Car hire but not as we know it
BY KIRSTY JOHNSTON
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New Plymouth is about to become the first provincial centre where you can own a car without actually owning one.
As of Tuesday the city like-no-other will join Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch by providing a car sharing service for its residents.
Car sharing is intended to reduce the need for individual car ownership.
The model is popular in the United States and the UK with people who don't want the hassle or expense of owning a car but need to use a vehicle occasionally.
Cityhop, New Zealand's first car sharing company, is providing a single Daihatsu Sirion for hire in New Plymouth to kick-start a sharing trend here.
New Plymouth District Council sustainable transport co-ordinator Nathaniel Benefield said he hopes the car will encourage people to think about and plan their journeys before leaving home.
"Instead of bringing their own car into town we want people to walk, cycle, take the bus," he said. "Then for $15 an hour, which includes fuel, maintenance and insurance, they can book the car and take it out."
It would be especially useful for people getting the groceries, going to the airport or taking a trip to many different places around town.
New Plymouth Mayor Peter Tennent said the idea wasn't to usurp rental car companies.
"It's more likely to be used by locals rather than tourists," he said. "The car's quite a zippy little thing, you should take it for a drive."
Once booked, the car will be treated like a regular vehicle and is not exempt from parking tickets or traffic fines.
The car will be parked opposite the bus station 24/7 and can be collected and returned using a hi-tech smart card.
Anyone who has had a full licence for more than a year can register to share it, either by online or by phone.
Registration is $50 until October 5.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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