In a campaign to promote car sharing, Waverley Council in the eastern Sydney suburbs, recently launched its ‘Wheels Without Worries’ program.
Council has partnered up with car share clubs Charter Drive and Go Get to encourage residents to participate in the program.
Operating in a similar manner to a rental car service, car share involves a series of cars that are parked in special reserved car parking spots (pods) throughout participating areas.
Members of the program book a car online or over the phone. They can hire a car for as little as an hour or longer, then take a short walk to the car, use a swipe card to unlock the doors and retrieve the key from the glove box.
Once they are finished with the car, they return it to the same spot, making it easy to find a car park.
There is a range of different cars available, including utes and stations wagons, and petrol is included in the hire charge.
Waverley Mayor Sally Betts said car sharing is proving extremely popular with residents who don’t need a car all the time, or families who only occasionally need a second vehicle.
“Owning a car can be expensive, and in our area it can be difficult to find a park,” she said. “Car sharing is a lot more affordable as you don’t have to worry about parking, registration, insurance, fuel and the other costs associated with owning a car. You only pay when you use the car and a membership fee.”
Mayor Betts said car sharing is good for the environment as it helps reduce car ownership, traffic congestion and pollution.
“Research shows that each shared car takes up to six vehicles off our roads,” she said. “The average private vehicle spends most of its time parked, while a car share car can be used by up to 20 people. So, not only is it a good alternative for those who don’t need a vehicle full time, it’s helping our environment by reducing traffic and pollution on our busy roads.”
Mayor Betts said Council originally approved four pods, but because of the demand had introduced an additional 28 dedicated car share pods in the past 18 months.
“Most of the pods are in Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach, but we also have spaces at Bronte, Charing Cross and Tamarama. However, the scheme isn’t confined to Waverley, participants can also drive to other areas, such as Randwick and the City of Sydney, which have pods that car share members can use.
“We have produced a brochure with a map showing people where the pods are to make it as easy as possible and to encourage residents to consider participating in a car share program. They will be helping their hip pocket as well as our environment.”
For further information contact Council’s Sustainable Transport Officer Carolyn New on (02) 9369 8206.
