You may remember back when I discussed the new program that Paris is going to roll-out, called Voiturelib. For a long time, Europeans have known the benefits of car share programs in larger cities. Well, the good news is more and more US cities are headed in the same direction.
And I for one am *so* happy about it!
These cars-on-demand or car share programs, enable you to rent a car for a short period of time, even as little as a few hours. This is perfect for city-dwellers that don’t want, can’t afford or don’t really need a car in their everyday lives.
Situations that can benefit from car sharing include a major shopping spree, picking up a large piece of furniture or maybe even moving, if you just have some small stuff.
Cars-on-demand are also gracing many college campuses across the US as well. This is a great way for Mom and Dad to feel better about telling Johnny to leave the car home. They won’t need it!
But, how about considering car sharing for traveling?!
So many times travelers on vacation are forced to rent a car for a longer period of time than needed , just because the traditional rental companies won’t allow short-term rentals. But there is more flexibility with cars-on-demand programs.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you were supposed to meet a friend at the airport, if you could rent a car for just a few hours and pick them up in a warm, cozy car and let them chill out in the front seat rather than put them through more public transportation woes.
I know I’d sure appreciate that.
Lord knows it would be less of a hassle, especially with luggage and when you are already tired from a long flight. And in most cases, it would be cheaper than a taxi!
Or perhaps it would be nice to drop your loved one off at the train station and not have them take a taxi. The same applies if you are traveling alone.
Some cities are near outlying areas that are worth a visit. Sometimes public transportation doesn’t quite extend to the outskirts, and taxi fare would be a ridiculous waste of money.
Why miss out on something great or rent a car for a whole day, when you only need the car for a few hours?
And it goes without saying that this may be a wonderful way for frequent business travelers to get around.
I initially heard about this awesome program from my sis, who lived in Chicago. They have a company called I-Go, that she raved about. Her boyfriend used the service quite a bit, and he is a frequent business traveler.
Another company that offers cars-on demand is Zipcar, which currently has locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, London, Vancouver, Toronto, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC and the New York and New Jersey area. This wouldn’t be cost effective if you may only need a car once in a blue moon, because there is a fee to join, but keep in mind your rental comes with free gas, free insurance and up to 180 miles!
For a more comprehensive list of companies, both in the US and internationally, you can look here.
And the best part about these cars-on-demand programs are that they are Green alternatives so you can be happy that you are helping the planet and reduce your carbon footprint!
Would you use this service? If you have, tell us about it! And if you know of other car-sharing companies in other cities I would love it if you shared!
