Title: CarSharing.net

Author: Kevin McLaughlin, President, AutoShare

URL: http://www.carsharing.net/

Date: Last accessed: November 2007

Notes:
At a Glance: CarSharing.net is a non-profit site that links users to car sharing programs around the US and Europe, such as FlexCars and ZipCars. (Note: these companies have recently merged) Car sharing is a relatively new concept here in the US but is growing rapidly in popularity. Users can register as a member and reserve a vehicle already parked in a convenient area. By sharing cars rather than owning them and only using when necessary, air pollution and traffic congestion can be reduced. The cars are often hybrid and other low emission vehicles, so when used they are contributing less to the release of environmental pollutants.

Best for: The program is best for those living in urban areas who need a car for short periods of time, usually measured in hours. The website refers to car sharing as the "missing link" in the urban transportation system.

Standout Features: This site provides links to multiple car sharing programs in cities across the US and Europe and does not endorse any particular company. The choices are all in one place and this saves the user time in researching alternative programs. The site also links to car sharing news items and other resources that would be of interest to those who want to car share.

Keep in Mind: Although the site is run as a non-profit, it does engage in financial, link-exchange or other considerations from those listed so as to contribute to the cost of maintaining the site. Also, users should note that car sharing is not cheap, but certainly less than the cost of vehicle ownership.

Suggested by: enbn54