2010 Media Releases
GoGet into Car Sharing
10 November 2010
Residents that don’t need a car every day but require access to a vehicle occasionally may be interested in investigating the car sharing facilities available in the Willoughby local government area.
Willoughby City Council supports the GoGet car sharing service which enables residents to rent a car for short periods of time as required. Residents can join the scheme and then have access to shared cars on an as-needed basis by booking a car online or over the phone and paying only for how much they use the car. Cars can be rented by the hour, day, week or month and usage charges are based on how long you have the car and how far you drive. All vehicles are automatic, air conditioned and covered by 24 hour roadside assistance.
The scheme reduces the need for car ownership and car sharing is cheaper than car ownership for many people. It helps to reduce pressures on parking and traffic congestion and helps the environment by reducing the total kilometres driven by those utilising this option of car use.
“Car sharing is a very sensible option for many of our residents. Car sharing enables residents to sign up for around the clock access to a car without the hassles and expense of owning a car. The scheme is much more flexible than traditional car hire. There’s also no need to worry about petrol, insurance, registration and maintenance costs,” said Willoughby Mayor, Pat Reilly.
“Car sharing is just one of the more sustainable transport options offered to our residents. Council also operates the free Artarmon Loop and The Loop shuttle bus services to help get our residents around the council area, there is CouncilCab, plus a range of cycling skills workshops are held throughout the year to help build the confidence of our residents in getting about by bike,” he said.
There are currently six GoGet car sharing ‘pods’ in the council area with three pick up locations in Chatswood, two in Artarmon and one in St Leonards. All of Council’s car share pods have been provided in proximity of businesses, residences and public transport services. Council has approved the installation of a further five car sharing pods to be located in Chatswood and Artarmon.
Over the last year alone, GoGet membership has grown from 166 to 276 local members, with much of this growth coming from an increase in corporate memberships. Last year corporate memberships only made up eight per cent and have now increased to 30 per cent, yet residents still make the bulk of local usage.
According to data collected by GoGet, 78 per cent of local members do not own cars while the other 22 per cent chose a membership with GoGet as an alternative to buying a second car.
For more information about car sharing or Willoughby’s sustainable transport options, visit council’s website at www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au or phone 9777 1000.
Media Contact
Media and Marketing Group Manager
Phone: 9777 7703
Mobile: 0421 492 757
Email: rebecca.hill@willoughby.nsw.gov.au