What is Car Sharing?

Car sharing is a great option for those who cannot afford or need a vehicle infrequently. It is also great for businesses, as they do not need to purchase or maintain a vehicle fleet. Car share initiatives contribute to a reduction in car ownership and travel, encouraging alternatives such as walking, biking, and public transportation for routine trips, while ensuring access to a vehicle for occasional journeys when a car is required.
Woman driving car

Car sharing provides members with on-demand access to vehicles for rent, available either on an hourly or daily basis. Users sign up to a car share scheme (for example; GoGet or Flexicar, who are some of the more prominent providers in Australia), reserve a nearby vehicle, unlock it using a pincode received via mobile phone, and commence their journey. Upon completion, users return the car to its designated parking spot and securing it with the pincode. Most car-sharing programs incorporate fuel, damage coverage, maintenance, and cleaning in the hourly rate, and are often available 24/7.

According to the RACV, the monthly running costs for a small passenger car averages $900 per month, while a mid-sized SUV costs more than $1,200 per month[1]. The advantages extend to the wider community, with studies revealing that each car chare vehicle results in the removal of 10 private cars from roads[2], leading to reduced traffic impacts and pollution. That’s nine less vehicles on the road per car share vehicle, which equates to a lot of public space or construction costs in private developments!

Car share vehicles in private developments are a great way to reduce traffic impacts.  They are best suited for sites located in activity centres with a high level of access to everyday services that don’t require a car and can be provided in both residential and commercial settings.

Please get in touch with Amber if you’d like to discuss how a car share spaces can be applied in your next development.

 

References:

[1] https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/transport/cars/car-share-victoria.html

[2] https://www.goget.com.au/parking

Written by Kirk Ballantyne

Written by Kirk Ballantyne

I bring extensive experience as a traffic engineer to Amber Organisation, having operated in both the public and private sectors. I prioritise delivering optimal results for clients without compromising on quality. I have a keen interest in sustainable transport practices, which is a driving force in my professional endeavours.
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Amber Organisation acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

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