The Irish Times today

Council backing for first city car-sharing scheme

Quote :

IF YOU LIVE in Cork city, you might walk, take a bus or cycle to work. Your apartment block might charge extra for parking, and with increasing costs and traffic, there would appear to be little point in buying a car. But what if you could have the freedom of a car, without the costs,? writes Paddy Comyn A pilot car-sharing scheme, GoCar, is under way in Cork city. Cambio Ireland will operate a fleet of six diesel-powered Ford Fiestas, a Ford Focus and a Ford Transit Connect van based at three locations. So who will this form of car "ownership" appeal to? "It is hard to give an exact profile, but generally users are people who live in cities for whom owning a car doesn't make sense. The scheme will also appeal to businesses whose workers tend to make their own way to work on public transport or, on foot or by bike, and who may require the use of a car," says Graham Lightfoot, managing director of GoCar. Users sign up online, which costs €50, as well a once-off refundable deposit of €200 and a €7 monthly fee. It costs between €5 and €6 per hour, depending on the vehicle,up to a maximum €50-€60 per day, and 35-40 cent per kilometre up to 100km (25-30 cent thereafter).]Council backing for first city car-sharing scheme.

Payment is by direct debit and all costs, including fuel, are included in the monthly invoice.

Cork City Council is supporting the venture, providing free, on-street parking spaces at agreed sites for customers and the council itself has signed up for three cars for use by staff during work hours.

The scheme is open to holders (of two or more years) of a valid EU licence, between the ages of 25 and 70.

The value of the scheme very much depends on how much you use it. Compared to rental with Avis in Cork, 24 hours doing 100km will cost you €85 in the GoCar, with Avis charging €75 for the same period, although your fuel is included in the GoCar scheme. Go for a longer period, and the prices sway in favour of the rental.

That's a great system and I imagine Cork's traffic will improve hugely if take up of the scheme is widespread.