Carsharing: Definition

Carsharing gives individuals easy access to a car when they need it, but without all the expense and hassles of owning a car of their own.

Users pay a small annual membership, and after that it's pay-as-you-go. Vehicles can be rented by the hour, or for days at a time. And fuel costs, vehicle maintenance and insurance are all included in the price.

In practice, carshare vehicles would be dotted all over the city in designated parking bays. You would book by telephone or via the internet, as little as a few minutes in advance. You then open the car with your smart card, enter your special pin and drive away. Once you've finished, you return the car to where you picked it up.

With enough people carsharing, it should be possible to offer a variety of vehicles, from sports cars and convertibles to 7-seater people carriers.

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