There are two kinds of car sharing; the networking kind where people team up to co-own, maintain and use vehicles, and the renting kind which resemble hourly car rentals.  Both have their strengths and drawbacks.  The networking kind must be ‘cultivated’ so cost more in time, the renting kind are simple but cost more in money. We are not endorsing any of these, merely providing information and links.

Networking

• CarSharing.Net is an information source for setting up or finding a carsharing network in which to participate.  Check out there ‘Library’ link on the home page.
• CityCarShare operates in San Francisco and the East Bay.
• Here’s one for the UK, Carshare.com (and there are many others!)
• In fact, try to Google the word ‘carshare’ with your city or locale to see if there’s one in your area.

Renting

There are also companies now with business models more like car rental agencies. However the specialize in very short rental periods, measured by the hour, and all expenses are included. They are getting quite popular and are another alternative to everyone owning a car of their own.