Reduces car ownership and usage
Car sharing can reduce congestion, the demand for parking, and emissions. It facilitates the uptake of public transport, walking and cycling. Car sharing also provides people with another transport choice, improving access.
Users enjoy the benefits of different types of cars
Car sharing fleets often have many different makes and models of vehicles available. Whether they are used for pleasure or matched to a specific work need (e.g. passenger or distance requirements), access to a fleet of cars is a significant benefit over owning a single vehicle.
Lower cost of mobility
The unknown cost of car ownership including depreciation, insurance, maintenance, registration, compliance, and fuel can be significant. Add to that the cost - in terms of monetary or space resource - of parking a vehicle.
When combined with the average utilisation of a private vehicle - considering their idle time sitting in car parks at home or work - accessible car sharing options can provide a significantly lower cost of mobility.
Decreases Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Car sharing has multiple environmental benefits; fewer cars in traffic, more fuel-efficient and electric cars on the road, more production of efficient small vehicles, fewer mileage driven, less air pollution, and the opportunity for more urban green spaces.
All these factors help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Car sharing itself is typically more socially focused than profit focused. Helping with the environment is an achievable goal in the car sharing system.
Reduces the need for parking infrastructure
Whether car sharing access results in fewer cars in private ownership, or fewer commuter cars being parked in central city parks, each available shared car helps to reduce the need for parking spaces.
Fewer cars on the road
Car sharing helps eliminate cars from the road. Studies show that one car sharing vehicle can replace up to 12 privately owned vehicles being used, so the larger the car sharing fleet, the greater the impact on traffic movements.
Drive when you want to
Car sharing also has advantages over a normal car rental, which usually comes with rigid time scheduling and a long booking processes. As a member of a car sharing operation you can drive when you want to, for the time you need giving you total flexibility.
Increased usage of electric vehicles
Car sharing services typically include electric car options. This not only has increased the usage of electric cars directly, but has given more people the opportunity to experience the benefits of driving an EV.
Changing how we move
We all know the benefits of physical exercise, but many of us forget that just 30 minutes of walking a day can make a measurable difference to our long-term health. Studies have shown a strong correlation between public health benefits with the rise in car sharing, finding that it encourages more active and healthier communities. By taking away the automatic convenience of owning a car, it appears people shift their attitudes and approach to getting from A to B.
