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 MTE On-line Home Search Browse Links Contact Us Order books and other essentials from "Detour" Publications | | AutoShare - Car Sharing Network Inc. Liz Reynolds Toronto Ontario Canada Established in 1998, AutoShare has brought Ontario's first large-scale car sharing service to Toronto. AutoShare members have convenient 24-hour access to a fleet of vehicles stationed in their neighbourhoods and across the city - and pay only when they use them. Car sharing is a timely answer to the high cost and hassles of owning a car experienced by people in a city like Toronto. Although newer in North America, car sharing has grown to become a vital part of integrated transportation systems in Europe, where car sharing fleets link with rail, transit and taxi systems. EVOLVING PARTNERSHIPS. The Parking Authority of Toronto is now working with AutoShare to station cars in neighbourhood lots across the city, close to subway stops. AutoShare also has a car rental agency partner, providing cars for longer trips at favourable rates for members. CAR USE REDUCTION. Car sharing provides an economic incentive to alter patterns of car use. Car sharing converts the fixed costs of car ownership to variable costs which can be reduced by more frequent use of transit, cycling and walking. European studies of car sharing consistently report new users reducing their overall driving by over 50% without feeling any loss of mobility. Typically people living in dense neighbourhoods with easy access to transit and amenities quickly see the benefits of "sharing" over "owning". Primary market groups which constitute the "early adopters" of car sharing are: * the urban professional who does not wish to own a car? or a second car * the ecologically minded who generally avoid driving, but occasionally need a car * the lower-income earner who could only afford an older car * small or home-based businesses which can't afford, or don't wish to own a company car. FUTURE DIRECTIONS. Future directions for AutoShare include the addition of hybrids, alternative fuel and electric vehicles to its fleet. A car reservation system with telephone and internet access is currently in development. Eventually, smart cards and on-board computers will make AutoShare even more efficient. Liz Reynolds Liz Reynolds is founder and President of AutoShare - Car Sharing Network Inc. Previously, she was a professional fundraiser for health charities, non-profits and political campaigns, and has a background in co-op and non-profit housing in Toronto. She is currently a director of the Woodgreen Community Centre and the North Toronto Green Community. AutoShare - Car Sharing Network Inc., 24 Mercer St. Toronto Ontario Canada M5V 1H3 Phone: 416-340-7888 Fax: 416-340-0080 Other Phone: mailto:lizr@autoshare.com http://www.autoshare.com Phone: Fax: Other Phone: Last modified: 10/22/99 03:19:08 PM  | Project Profile Economic BenefitsCreates / Improves Jobs Saves Money Keeps Money Local Project Description System / Infrastructure Business / Service Community Activity/Mode: Transit / Passenger Travel Partners: AutoShare - Car Sharing Network Inc. Kevin McLaughlin North Toronto Green Community, Green Investors, (City of) Toronto Atmospheric Fund For more information: http://www.autoshare.com or e-mail: kevin@autoshare.com |
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