It’s safe to say car-sharing is taking off in many major metropolitan areas across the country. But what is car sharing, and is it something you should consider trying? In this guide, you’ll find the answers you’re looking for. First of all, car sharing is a service that allows car owners to make their vehicles available for hourly or daily use on an as-needed basis. This type of service may have been pioneered many years ago, but in recent years, it has become popularized in some major metropolitan areas like Portland, Oregon; New York City; Los Angeles; Dallas; Boston, and more.
How Does It Work?
Car sharing works similarly to traditional car rental or leasing, but with specific differences that make it possible for you to access a vehicle without owning one yourself. For example, services like Avail make the process very easy and simple for everyone. The typical process starts when a person becomes a member of a car-sharing program. After signing up for an account, individuals can use a proprietary mobile app or website to search and book available vehicles. Vehicles that are not in use at the time of booking will incur no wait time, allowing members to access the vehicle immediately, usually after a background check and vehicle inspection.
Once a member has the car, they can use it as much or as little as they want. Services typically include fuel and insurance, so there are no additional costs incurred by members on top of the hourly or daily rates charged for access to the vehicle. In some cases, these services offer “free-floating” car-sharing, meaning members can have access to vehicles that are not necessarily parked at a specific location. This type of service makes it possible for members to reserve cars in one area and drop them off elsewhere after use, giving them the opportunity to take advantage of more locations during their trip.
There are also services available that are more similar to traditional rental car companies. These services are often referred to as “station-based” car sharing, meaning they have dedicated locations where individuals can access cars, just like a traditional rental service. For example, some services have cars stationed at train stations or bus hubs, making them easier and more convenient for people who need transportation after using public transport systems. In this case, members make a reservation and can access the car from a specific location.
Car sharing is also similar to traditional leasing or rental arrangements in that it allows people who do not own cars to have more flexible transportation options. For example, individuals living in big cities rarely need their own vehicles because of the availability of transit systems and on-demand services like Uber and Lyft. In a sense, it’s possible to consider car-sharing arrangements as a form of “car rental,” only without the commitment that comes with traditional rental options. So, if you need a vehicle for a few hours or want one for just a day, you can use a car-sharing service for this purpose without the long-term commitment.
Who Can Use It?
Car sharing allows people who do not necessarily need or own cars to have access to them for different purposes. For example, some busy individuals may use car-sharing as a way to save money on transportation costs, while others may use it simply for convenience’s sake. These types of arrangements can also be ideal for people who don’t want to own a car but need to have one from time to time.
