As the cost of car ownership continues to rise, more and more people are turning to car sharing as a viable alternative. Car sharing is a great way to save money on transportation costs, reduce traffic congestion, and minimize your environmental impact. In this article, we will explore car sharing in Lancashire, highlighting the best apps, prices, and benefits available.
What is Car Sharing?
Car sharing is a service that allows people to rent a car for short periods of time, usually by the hour or day. The Car sharing companies typically have a fleet of vehicles that are parked in various locations throughout a city or region, and users can reserve a car through a mobile app or website. Car sharing is often referred to as “car rental on demand” because it allows users to access a car when they need it, without the hassle of traditional car rental processes.
The Benefits of Car Sharing
There are many benefits to car sharing, including:
- Cost savings: Car sharing can be significantly cheaper than owning a car, especially if you only need a car occasionally.
- Convenience: Car sharing allows you to access a car when you need it, without the hassle of owning and maintaining your own vehicle.
- Environmental impact: Car sharing can help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution by reducing the number of cars on the road.
- Flexibility: Car sharing allows you to choose the type of car you need for each trip, from small economy cars to larger vehicles for moving or transporting goods.
- Reduced parking costs: With car sharing, you don’t need to worry about the cost of parking, as the cars are typically parked in designated spots that are included in the rental fee.
Car Sharing Apps in Lancashire
There are several car sharing apps available in Lancashire, each with its own unique features and pricing structure. Here are some of the most popular car sharing apps in the region:
Zipcar
Zipcar is one of the most well-known car sharing companies in the world, with a fleet of over 12,000 vehicles in cities across North America and Europe. In Lancashire, Zipcar offers a variety of cars, from small city cars to larger vehicles for moving or transporting goods. Users can reserve a car through the Zipcar app, and the cost includes fuel, insurance, and 60 miles of driving per day.
Enterprise Car Club
Enterprise Car Club is another popular car sharing service in Lancashire, with a fleet of over 1,300 vehicles in cities and towns across the region. The Enterprise Car Club offers a range of cars, from small city cars to larger vehicles for moving or transporting goods. Users can reserve a car through the Enterprise Car Club app, and the cost includes fuel, insurance, and 60 miles of driving per day.
Co-wheels
Co-wheels is a not-for-profit car sharing company that operates in several cities and regions across the UK, including Lancashire. The Co-wheels offers a range of cars, from small city cars to electric vehicles and hybrid cars. Users can reserve a car through the Co-wheels app, and the cost includes fuel, insurance, and 60 miles of driving per day.
GoCarShare
GoCarShare is a newer car sharing app that is quickly gaining popularity in Lancashire. The GoCarShare allows users to find a ride or offer a ride to others, making it a great option for those who need to travel longer distances. The app also includes a feature that allows users to split the cost of fuel, making it an affordable option for longer journeys.
Car Sharing Prices in Lancashire
Car sharing prices in Lancashire vary depending on the company, the type of car, and the rental period. Generally, car sharing prices in Lancashire range from around £4 to £10 per hour, or £30 to £60 per day.
Zipcar prices in Lancashire start at £5 per hour or £50 per day for a small car, and go up to £12 per hour or £120 per day for a larger vehicle.
Enterprise Car Club prices in Lancashire start at £4.95 per hour or £39.95 per day for a small car, and go up to £11.95 per hour or £99.95 per day for a larger vehicle.
Co-wheels prices in Lancashire start at £4.50 per hour or £39.50 per day for a small car, and go up to £9.50 per hour or £79.50 per day for a larger vehicle.
GoCarShare prices vary depending on the journey, as users can either offer a ride or join a ride that someone else has offered. The app includes a feature that allows users to split the cost of fuel, making it an affordable option for longer journeys.
Additional Benefits of Car Sharing
In addition to the benefits mentioned earlier, there are several other advantages to car sharing, including:
- Reduced stress: With car sharing, you don’t need to worry about the maintenance and upkeep of a car,which can be a source of stress for many people. Car sharing companies take care of the maintenance and servicing of the vehicles, so you can just focus on enjoying the ride.
- Access to a variety of vehicles: Car sharing companies offer a range of vehicles, from small city cars to larger vans and trucks. This means you can choose the type of vehicle that best suits your needs for each trip.
- Improved mobility: Car sharing can be a great option for people who don’t own a car, or who need a car for a short period of time. This can help improve mobility and access to transportation for those who might not have other options.
- Social benefits: Car sharing can also have social benefits, as it allows people to meet and connect with others who are sharing the same ride. This can be a great way to make new friends and expand your social network.
Choosing the Right Car Sharing App
When choosing a car sharing app in Lancashire, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Availability of cars in your area: Make sure the car sharing company has cars available in your area, and that the pickup and drop-off locations are convenient for you.
- Types of vehicles offered: Consider the types of vehicles offered by the car sharing company, and choose one that has the type of vehicle you need for each trip.
- Pricing structure: Compare the pricing structures of different car sharing companies, and choose one that offers affordable rates for your needs.
- User reviews: Check user reviews and ratings for different car sharing apps, and choose one that has positive reviews from other users.
Overall, car sharing is a great alternative to car ownership in Lancashire, offering cost savings, convenience, and environmental benefits. With several car sharing apps available in the region, users can choose the best option for their needs and budget. Whether you need a car for a few hours or a few days, car sharing is a great way to get around Lancashire without the hassle and expense of owning your own vehicle.
