Austin is well-known for its great public transportation. As we said earlier, it is very affordable to take the bus. Think about all the money you would save if you were to sell your car and rely on the Capital Metro bus system. But what about those few times when you do need your own car? Maybe to go to the grocery store or to get to a destination not within the bus system.
A great solution to this problem is using Austin CarShare. This non-profit organization was started in 2006 and has a fleet of cars that members pay a small monthly fee to use. You also pay a minimal amount of money per hour with the car. Their website says, “If you drive 10,000 miles or less a year, you will end up paying less than owning a car.” The monthly and hourly fees cover insurance, maintenance, and gas, all expenses that add up when you own a car.
Getting your car is easy as well. You simply register online for the time you would like to use your car. You can then pick it up at several locations around downtown, West Campus, and Hype Park. It is a great way to save money while also saving the environment.
Car sharing has been a growing trend for a number of years. After becoming popular in Europe first, cities in the US have started their own car sharing programs. One of the most successful programs is in the San Francisco area with City CarShare. So far the trend has continued to grow. To find out more about Austin CarShare visit UT’s Center for Transportation Research.
Post by Sarah Lacy
Keep Austin Cheap 
I think Austin carshare is a great idea. As an exchange student here, I am car-less, which can be a real hassle if I have to get any where that the bus doesn’t take me. There is one parked right outside my place, but I wasn’t exactly sure how it worked. Thanks for posting all the information, it will be very useful!
The locations are VERY close to campus too which makes it even easier for students like ourselves to use the service.
I’m with Sam. Thanks for sharing this information Sarah. I don’t have a car either, and the bus can be annoying at times. This is so much more. convenient.
This is a great idea. There’s a Car Share parking space right outside my job downtown, and I’ve always been curious about it. I’m glad to see Austin trying this out. Maybe I’ll eventually use this, especially since maintaining a car is expensive.