Create and use a standardized way to measure carbon emissions for shared mobility vehicles, technology, services, and operations that shows comparisons with other transportation modes. And commit to lowering the lifecycle carbon emissions of shared mobility services (vehicles, technology, and infrastructure).

We’ve set up the systems to measure how motor vehicles generate carbon when we make them and when we use them. This is especially true of private cars. A shift to electric vehicles is one way to lower carbon emissions, but it will not be enough to address the climate crisis. 

Providing more shared mobility options can significantly lower carbon emissions except our sector doesn’t have standard ways to measure the carbon savings from shared mobility and supporting land uses. At least, not yet. 

Developing and widely using standard ways to measure the carbon emissions that shared mobility vehicles, technology, services, and operations generate allows us to compare the effectiveness of providing more shared mobility vs. just electrifying vehicles alone. It will provide a framework for policy changes based on carbon footprints of each transportation mode. It will also allow us to set clear targets and develop plans to lower shared mobility’s carbon emissions even further.

We should:

  • Create and adopt standardized carbon metrics for all transportation modes and all journeys, including multimodal trips

  • Measure lifecycle carbon emissions of shared mobility operations (including vehicles and infrastructure)—from buses to vans, to e-bikes and scooters

  • Hold ourselves accountable for lowering the lifecycle and operating carbon outputs of shared mobility

  • Offer recognition and incentives based on the carbon metrics—for governments, private operators, communities, individuals, and households to lower their total transportation carbon output 

  • Encourage research on the roles of infrastructure, policies, and incentives in reducing GHG emissions through shared use

  • Publicize information about carbon emissions for transportation options including shared mobility

DECARBONIZATION