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Burlington, Vermont - February 18, 2009
Need a car? Share one!
When Jessica Oski runs an errand during her lunch break, she rents a ride to hit the road.
"Having two cars was expensive," said Oski.
Oski got rid of her old car after it started to need repairs. She and her husband didn't want to buy a new vehicle. They didn't want the expense. And the couple hoped to reduce their carbon footprint. So, they became a single car household. They started using bicycles and the bus more. And now they also use CarShare to get around.
"I thought it would be a real sacrifice to have one car, but it's been really easy and we have a kid too!" said Oski.
CarShare Vermont is the state's first non-profit pay-as-you-go car-sharing program.
When Oski needs a car, she simply logs on to the group's website to reserve one, then walks to where it's parked.
"Go to your car, take it for a trip, and bring it back," she explained.
CarShare Vermont Executive Director Annie Bourdon says, "It fills the niche of when you need a car, share rather than own your own."
There are currently eight cars parked at locations around Burlington, including UVM and Champlain College. The organization plans to expand into neighboring cities by 2010. And if it's successful, CarShare will put cars in larger cities and towns across Vermont. And soon, by April, CarShare will have a pickup truck to share in Burlington.
"Car sharing really isn't intended for everyday commuting," said Bourdon. "But it's still a reliable and convenient service that could help people reduce their car use or increase their mobility."
You must be a member to use CarShare. That costs $15 a month. It's about $5 an hour to use a car and 25 cents per mile.
"It's less of a headache," said Oski.
She says it's too early to tell if she's saving money compared to when she had her old car.
But it's definitely cheaper than buying a new one. And no gas, no insurance, no maintenance costs. It's also easier for her map out her car expenses now.
"Over the length of time, it is definitely going to be less expensive because I won't have a car payment and I won't have to pay for repairs," said Oski.
And she knows a car is just a mouse click and a short walk away when she needs one.
Click here for more on CarShare Vermont -- or call 861-2340.
Darren Perron - WCAX News
