Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3081
Date of Award
6-2025
Degree Name
MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Anurag Pande
Advisor Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Advisor College
College of Engineering
Abstract
The transportation sector remains the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, with single-occupant personal automobile travel accounting for a significant portion of total emissions. While sustainable mobility solutions such as electric vehicles (EVs) and shared transportation services have emerged as potential strategies to reduce environmental impact, adoption rates remain slow due to behavioral, economic, and infrastructural barriers. This research explores the feasibility of a shared electric vehicle fleet service to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and improve mobility in and around college campuses, using California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, as a case study.
Through a two-phase survey approach, this study analyzes the commuting behaviors and preferences of university students, faculty, and staff to determine the factors influencing shared EV adoption. The first survey assessed existing travel patterns, identifying high-VMT user groups and their openness to alternative transportation. Insights from this assessment informed the design of the second survey, which aim to measure the user's willingness to adopt shared EV services based on cost, convenience, route flexibility, and environmental impact. Findings indicate that while students are generally receptive to shared mobility, staff and faculty—who have the highest VMT—are more resistant to shifting from personal vehicles. Additionally, while environmental consciousness plays a role in transportation choices, financial and logistical considerations ultimately drive adoption decisions.
The results suggest that for shared electric fleets to be a viable alternative, universities must implement strategic policy measures such as ride subsidies, integrated multimodal transit options, and infrastructure investments to increase accessibility and affordability. If properly designed, such a service could significantly reduce VMT, alleviate parking congestion, and contribute to campus-wide sustainability goals. Furthermore, universities serve as ideal testing grounds for broader urban applications, offering insights that could inform regional and municipal transportation planning. This research contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable mobility by demonstrating how shared electric vehicle fleets can bridge the gap between climate-conscious transportation goals and real-world commuter needs.