US car sharing gains traction as motoring costs rise

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Car sharing is racing ahead full-throttle in the US market as Americans look for ways to cope with record fuel costs and be environmentally friendly at the same time.

Consumers who want to avoid the problems of car ownership or of owning a second vehicle can rent a car for an hour, a day or several days with fuel and insurance included.

Zipcar, the market leader after merging with rival Flexcar, provides its customers with electronic cards to unlock the doors for cars that are reserved online.

Members pay six to 12 dollars per hour, or 56 to 100 dollars per day, along with an annual membership fee. The company says members save as much as 435 dollars per month or 5,000 dollars annually compared with the cost of owning a vehicle.

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