Sustainability: Carpooling as a Component of Smart Mobility

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to identify the perception of carpooling as a component of smart mobility in the opinion of city dwellers and the suburban area. Methodology: The article is of an exploratory nature and is based on the results of in-depth interviews among residents of the suburban area and the city. The sample selection was intentional. Findings: It was found that respondents are little familiar with the concept of smart mobility. They are distrustful of the concept of carpooling and sceptical about the safety of such a journey even if the identity of the driver or passenger is fully verified. Respondents also fear social mismatches, which can be a nuisance when traveling. The advantages of carpooling include savings, reduced congestion, the opportunity to meet interesting people, and a positive impact on the environment. The incentive to use carpooling may be ensuring travel safety, creating dedicated carpooling applications for employees of the organization, financial incentives and marketing activities. Research limitations: The study was exploratory. Research should be conducted on a larger scale, including other smart mobility solutions. Practical implications: If local authorities take measures to promote carpooling and at the same time ensure travel safety, then a reduction in the number of cars on the roads during peak hours and economic and environmental benefits can be expected. Originality/value: The article presents qualitative research on carpooling in Poland, which enriches the literature. In addition, the results indicate the need for research in this direction, because the concept of sharing driving can bring measurable benefits.