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Car Sharing

Car Sharing - what's it all about?

What is car sharing?
How does car sharing work?
How much does it cost?
Where are the shared cars?
What does car sharing do for the environment?
City of Sydney’s role
Find out more

What is car sharing?

Car sharing is a convenient and reliable way for inner city residents to use a car when they need one, without the cost and hassle of car ownership.  Cars are parked nearby, and can be booked online for an hour or a day.

Already, more than four thousand people in the City of Sydney, including many businesses, have joined a car share scheme. Nearly 200 cars are available in reserved parking spaces on local streets, or in City car parks.

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How does car sharing work?

Residents can join one of three privately-operated car share schemes in the City of Sydney.  New members will be sent an electronic smart card, which acts as a car key.

Cars are typically parked in green bays on nearby streets. The member reserves the car of their choice, either online or over the phone, and collects it from the reserved space.  When finished, the car is returned to the same reserved space, so there’s no need to hunt for a parking spot.

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How much does it cost?

Car share users are charged by time and distance, at a rate set by each operator. Costs associated with fuel, vehicle maintenance and insurance are usually included in the operator’s hire fees.

Hourly costs usually range between $6-10, plus costs per kilometre.

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Where are the shared cars?

The City has created more than 180 reserved parking spaces across the City of Sydney. Some spaces are in car parks, but most are on street to ensure they are as convenient as a private car.

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What does car sharing do for the environment?

Car sharing is popular in more than 600 cities worldwide, and research has shown substantial environmental benefits. Not only does it reduce demand for new cars, but it helps encourage more sustainable travel patterns by members who use public transport, walking and cycling more than those who don’t share a car.

One car share vehicle can replace up to ten private vehicles that would otherwise compete for local parking space.

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City of Sydney’s role

In 2007, the City began a trial of the use of car share spaces on City streets and in City-owned car parks.  Following an open Expression of Interest, three car share operators qualified to use these spaces.

To ensure the public interest is upheld, the City imposes strict quality and reporting requirements on car share companies. Membership must be available to all City residents and businesses, vehicles must be fuel efficient, 24-hour booking systems must be available, and monthly data must be collected on the use of individual spaces.

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Car Sharing Policy

By March 2011, almost 6000 residents and businesses in the City were car share members, and more than 800 vehicles have been kept off city streets. Following an evaluation of the car sharing trial and the public exhibition of a draft policy, Council adopted the Car Sharing Policy in April 2011. This policy will be reviewed in two years.

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Find out more

For more information on joining a car share scheme visit:

Green Share Car

Website: www.greensharecar.com.au

Flexicar

Website: www.flexicar.com.au

GoGet

Website: www.goget.com.au

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Last Updated: Tuesday 5 July, 2011

Please Note:
While care is taken to ensure accuracy, the City of Sydney cannot guarantee that information expressed here is correct and recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. The City of Sydney makes no warranty or undertaking, whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect.