Social networks as a source of private-vehicle transportation: The practice of getting rides and borrowing vehicles among Mexican immigrants in California

We examine the role of social networks in enabling access to private-vehicle transportation, through getting rides and borrowing cars. Based on qualitative findings from ten focus group discussions with recent Mexican immigrants to California, half of whom have no car, we describe the extent to which participants depend on rides and borrowed cars for transportation. We highlight the unique aspects of informal access to cars, drawing on social exchange theory and related research to characterize the procurement process and likely levels of exchange. We discuss the implications of these findings for transportation services that might serve this and other community groups.

Research highlights► We examine the role of social networks in getting rides and borrowing cars. ► Recent Mexican immigrants to California participated in focus group discussions. ► Informal favors from family, friends, and co-workers are common but can generate guilt. ► Payment or reciprocation expands access to rides or cars but can become costly. ► Offers of rides or cars from within their social networks can be limited.