A latent class analysis of public perceptions about shared mobility barriers and benefits

The United States faces urban issues like congestion and pollution due to heavy car dependency, with over 91% owning cars and 87% driving to work. In response to these challenges, various shared mobility solutions have been integrated into transportation systems, encompassing bike-sharing, e-scooter sharing, and ride-hailing, but have not seen widespread adoption. To this end, this study investigates the perception of these services in the context of benefits and barriers. A survey was conducted in Indianapolis, Indiana and distributed online, gathering 424 responses. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to determine groups of individuals with similar perceptions. The LCA identified three classes regarding perceptions of shared mobility benefits, and three others in relation to barriers. Regarding benefits, the classes include "Casual observers of benefits," predominantly comprising older, less active females; "Benefits proponents," featuring a majority of young, well-educated, higher-income males who prioritize health; and "Non-believers in benefits," primarily consisting of older individuals, often identifying as black, with lower incomes and less active commuting. In terms of barriers, the classes are "Indifferent about barriers," mainly comprising younger, lower-income individuals; "Shared mobility bystanders," primarily characterized by older individuals with infrequent work commutes; and "Barrier conscious," mostly including younger, well-educated, racially diverse individuals with complex commuting patterns. In both the benefits and barriers categories, the largest classes consist of individuals with neutral perspectives on shared mobility, signifying that a substantial portion of the population has not fully embraced these services. The study recommends policies to promote shared mobility to this significant population segment.