Car-sharing/rental services: Affordable and reliable alternative to owning a car?

Americans spend a lot of money on cars. To meet the growing need for flexibility, convenience and affordability in driving, short-term car-sharing/rental services are quickly becoming a reliable driving option.

In fact, 15% of U.S. adults have used a service like ZipCar, Car2Go or Scoot in the past or plan to in the future. More than one-third (35%) of those who don’t have a short-term rental service in their city or town wish they did. This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin from February 27th – March 1st, 2013 among 2,111 adults ages 18 and older.

For those U.S. adults who would consider using a short-term car-sharing/rental service, the top reason for doing so cited by nearly one-third (32%) is the opportunity to save money on gas. When asked for what other reasons they would consider using a short-term car-sharing/rental service, U.S. adults said the following:

*  Overall, it’s inexpensive – 31%
*  It’s convenient – 29%
*  For when family/guests visit – 24%
*  To avoid public transportation – 24%
*  So I wouldn’t have to own a car – 19%
*  For making purchases in which I need a car to transport the item (s) – 17%
*  Some other reason – 25%

Even though the vast majority (91%) of U.S. adults currently have a car in their household, 11% don’t own one personally. In addition, 9% don’t have personally own a car or have one in their household, which means they must turn to alternative ways to getting from point A to point B.

Taxis and public transportation are an option for some people, but short-term car-sharing/rental services can be more appealing. In fact, 74% of U.S. adults agree that short-term car-sharing/rental services are less expensive than taking taxis, and 70% agree they are a practical way to get around.

“Regardless of their car situation, many people are realising the wide variety of benefits to short-term car-sharing/rental services,” said Jackie Warrick, senior savings advisor at CouponCabin.com. “Not only do these services offer an inexpensive option for anyone to get around, they can make life easier and have a positive environmental effect.”

With 86% of U.S. adults spending at least some time in a car each day, and nearly one-third (32%) spending more than hour driving or as a passenger, it can mean a wide carbon footprint. Nearly seven-in-ten (69%) agree that short-term car-sharing/rental services can reduce the overall number of cars on the road, leading to less traffic congestion and overall pollution.

Source : BreakingTravelNews, March 19th, 2013