defined by email Success is maximized the more ‘closed’ the group Ability to automatically search within whole database or own employer group Contemporary Transport™ 24 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
25. Ability for defining requirements Ability for sub sites to be defined for core user groups (TMAs, employers, etc.) Ability to have a ‘room’ within the bigger database that allows for the customization of the web pages for a particular employer, TMA, organization, group, etc. Ability to brand sub sites – both graphically, textual and for limiting matches to within the defined user group. Contemporary Transport™ 25 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
27. Route adjustment options Ability for user to adjust their initial route as defined by the mapping system to reflect their actual travel route Maximizes potential ‘along route’ matches Ability to edit/modify the system generated travel route by clicking/dragging the map Contemporary Transport™ 27 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
28. Matching options Matching based on proximity to origin, destination and route Matches returned based on proximity to origin, destination and route Distances between registrant origin and destination to potential match displayed Matching based on proximity to origin, destination and route Contemporary Transport™ 28 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
29. Filters Filters for user to search database based on user defined preferences Ability for user to filter data based on user defined preferences (gender, smoking, driver/passenger, Ability to easily and quickly filter database Contemporary Transport™ 29 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
30. Viewing options for matches Ability to see potential matches in a table and on a map Ability for matches to be displayed on both a map and table Maximizes ability to quickly and easily see matches Matches displayed in both tabular and mapped summary Contemporary Transport™ 30 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
31. Provision of additional information Probe potential matches by clicking on the pushpin match identifier Ability to find out information on the potential match by clicking on a pushpin, the user in the table, etc. Ability to find out information on the potential match Contemporary Transport™ 31 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
32. Client defined visible data Ability for the client to define what information is visible to potential matches (e.g. phone number, address, last name, etc.) System should default to no private information being revealed unless defined by client Contemporary Transport™ 32 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
33. Schedule match algorithm Provision of a schedule match algorithm that shows when schedules match Ability to set arrival and departure times along with flexibility Provision of a schedule match algorithm Contemporary Transport™ 33 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
34. Inclusion of comments Ability for user to enter comments or additional details on their travel Ability for user to enter comments or other details necessary for compatible match Contemporary Transport™ 34 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
35. Automatic match notification Ability for users to opt for receipt of an email notifying them when someone who matches their set profile has registered. Minimized the frequency of a registrant having to ‘check back’ for matches Automatic match notification Contemporary Transport™ 35 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
36. Multiple language functionality Ability for the system to be offered in multiple languages Professional language translation, not page translation though web service Multiple language functionality Contemporary Transport™ 36 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
37. 3) Data Integrity Contemporary Transport™ 37 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
38. Email verification System should permit only valid emails Email verification system so that people can’t search or be found until they click an activation link sent to their email address Contemporary Transport™ 38 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
39. Address verification System should only accept verified addresses to ensure accurate data is input (e.g. system rejects 123 first street, London, Ireland) Address verification system Contemporary Transport™ 39 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
40. Automatic system data purging Incorporation of automatic data purging Ability to set data purge timelines and dates Ability to deactivate and delete accounts Ability for user to easily re-establish (reactivate) account Automatic data purging a necessity. Contemporary Transport™ 40 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
42. Multiple datasets Mapping system(s) used Number of mapping systems Use of multiple datasets ensures continuity should a mapping provider Use of multiple datasets as opposed to one dataset Use of standard, recognised datasets Online web-based mapping services Multiple mapping systems used to protect against outage by one mapping provider Contemporary Transport™ 42 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
43. Web based mapping service Online web-based mapping services are now the most advanced and up to date systems. The legacy reliance upon other data sources is not reliable or serviced as well as online databases Use of web-based mapping services Contemporary Transport™ 43 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
44. Offer mapping choice to users Users should be offered a choice in the display of maps User selected mapping display Contemporary Transport™ 44 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
45. Geographic display of O-D & route Feedback to user on a map of their origin and destination Ability for user to see and confirm their origin and destination on a map. Contemporary Transport™ 45 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
46. Service are defined Ability for the client to define a service area Ensures that a system set up for a particular geographic area (e.g. London), isn’t accepting origins/destinations in Dublin Allows for automatic, accurate calculation of travel distance between origin and destination Ability to set and define service area by combination of origins and /or destination Contemporary Transport™ 46 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
47. Ability to add custom routes, points Ability to add custom routes, points, etc. to the map allows users to see other options that might be available (eg. park and ride locations) Ability to add custom routes or points to the returned map Contemporary Transport™ 47 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
49. Database accreditation Demonstrated experience with database management Accreditations/experience in database security, privacy, development, application framework Accreditations in software database development Contemporary Transport™ 49 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
50. Database Type of database and web interface Professional database versus web design Guards against viruses/intrusion attacks IT review of database elements, security elements Contemporary Transport™ 50 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
51. Data storage Triple A hosting Off site Number and type of servers Processing ability Review the ability of the database to accommodate unexpected or peak loads (e.g. public transport strike, emergency preparedness, business continuity) Contemporary Transport™ 51 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
52. User defined user ID & password Ability for user to define and set their user id and password User defined User ID and password Contemporary Transport™ 52 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
53. External authentication systems Ability to incorporate external authentication systems Allows system to be part of intranet or single sign on websites. Ability to incorporate external authentication systems Contemporary Transport™ 53 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
54. Contact matches via system Ability for system to auto-generate email match notification Privacy secured until both parties make contact System generated email to potential matches Contemporary Transport™ 54 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
55. Bad language filter Automatic purging for bad/inappropriate language. Guarantees integrity of system Automatic bad language purging Contemporary Transport™ 55 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
57. Online administration portal Ability to set and define authority levels of administrators (e.g. client, organizational, TMA, destination, etc.) Provision of an administration portal with multiple authority levels Contemporary Transport™ 57 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
58. Full access to all data 24/7 Ability to have full access to your data at all times Provision of full online access to data Contemporary Transport™ 58 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
59. Ability to filter, map & analyze results The system has the ability to generate an unlimited number of reports using filter and date parameters manually or by selecting from a calendar. Results analysis online Contemporary Transport™ 59 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
60. Ability to export data Data should be able to be exported by the administrator to a database at any time Mechanism to export all or filtered data 24/7 Contemporary Transport™ 60 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
61. Ability to map data Data should be able to be plotted at any time Ability to map results Contemporary Transport™ 61 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
62. Ability to bulk email from system Ability to filter data and email select groups from the system Email capability Contemporary Transport™ 62 colin.black@contemporarytransport.co.uk
Notes de l'éditeur
Car-sharing comes in many guises internationally - ranging from carpooling, ride-matching, slugging through to ridesharing systems – we stick to what we know!
Checklist of fundamental system attributes to serve as a guide for those involved in a car-share scheme procurement process. Overview of realistic outcomes of car-sharing systems in existence today.
Perceived increased security (know who you’re matching)
A pretty website does not make a good car-sharing site
Look at what the private sector is doing – what system do they use (guaranteed because it meets stringent security and privacy needs and usually a reflection of dissatisfaction with a public system)
These things have not been proven to have any degree of effectiveness and almost ubiquitously are focused on the under 25 age group crowd. I have seen no study shown that they have any degree of effectiveness. In fact many of our clients are universities, and while these types of sites are around they still elected to establish a formal rideshare program, complete with the full security and privacy inherent within leading systems. They officially market only this site and are very effective. The social marketing sites are there, and potentially (though there’s no stats) complement the formal program. The formal program allows for the evaluation and monitoring of results, it insures user privacy and security - that is something that is vital within a corporate/publicly supported system. All of the sites mentioned below are not something that the over 25 crowd would use. More women than men use ridesharing systems, and are thus extremely cautious about using a system – thus one that is a dedicated URL, with visible support by the local government, organization or institution, is unlikely to be used. Many cities are relying on these ‘on the fly’ systems – and that does not meet the needs of its residents, nor do they increase ridesharing. There can be no concentrated promotion of ridesharing without a publically supported dedicated rideshare site. The problem is that if these ‘on the fly’ systems don’t work, which they don’t, then a significant lost opportunity to reach people who have now been turned off by technology they don’t use or understand (e.g. twitter, facebook, etc)
