The City of Fremantle has launched a new car share program, providing local residents and businesses with the convenience of a car when they need it, but without the associated maintenance costs.
Council joined up with Perth’s first car share organisation, Nexus Car Share, to launch the service in September.
Nexus members can go online to reserve a car, then use their master key to collect the vehicle from a permanent location and make their trip.
All car locations are easy to find and reach via train, bike or a short stroll.
The RAC WA says it costs around $200 per week to own a mid size car, but car share members only spend about $100 a month – that’s a saving of $9,000 every year.
City of Fremantle Councillor, Brad Pettitt, uses the car share service. He said Fremantle is the first council in Western Australia to get involved with the program.
“This is a very exciting project and it means people can save much money, as cars are expensive to maintain with insurance and devaluation alone,” he said. “You only book the car when you need it, so you drive less and you are helping the environment.
“It makes public transport and cycling your primary form of transport instead of your car, and it will help improve general fitness at the same time.”
Nexus founder and Fremantle resident, Alex Hyndman, said car sharing is a simple and convenient way for residents and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.
“It also saves them thousands of dollars each year, frees up valuable parking spaces and reduces congestion,” he said.
All Nexus cars are selected based on their efficiency, and all fuel is 100 per cent carbon offset. Nexus also organises all the cleaning, maintenance and insurance for the cars. In addition, when members sign up, an inhouse bike mechanic can help them to get their bike in good working order, or even provide advice on what new bike might suit them best.
For further information visit www.nexuscarshare.com.au
