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Carsharing and e-hailing services add to the number of cars on our roads. While they do decrease the number of overall cars on the road, the other option of course is sharing private cars.
According to wikipedia, carsharing enables an occasional use of a vehicle or access to different brands of vehicles. The renting organisation may be a commercial business. Users can also organise as a company, public agency, cooperative, or ad hoc grouping.
Carsharing is part of a bigger trend called shared mobility, which is a transportation strategy that provides services such as bicycles, cars or motorbikes when needed.
Social media is used to find people who work close by in order to share your own car or catch a ride with others, thereby decreasing the number of cars on the roads.
Coronavirus fears
Members of the public can alternate by using each person's car for a week a month, which reduces costs, wear and tear and also encourages friendships and better livelihoods.
One important aspect that needs to be addressed is being in close proximity with people as many countries deal with the serious threat of the coronavirus.
It would be advisable to ensure that if you are providing a lift to work for other people that your car is clean and most importantly that you do not show any symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing and a high temperature.
Local services
In South Africa, apps like RentmyRide is a peer-to-peer car rental platform. It allows people to rent out their own vehicles, and make additional income off their depreciating assets.
Could car sharing work in South Africa? Would you share a car with strangers who work in the same street, building or suburb as you? Let us know your thoughts via mail.
Compiled by Sean Parker.
