Understanding the drivers of car sharing usage: The role of service quality

Purpose The sustainable mobility is a debated issue in literature as well as collaborative consumption. In this context, the car sharing represents a growing phenomenon, very interesting to be studied by academicians for its possible impact on sustainability. This study is aimed at understanding the main drivers of car sharing usage, unveiling the role of service quality and green attitude. Methodology Based on theoretical assumptions based on literature review analysis, we develop a theoretical framework that aims at understanding the main antecedents of car sharing usage. An empirical investigation involving the city of Rome (Italy) is performed. The study proposes a qualitative and quantitative survey. Our theoretical model has been tested through SEM statistical techniques. Findings Our findings show that Perceived Usefulness positively affect the Intention to use car sharing. Moreover, the Green Attitude and Expected Service Quality indirectly influence the Intention to use car sharing via Perceived Usefulness. The results show that Expected Service Quality has a strong influence on Perceived Usefulness, whereas Green Attitude has a weaker influence on Perceived Usefulness. The intention to use car sharing is directly influenced by the Perceived Usefulness and by the Inhibitors that affect it negatively. Originality The originality of this paper is that our study discloses the main predictor of the intention to use car sharing, emphasizing the role of service quality. Our research can provide fruitful insights to policy and decision-makers to understand how to improve the car sharing usage in the urban transports system of the city of Rome, suggesting to develop a higher level of service quality in the vehicles, suitable technological applications and an effective communication.