The concept of sharing vehicles for commutes to work or school is nothing new. What has changed in recent years is the availability and types of car sharing services available. This is attributable to innovations in technology that allow individuals to locate transportation using car sharing platforms.
Rideshare can be a great supplement or complete replacement to using a personal car. Besides being a convenient option for riders, you may be surprised by the many benefits these services afford.
The types of advantages to ride-sharing vary depending on where you live and what your daily transportation needs are. The information below offers some of the main ones you should consider.
Car Sharing Basics
The first thing you may wonder is “How does car sharing work?” There are two main types.
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One is ride-hail, where you request a car and driver. The two largest operating services in the United States are Uber and Lyft.
There also are car rental companies, such as Zipcar, that loan out vehicles for particular periods of time. They often require a membership.
Some have monthly plans, while with others you pay a daily or hourly rate. They also allow you to return the vehicle to different locations that you can find using car-sharing apps.
1. Eliminate the Need for a Car
One of the most obvious advantages of ride-share is that, depending on your driving habits, it could eliminate the need to own a car. In fact, Lyft claims that 250,000 of its passengers got rid of their vehicles in 2017, a year of significant growth for the rideshare industry.
2. Convenience
The COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot of companies’ outlooks on remote work. Businesses are reimaging how (and where) work is getting done.
Resuming in-person work will depend on your business and your job. But the reality is that fewer people are commuting every day and to the same place. Ride-share can fill the gap for those who have inconsistent commute schedules or who only need a car sporadically.
3. Variety
Car-share services allow you to access distinct types of vehicles at different times. Perhaps you need a pickup truck for moving or a luxury car for a special evening out. These options are available as a supplement or a replacement to your existing vehicle.
4. Offset Car-Ownership Costs
While ride-sharing programs are a good option for people on a budget, they can help anyone save money. Besides not paying for gas, you don’t have registration fees, insurance, maintenance, or parking expenses. You also don’t have to worry about things like vandalism or theft.
5. Reduce Traffic
Ridesharing reduces traffic by putting fewer cars on the road. As we come out of the pandemic, the availability of riding with other customers headed in the same direction will almost certainly come back. This is a great way to further consolidate riders, besides saving them money.
6. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Taking cars off the road is good for conserving energy and the environment. It also helps curb pollution, improve air quality, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
7. Support Local Businesses
The more options people have from getting from A to B, the more likely they are to visit a business in those areas. By using ride-sharing, you are inadvertently supporting restaurants and stores in the neighborhoods where they operate. A Lyft study showed that their passengers spent $2 billion more in communities where the service exists.
8. A Source of Income
Car share programs are good for those who want to make money as well. There are opportunities for vehicle owners to rent out their cars. Companies like SHAiR Peer to Peer Car Rental allow you to rent your luxury cars to others, which can be a huge source of passive income.
Find a Car Sharing Service Near You
Now that you have an idea of the many advantages car sharing affords, you can determine if it fits into your lifestyle and commuting needs.
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