Sharing cars … with everyone

19 Mar 2014

Don’t find your car is affordable anymore? Driving a lot less? A car sharing subscription may be just what you’re after.

Many Australians are turning to sharing cars rather than owning them, changing the shape of transport in cities across the country.

Car sharing involves users paying a membership fee and an hourly rate for access to a car in the area. The idea gained popularity with people living in inner cities because more often than not, inner city dwellers catch public transport and only need a car on sporadic occasions.

It also replaces the cost of owning a car when it comes to petrol, maintenance, parking and even having access to a garage, with costs significantly lower to join a car sharing program.

And then there are the environmental benefits. Less people on the road means less pollution. There have also been statistics floating around that say when people join a car sharing company, they actually drive 20 per cent less as they become less reliant on a car and rather turn to walking short distances or catching public transport.

GoGet

GoGet explains its concept as “the benefits of a car, without the hassle and expense of owning one”.

The company prides itself on giving access to everyone with 1000 cars all parked a short walking distance from home, work or a public transport stop.

The service includes a mobile and online booking system which means you can search for a car no matter where you are. When you search, green and red pins will show you where available cars are – green for available.

When you join, you are given a smart card which gives you access to any car across the network. All you have to do is hold your smart card over the reader and the doors will open. The keys are in the car waiting for you.

Once you’re finished, you’re expected that you will leave the car where you picked it up with at least a quarter tank of fuel in the car. You don’t even need to pay for that, as the company provides a fuel card in the car.

GreenShareCar

Similar to GoGet, GreenShareCar is a membership-based service that allows members to rent cars by the hour or day.

All you have to do is join online, select the required time you need the car and you’ll be given a list of available vehicles.

You’ll be sent a smart card when you join, giving you access to the cars. The company asks that you return it to the same place with at least half a tank of fuel.