Rideshare v. Car Sharing
Share it:
by: margaret
Total views: 44
Word Count: 365
Green house gas emissions aren't the only concern at campuses and in cities throughout the country; space is a concern also, along with the growing cost of owning a car. Many solutions have been dreamt up and put to work in order to alleviate the stress caused by these stimuli; public transportation is an example of such a solution. Unfortunately, taxis and trains are becoming more expensive, not only because of the cost of energy to run them but also because of the growing population in and around metro areas that employ public transportation.
Another solution is carpooling. Universities are filled with rideshare boards that help students, both commuters and residents, to coordinate with fellow students to share the drive between school and home, work or various locations used for recreation. In cities, more and more people are turning to commuting due to overcrowded trains and buses and taxicab shortages. Manhattan, a city with no space to expand except for up, is now imposes charges for entering certain areas of the island if a vehicle has less than four people. This is to help cope with the cab shortage and ever-growing population in that particular metropolis.
Yet another option is car sharing. With beginnings in cities and on college campuses, the areas in America that are most crowded, car sharing allows drivers to reserve time to borrow a car owned by the car sharing company, such as Zipcar, and thus remove the need to own the car itself. Some companies, like Zipcar, also pay for the gas. Drivers pay a small annual membership fee and hourly rates to borrow the car.
Perhaps a combination of options is best, as in many situations. Car sharing, ridesharing (carpooling) and public transportation, together, can improve spatial and economical issues presented to those living in highly populated, or spacially restricted areas, such as college campuses and cities like Manhattan. Perhaps the future will see everyone driving around in the air, like the Jetsons, and then cities like Manhattan and spatially challenged campuses will have a new solution to the issue of transportation... But until that time, moderation and compromise are key, whatever solution an individual elects.
About the Author
Margaret is a writer for ERUNIX, Inc.
Rating: Not yet rated