Car Sharing: Overview
Carsharing allows participants to pay for and use a car on an hourly basis. It can be an alternative to car ownership, supplementing other transportation options such as walking, biking and transit.
RATIONALE
Many people who walk, bicycle and use transit only need a car occasionally for special trips. Through participation in carsharing, members can avoid the cost and hassle of car ownership. Using an online system, they reserve a car parked in their neighborhood for as long as they need it and return it to the same dedicated parking space, paying for only as much car use as needed. Carsharing encourages and supports walkable communities and transit. It shares the cost of car ownership and maintenance across many users. Carshare vehicles are typically energy efficient, keeping CO2 emissions to a minimum.
EFFORT REQUIRED
The effort required can vary from small to large. Zipcar is currently the only national, for-profit carsharing organizations. Many cities have nonprofit carsharing organizations, some of which are willing to help start up other efforts. The city or residents can contact Zipcar and nonprofit carsharing organizations to determine their interest in and conditions for entering a new market.
BENEFIT
Greater choice of transportation options, expanded opportunity to minimize car ownership and its costs, lower demand for on-street parking, less air pollution.
RISKS
All risks are borne by the for-profit or nonprofit sponsor.
ACTION AGENTS
- City Transportation and/or Economic Development Department
- Metropolitan Planning Organization/Regional Planning Agency
- community development corporation or other local potential nonprofit sponsor
COST
The start up of a carsharing program typically requires public subsidy, often using U.S. Department of Transportation Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funding.
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