Skip to main content

Benefits of car share quantified

San Francisco Bay Area had fewer greenhouse gas emissions and less congestion in 2010 due to City CarShare's (CCS) service. According to results third-party studies and 2010 CCS data, City CarShare members saved US$82 million (over the cost of car ownership) and contributed to a greener environment by reducing 60 million pounds of CO2 emissions last year. Additionally, City CarShare, a Bay Area nonprofit, stated it continued to achieve financial sustainability in 2010, ensuring the 10-year old organisation
May 21, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
San Francisco Bay Area had fewer greenhouse gas emissions and less congestion in 2010 due to 5649 City CarShare’s (CCS) service. According to results third-party studies and 2010 CCS data, City CarShare members saved US$82 million (over the cost of car ownership) and contributed to a greener environment by reducing 60 million pounds of CO2 emissions last year. Additionally, City CarShare, a Bay Area nonprofit, stated it continued to achieve financial sustainability in 2010, ensuring the 10-year old organisation will continue to serve the Bay Area for years to come.

For ten years, City CarShare has been encouraging locals to give up their cars or forego buying one by offering its members 24/7 hourly access to a fleet of conveniently located unstaffed and fuel-efficient vehicles. As a nonprofit, City CarShare’s transit-oriented model of carsharing measures its success based on the benefits its service brings to the Bay Area.

Based on UC Berkeley studies, EPA and 4939 AAA data, City CarShare members decreased their carbon footprints while collectively saving $82 million in transportation costs. Combined, it is claimed that City CarShare members:

  • Reduced congestion on Bay Area roads with over 60,000 fewer vehicle miles travelled per day.
  • Reduced CO2 emissions by over 60 million pounds, in 2010.
  • Increased their use of public transit, walking and biking by up to 49 per cent (since joining CCS). This equates to an increase of more than 2,500 hours per week of additional environmentally friendly transportation.
  • Saved up to $6,000 per household per year over the cost of owning their own car.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • San Diego to deploy smart streetlights
    February 24, 2017
    The City of San Diego, California, is partnering with GE to upgrade streetlights in a bid to reduce energy costs by 60 per cent as well as transform them into a connected digital network that can optimise parking and traffic, enhance public safety and track air quality. The City will be installing 3,200 smart sensor nodes that can use real-time anonymous sensor data to direct drivers to open parking spaces, help first responders during emergencies, track carbon emissions and identify intersections that c
  • Vancouver narrows bridge & tunnel options
    September 21, 2020
    The Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit Study has now identified five potential crossings
  • WSDOT installs LED lights on Highway 101
    March 1, 2013
    Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has replaced the old high-pressure-sodium (HPS) lighting system along Highway 101 with the state’s first light-emitting-diode (LED) lighting system. “This is the first time we’ve used LED lights on a state highways and for most drivers, it will be quite a change,” said John Nisbet, WSDOT state traffic engineer. “LED lights appear whiter and brighter than our standard lights. And those who travel the area late at night will see some lights dimmed or shut
  • Mature solutions for emerging economies
    June 8, 2015
    Siemens’ Marcus Welz talks to David Crawford about suitable ITS solutions for emerging economies. Be bold in vision - and output - and user-oriented in practice,” Marcus Welz advises emerging economies planning ITS investments. Says the Siemens Group senior vice president and global sales director for ITS: “Their road users need better, more reliable and safer trips – but without costs increasing too much. The good news is that many countries are already tackling the big issues of traffic and the environmen