Car sharing and public transport: Partners in urban sustainable living
How car sharing complements public transport
Whether picking up a new shelving unit, travelling with heavy luggage or planning a trip to the countryside with friends, you can share the load with Zipcar. With flexible drop-off options and various vehicle sizes, including vans, we can fill in the gaps for public transport and reduce the need for private car ownership. While cycling and taking the bus or train are still key modes of transport in urban areas, car sharing complements these options by providing the space and ease of access.
We’ll give you an example. Mark is a Londoner who usually relies on sustainable modes of transport, like the bus or tube, to get around. When he wants to visit family outside the city, he turns to Zipcar instead of buying a car and letting it gather dust mid-week. By car sharing only when necessary, he avoids the high costs of car ownership while still enjoying the flexibility and freedom of having a vehicle whenever he needs one.
View our approved city vehicles
Urban sustainable living with mixing transport modes
The CoMo UK annual report found that two-thirds of drivers have become more aware of the environmental impact of their travel choices since the pandemic. Particularly within cities, urban residents make more conscious decisions to use sustainable transport modes for financial reasons and due to environmental awareness.
In addition to cycling and public transport, car sharing lightens the environmental footprint and promotes healthier communities. For every one Zipcar vehicle, 27 privately owned cars are removed from UK roads. Zipcar plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable living by reducing car ownership, thereby lowering carbon footprints, and we continuously strive for a greener globe.
Real Life Testimonial/Example
Denisha: "Very good for short-distance travelling across most parts of London."
Zipcars’ role in sustainable transport
Zipcar is part of the sharing economy, where access to resources takes priority over ownership. Like shared co-working spaces and bicycle-share apps, Zipcar provides shared vehicle access only when people need that specific item.
This reduces the number of privately owned cars on the road and encourages more sustainable urban living. By framing mobility as a shared service rather than a personal asset, Zipcar fits seamlessly into a broader trend of collaborative consumption that spans transportation, work, recreation and household resources.
Our range of electric cars
Choosing to hire an electric Zipcar is a fantastic way to incorporate a mode of sustainable transport into your busy schedule. As well as saving money, you can also help reduce urban air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. We offer a growing range of electric vehicles, available for flexible rentals by the minute, hour, or day, with insurance, charging, and a set mileage included.
Zipcar charging is easy, and you can locate stations and navigate routes via tools like Zapmap for a stress-free way to plan your trip. Discover our EVs today and be a part of Zipcar’s goal of a fully electric fleet by 2030.
How to get started with Zipcar
Ready to start your journey towards sustainable urban living? Here’s how to get going with a Zipcar:
- Sign up: Create an account on Zipcar UK, upload your driving licence, and add payment details using a valid debit or credit card.
- Get approved: Most members are verified within minutes (drivers must be 25+ to book).
- Choose a plan: Pick Pay-as-you-go or a monthly membership.
- Book a car: Use the app to find and reserve a nearby vehicle. Choose Roundtrip (return to the same bay) or Flex (one-way).
- Unlock & drive: Unlock via the app, check for any damage and start your trip.
- Return the car: End your trip in the app — return to its bay (Roundtrip) or leave it in a Zipzone (Flex).
Plus, you can get the first month on us* with the code: MONTHOFFUK! Discover our community rules for when you hit the road in your Zipcar.
Currently own a car?
You could save yourself over £2,765 a year when you switch to car sharing over private car ownership. Car sharing and public transport can significantly reduce the costs tied to owning a car. By paying only for necessary trips, you can save money while still enjoying the convenience of on-demand mobility.
Discover the benefits of car sharing and more ways to cut costs in our complete guide below.
FAQs
How are electric cars sustainable?
Electric cars are considered more sustainable modes of transport as they don’t produce exhaust emissions and can run on clean, renewable energy. Using energy more efficiently than gas cars, they help reduce pollution, carbon emissions, and overall environmental impact. Explore different Zipcar EV models and find the perfect fit for you.
Why is managing transport important for urban sustainability?
Managing affordable and sustainable transport systems is vital for cities as it helps reduce traffic, pollution, and energy use while making them healthier and easier to live in. Understand how you can combat climate change with car sharing and Zipcar.
Why is public transport sustainable?
Public transport is sustainable because it helps to keep our air cleaner and lowers the amount of greenhouse gases each person produces compared to driving alone. Zipcar utilises strategies for sustainable urban living by reducing the number of cars on the road. Discover our blogs surrounding sustainability so you can learn how to make the earth a cleaner place.
