Institutional support and an enabling environment are crucial if emerging cities are to successfully establish car-sharing, a global sustainability research organisation says. The World Resources Institute (WRI) reviewed existing literature and interviewed mobility experts and car-sharing operators to develop an initial understanding of the feasibility of car-sharing in developing cities.

In the first comprehensive study of its kind, the WRI found that these cities face serious obstacles, such as the aspiration of the middle-class to own a car, acute congestion and a lack of available or adequately regulated parking. Authorities are also increasingly imposing restrictions and economic disincentives on the purchase and use of vehicles, including shared vehicles, to address growing congestion, pollution and accidents.

For more information, and to download the WRI’s report, visit wri.org.